What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance in Missouri

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), there were 944 traffic fatalities in 2024, a 4.74% decrease from the previous year. The state’s target for 2024 is 987 fatalities or fewer. While this number is significant, the total number of non-fatal crashes is exponentially higher, leaving many drivers wondering what happens after an accident and how insurance impacts their financial and legal responsibilities during a traffic accident.

All U.S. states—except New Hampshire—require drivers to carry at least minimum car insurance coverage. Your policy provides financial protection whether you caused the accident or not.

Missouri drivers must show proof of insurance upon law enforcement’s request. Despite this requirement, more than one in seven drivers (15.7 percent) nationwide had insufficient coverage, according to the Underinsured Motorists: 2017-2022 report by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), a division of The Institutes. 

Aside from being illegal, driving uninsured in Missouri carries severe consequences, especially if you are involved in a car accident. Below, we explain what happens when you get into a car crash without insurance and the penalties you may face.

Car Accident Without Insurance: What Happens if You’re at Fault?

If you are involved in a crash and the authorities have determined you to be at fault, you will face penalties for driving uninsured. Those penalties may include receiving a traffic citation from the jurisdiction where the accident occurred, receiving a driver’s license suspension if the other driver or their insurance company reports your uninsured accident to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and significant financial burdens. The financial burdens you’ll face include the following:

Financial Responsibilities If You’re at Fault

Without insurance, you must pay for all damages out of pocket, including:

Damage repair and replacement cost

The driver at fault is usually responsible for paying the damages of a crash. This includes vehicle repair or replacement costs and the repair and replacement of any other property you damaged.

Medical expenses

If the other drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians on the road are injured in the crash, you will have to shoulder their medical expenses. This includes things like ambulance rides, medical care, and therapy.

Legal fees

The other parties involved in the crash may sue you, especially if you cannot pay for the damages you caused. As a result, you will have to worry about legal fees on top of the ones mentioned above.

Additionally, if you decide to purchase auto insurance after the accident, your premiums will be significantly higher, as insurance companies consider you a high-risk driver.

What Happens if the Other Driver Is at Fault?

If you’re not at fault for the crash but don’t have insurance, your financial burden may be lower—but there are still consequences.

Potential Financial Challenges If You’re Not at Fault

Even though the other driver’s insurance should cover your damages, being uninsured can create additional difficulties, such as:

Out-of-Pocket Costs 

If the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies part of your claim, you may have to cover certain expenses yourself.

Limited Compensation 

Some states reduce compensation for uninsured drivers, even if they are not at fault.

Even though you didn’t cause the accident, you will still face penalties for driving uninsured in Missouri.

What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver also does not have insurance, you may need to:

• Sue the driver personally for damages (which can be difficult if they lack financial resources).
• Check for uninsured motorist coverage (if you previously had a policy that included this).
• Consult a car accident attorney to explore legal options for recovering compensation.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Missouri?

Even if you don’t get into an accident, driving without auto insurance in Missouri can result in serious penalties. Some of the penalties you may face include:

Points Assessed

If you are pulled over by law enforcement for a traffic violation and you do not have auto insurance, you will receive a citation for operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility. This citation is more commonly referred to as driving without insurance.

If you receive a conviction for driving without insurance, the court must report the record of traffic conviction to the Missouri Department of Revenue and four points will be assessed against your driver’s license. A moving violation on your driving record will likely result in increased insurance premiums.

Court Penalties

In addition to reporting your conviction to the Department of Revenue, the court will assess other penalties against you, which include fines, court costs, probation, and in severe instances, jail time.

License Suspensions

Missouri law states that accumulating eight points within 18 months results in a driver’s license suspension. If you already have points on your license, receiving an additional four points on your driver’s license as a result of a conviction for driving without insurance may result in your driver’s license being suspended for accumulation of points. In addition to your driver’s license suspension, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee and maintain SR-22 insurance for a designated period of time.  

Paying for Damages Without Insurance

Car insurance provides financial protection for:

• Property Damage – Damage repair or vehicle replacement.
• Liability Coverage – Damage to another person’s property and medical bills if you caused the accident.
• Medical Expenses – Covers injuries, rehabilitation, lost wages, or funeral expenses.

Without insurance, you are personally responsible for all these costs, which can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Steps to Take After an Uninsured Car Accident

If you’re in a car accident without insurance, follow these steps:

1. Call the Police – Reporting the accident ensures official documentation.
2. Gather Information – Collect names, contact details, and insurance information (if available) from all parties involved.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicles, license plates, damages, and road conditions.
4. Talk to Witnesses – Collect witness statements and contact details.
5. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear later.
6. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer – A lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

How an Attorney Can Help

• Negotiate with insurance companies (if applicable).
• Defend you against lawsuits if the accident was your fault.
• Fight for maximum compensation if you were not at fault.
• Negotiate plea bargains to minimize penalties and keep moving violations off of your driving record.

Contact Sloan Law Office for a Free Consultation

A car accident without insurance can have serious consequences. Whether you were at fault or not, Sloan Law Office can help you understand your options.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team is ready to advocate for your rights and help you through the process.