Automobile insurance is required in both Missouri and Illinois but there are many different types of automobile insurance. Understanding the different types of coverage will help you select what policy is right for you but it will also help you understand what you are entitled to in the event of an accident.

Property damage liability – pays for damages to someone else’s car caused by your vehicle

Bodily injury liability – pays for medical expenses, legal expenses, and judgments against you when you or your car are involved in an accident which causes injury or death to another person

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) – pays for the costs associated with damage to your car and injuries to you caused by an uninsured driver or one who flees the scene

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) – same as uninsured coverage except here, the other driver has insurance, just not enough to cover your property and medical bills

Medical payments – covers the medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault

Collision – covers the damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision regardless of who is responsible but it requires you to pay your deductible first

Comprehensive physical damage – pays for damage to your car from theft, vandalism, fire, hail, striking an animal, or natural disaster. You must first pay your deductible to receive reimbursement for your car. With such coverage, only the value of your car immediately prior to the damage will be paid to you.