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Bill

HB 2082

changes provisions relating to motor vehicle liability insurance coverage

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Hruza and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri would raise minimum auto liability limits and require underinsured motorist coverage to excess over any vehicle’s liability limits in an accident.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#businessandcommerce #insurance-automobile
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Bill Summary · HB 2082

Overview

House Bill 2082 (Missouri, 2026) proposes changes to motor vehicle liability insurance requirements. The primary changes are: (1) increasing mandatory minimum liability coverage amounts, and (2) revising how underinsured motorist coverage (UMC) is applied to provide excess coverage.

Main purpose and intent

  • Raise the minimum financial responsibility for motor vehicle liability insurance to better reflect potential damages.
  • Align underinsured motorist coverage with a broader excess-coverage standard, ensuring UMC provides additional protection over the liable driver’s coverage, regardless of whether the other vehicle’s liability limits are below a certain threshold.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Increased minimum liability limits (Section 303.020; Section 303.190)

    • Current minimums:
      • Bodily injury/death of one person: $25,000
      • Bodily injury/death of two or more persons: $50,000 total
      • Property damage: $25,000
    • New minimums under the bill:
      • Bodily injury/death of one person: $50,000
      • Bodily injury/death of two or more persons: $100,000 total
      • Property damage: $50,000
    • Effect: Insurance policies issued in Missouri would be required to meet higher liability limits for claims arising from accidents.

  2. Underinsured motorist coverage (Section 379.204)

    • Current law: If UMC limits are less than two times the bodily injury/death liability limits, the UMC is construed to provide excess coverage over the liability limits of the involved underinsured vehicle.
    • Bill’s change: UMC must be construed to provide excess coverage over the liability limits of any motor vehicle involved in the accident (not limited to a vehicle with lower-than-threshold UMC).
    • Effect: Strengthens consumer protection by ensuring UMC provides excess coverage relative to the liability limits of any vehicle involved, potentially increasing protection for insureds in accidents with underinsured drivers.

  3. Administrative and implementation notes

    • The fiscal note indicates no net impact on state general revenue or most funds, though there may be costs for state agencies (Department of Revenue, Department of Insurance) to update forms, guides, and procedures. Some anticipated costs are noted for training and communications, but the agencies expect to absorb or fund through normal appropriations.
    • The Department of Revenue highlights that increased security requirements for uninsured/self-insured entities may be needed to reflect higher liability limits.

Who is affected?

  • Individuals and businesses purchasing motor vehicle liability insurance in Missouri will face higher minimum coverage requirements.
  • Self-insured entities and minimum-security obligations may adjust to meet increased liability limits.
  • Insurance carriers issuing policies in Missouri will need to update forms, endorsements, and underwriting to reflect new minimums and UMC interpretation.
  • Consumers may gain greater protection from higher liability limits and stronger UMC coverage in accidents.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • Bill introduced in the 2026 session, currently referred to Emerging Issues (H) with prior readings completed.
  • If enacted, sections 303.020, 303.190, and 379.204 would be repealed and replaced with the new language as described.
  • Administrative implementation would involve updates to driver guides, forms, websites, and related training; timing would align with the bill’s effective date upon passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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