About Auto Coverage
More Than the Minimum — Real Protection
Missouri law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but the state minimums are rarely enough to fully protect you in a serious accident. As an independent brokerage, Hutchison Insurance Group shops multiple carriers to find the right combination of coverage and price for your specific situation — whether you drive a new SUV, a classic truck, or a fleet of commercial vehicles.
We review your current policy, identify gaps, and present options from top-rated carriers. You get an objective recommendation — not a push toward a single company's product.
Missouri Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
$25,000 / $50,000
Bodily Injury Liability
Per person / per accident
$10,000
Property Damage Liability
Per accident
$25,000 / $50,000
Uninsured Motorist
Required to be offered
These are the legal minimums — not recommendations. Carrying higher limits helps protect your assets and income in the event of a serious accident.
Coverage Explained
Auto Coverage Types — In Plain English
Every coverage type explained so you can make an informed decision about what you actually need.
Bodily Injury Liability
BIPays for injuries you cause to other people in an at-fault accident. Covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal defense costs if you are sued. Missouri requires minimum limits of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per occurrence, but higher limits are strongly recommended.
Higher liability limits provide broader protection — 100/300/100 is a common coverage level for personal auto policies.
Property Damage Liability
PDPays for damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property — including fences, buildings, and utility poles. Missouri minimum is $10,000, but the average new vehicle costs over $48,000. Carrying $100,000 or more is advisable.
This coverage also pays your legal defense costs if the other party sues.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision with another car or object — regardless of fault. Subject to your chosen deductible. Required by most lenders and leasing companies.
Common deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000. Higher deductible = lower premium.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision losses including theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, falling objects, and animal strikes. Also required by most lenders. Especially important in Missouri where severe weather and deer collisions are common.
Missouri ranks among the top states for deer-vehicle collisions annually.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
UM/UIMProtects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your damages. Missouri has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation. UM/UIM can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Missouri law requires insurers to offer UM coverage equal to your liability limits.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. Works alongside health insurance and covers copays, deductibles, and ambulance fees. Available in limits from $1,000 to $10,000+.
MedPay pays quickly without waiting for fault determination.
Rental Reimbursement
Covers the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered claim. Typically available in daily limits of $30–$50/day up to a total maximum. An affordable add-on that prevents major inconvenience.
Average auto repair takes 12 days — rental coverage pays for itself quickly.
Roadside Assistance / Towing
Provides emergency roadside services including towing, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, lockout service, and fuel delivery. Usually available for just a few dollars per vehicle per year.
Often more cost-effective than a standalone roadside membership.
Gap Insurance
If your vehicle is totaled, Gap coverage pays the difference between what your insurer pays (actual cash value) and what you still owe on your loan or lease. Critical for new vehicles that depreciate rapidly.
New vehicles can lose 20% of value in the first year — Gap bridges that gap.
Custom Equipment / OEM Parts
Covers aftermarket upgrades, custom wheels, lift kits, audio systems, and other modifications not included in the standard vehicle value. Also ensures repairs use Original Equipment Manufacturer parts rather than aftermarket substitutes.
Important for lifted trucks, classic cars, and vehicles with significant upgrades.
Next Steps
Complementary Coverage Options
Auto insurance is just one piece of a comprehensive protection strategy. Many of our clients pair their auto policy with complementary coverage to ensure complete protection.
Related Insurance Products
Home Insurance
Bundle auto and home for additional savings and comprehensive protection.
Umbrella Insurance
Extend your liability protection beyond auto and home policy limits.
FAQ
Find answers to common auto insurance questions.
Policy Terms
Auto Insurance Glossary
Understanding your policy starts with understanding the language.