Insurance Disputes Laws in Missouri.

If an insurer refuses to pay without reasonable cause or excuse, the insured may recover a penalty (up to 20% of first $1,500 plus 10% of the rest) plus reasonable attorney fees. Applies to fire, life, health, and accident policies.

Missouri recognizes a tort of bad-faith refusal to settle third-party claims within policy limits when an excess judgment results. For first-party claims, bad faith recovery typically proceeds under the vexatious-refusal statute.

Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage in amounts equal to the insured's liability limits, with minimums of $25,000/$50,000.

Comprehensive regulatory framework administered by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.