Section 6.26 Objective and Source of Coverage

LibraryInsurance Practice 2015

The purpose of underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is to protect an insured from motorists who carry insufficient coverage to fully insure themselves against damages incurred in an accident. Marshall v. N. Assurance Co. of Am., 854 S.W.2d 608, 611 (Mo. App. W.D. 1993). UIM coverage pays legally collectable damages for bodily injuries or death if an insured or a person riding in the insured’s car is injured or killed in a collision with a car whose driver does not have enough insurance to cover the expenses of the injuries.

In 1999, § 379.204, RSMo 2000, was enacted. It provides: “Any underinsured motor vehicle coverage with limits of liability less than two times the limits for bodily injury or death pursuant to section 303.020, RSMo, shall be construed to provide coverage in excess of the liability coverage of any underinsured motor vehicle involved in the accident.”

There are no other Missouri statutes that define or require UIM coverage. Therefore, the policy involved should be...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT