Auto · Updated October 2026
Most of an auto policy is about what you owe other people. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are different: they pay for your injuries, and your passengers', when someone else causes the accident and cannot pay for it.
Missouri requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident on every auto policy. Underinsured motorist coverage is not required, but insurers must offer it, and you can choose it.
In Kansas, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are both part of the required coverage. In Oklahoma, uninsured motorist coverage is offered and can be rejected in writing. If you live near a state line, as many of our Joplin customers do, it is worth knowing which state your policy is written in.
Here is the uncomfortable math. A large share of drivers carry exactly the state minimum. If one of them causes a crash that puts you in the hospital, their policy may pay $25,000 for your injuries and stop.
Suppose your surgery, therapy and lost wages total $90,000. Their insurer pays $25,000. Without underinsured motorist coverage, you are looking at your own health insurance, which may not cover lost wages or pain and suffering, and possibly a lawsuit against a driver who has nothing to collect. With UIM, your own policy can step in for the gap, up to the limit you chose.
How that offset works can vary by policy and company, which is one of the details we explain when you buy.
Uninsured motorist property damage, which covers damage to your vehicle, is a separate coverage and is not required in Missouri. If you carry collision, that usually handles your car regardless of who was at fault, minus your deductible.
A simple rule many agents use: match your UM and UIM limits to your liability limits. If you would protect a stranger for $100,000, protect yourself for the same amount. UM and UIM are usually a modest part of the premium compared with liability and physical damage coverage.
If a driver hits you and leaves, uninsured motorist coverage may apply to your injuries. Policies often have specific requirements, such as reporting the accident to police promptly. Call the police from the scene, write down anything you can about the other vehicle, and report it to your insurer quickly.
Riders have no crumple zones or airbags, and their injuries tend to be serious. If you ride, read our article on uninsured and underinsured coverage for motorcycles.
Yes, at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
No, but insurers must offer it. Because many drivers carry only the minimum, it is often worth the cost.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury covers injuries. Damage to your car is usually handled by collision coverage, or by uninsured motorist property damage if you add it and it is available.
A common approach is to match your liability limits. We can quote a few levels so you can see the cost difference.
Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back. Most auto quotes are finished on one call, and you can buy before you hang up.