Required liability coverage
Liability coverage pays others when you're at fault in an accident. Every state requires it. It has two components:
- Bodily injury (BI): pays for injury and death you cause to other people.
- Property damage (PD): pays for damage you cause to other people's property - vehicles, fences, buildings.
State minimum liability - MO, WI, AL compared
| Coverage | Missouri | Wisconsin | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI per person | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| BI per accident | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
Wisconsin's $10,000 property damage minimum is dangerously low. Total an $80,000 SUV and you're personally liable for $70,000. The cost difference between minimum and meaningful property damage limits is usually just a few dollars per month.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
UM coverage pays for your injuries - and your passengers' - when the at-fault driver carries no insurance. It's required on SR-22 policies in Missouri and Wisconsin at $25,000/$50,000. Alabama doesn't require it, but it's strongly recommended.
Why it matters: Missouri and Alabama both have above-average uninsured-driver rates. Without UM coverage, your own medical bills fall entirely on you when an uninsured driver is at fault.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage
UIM steps in when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your injuries. If they carry the state minimum and you're seriously hurt, $25,000 won't go far. UIM bridges the gap up to your selected limit. It's optional in all three states; we typically recommend $50,000/$100,000 at minimum.
Optional coverages
The coverages above protect other people and your medical bills when someone else is at fault. The following protect you and your vehicle.
Collision
Pays to repair or replace your car when you crash - into another vehicle, a pole, a tree, anything. Required if you're financing or leasing. Optional if you own the vehicle outright.
Comprehensive ("other than collision")
Covers almost everything else: theft, fire, flood, hail, vandalism, hitting an animal, falling tree branches. Like collision, it's required by lenders but optional if you own the vehicle free and clear.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Pays medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident regardless of who's at fault. Limits are typically low ($1,000-$10,000) and are intended to cover deductibles and immediate care. If you carry solid health insurance, MedPay may be redundant.
Roadside assistance
Covers towing and labor when your car breaks down. Useful if you don't have AAA or a similar membership. Usually $1-$3 per month.
Rental reimbursement
Pays for a rental car while yours is in the shop after a covered claim. Limits are typically $30-$50 per day for up to 30 days - an affordable add-on if you only have one vehicle.
State minimum vs. real-world coverage
State minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation. They were established decades ago and haven't kept pace with the cost of medical care or modern vehicles. A few comparisons:
- A single overnight hospital stay can exceed $25,000.
- The average new vehicle sells for over $48,000.
- A serious accident with two or more people injured easily exceeds $50,000 in liability claims.
Anything above your liability limits comes directly out of your pocket - including being sued and having wages garnished.
Our recommendation: at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD) for most drivers. The premium difference between state minimum and these limits is typically $10-$25 per month - far less than most people expect.
How SR-22 affects your coverage choices
Your SR-22 filing only certifies that you carry the state minimum liability. You can carry more - and we recommend it. If budget forces you to start at state minimums to reinstate your license, we can revisit your policy at renewal and increase limits as your situation improves. That flexibility is one of the advantages of working with an independent agency instead of a direct carrier.
Get a quote tailored to your situation
Coverage choices depend on what you own, what you owe, and what you can afford to lose. We'll walk you through the trade-offs and quote multiple options so you can pick what makes sense. Start a quote online or call the number for your state at the top of the page.