Section 13.9 Uninsured Motorist Policies

• Library: Insurance Practice 2015

Uninsured motorist coverage is statutorily mandated as an essential part of all automobile liability policies issued in Missouri, and readers are directed to Chapter 6 of this deskbook for a further discussion of requirements and conditions imposed by statute.

Because uninsured motorist coverage is a part of an automobile liability policy, general conditions imposed by the policy may be equally applicable to claims arising under uninsured motorist coverage clauses. But applicability of these provisions may be modified or limited if they are in conflict with the statutory provisions mandating the coverage.

Conditions generally applicable to claims under uninsured motorist coverage include prompt notification to the insurer of the occurrence of an accident involving an uninsured motor vehicle and prompt notification or reporting to law enforcement of the occurrence of the accident (often required to be made within 24 hours unless reasonable explanation for any delay and notice can be given).

In Tresner v. State Farm Insurance Co., 913 S.W.2d 7 (Mo. banc 1995), the Court held that late...