The short answer: Immediately, ideally before you drive it off the lot.  We have handled several cases where brand new vehicles were involved in accidents and the owner failed to purchase insurance or failed to timely add a vehicle to an existing policy.  In these situations, there was no coverage.  That is a costly mistake and one that is entirely avoidable.

Already Have Insurance? Don’t Get Too Comfortable.  If you currently have an active auto policy, you may have a short grace period to add a newly purchased vehicle but do not assume you are automatically protected. In Missouri, grace periods typically range from 7 to 30 days, depending on your policy.  Grace period or not, the safest move is to contact your insurance company right away and confirm coverage details in writing.  PRO TIP: there is no practical advantage to waiting even a day. Anything can happen and insurers may use any delay as a reason to deny coverage.  Do not wait until your vehicle is registered or you receive your license plates. That delay could leave you unprotected.

First-Time Buyer? Get Insurance Before You Drive.  If you are buying your first vehicle, you must arrange for insurance before driving it off the lot. Driving without insurance is not only risky but it is illegal in Missouri. State law requires that every driver carry valid insurance coverage, even if they do not own the vehicle they are driving (see our November 2024 newsletter discussing scenarios of when insurance applies but, in summary, insurance follows the car if there is an accident but the driver must still independently have insurance of their own to drive).

Most people are familiar with the phrase: “70 & over, don’t take Rover!” It has been drilled into the minds of responsible pet owners for years. But here is something many do not realize: serious heatstroke can occur in vehicles when outside temperatures are as low as 60 degrees.

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, the heartbreaking reality is that vehicular heatstroke deaths are still on the rise. That is why we at Rana Law Group make it a point to remind our community: never underestimate the deadly consequences of leaving a child or pet in a car, even for a moment.

The most caring and attentive people can get distracted. Changing routines, stress or fatigue can lead to tragic lapses in memory. That is why it is crucial to build in safeguards and never rely on just “remembering.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to lead public education efforts, including their vehicular heatstroke prevention campaign featuring an emotional video and lifesaving tips.

Here are just a few of the NHTSA’s recommended safety habits:

• Place a purse, briefcase, or phone in the back seat next to your child or pet so you are forced to check before exiting the car.

• Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat when it is empty. When your child is riding with you, move the toy to the front seat as a reminder.
• Coordinate with your childcare provider and make it a rule that they call you if your child does not arrive as expected.

We know this message is not new but the statistics tell us it is worth repeating.  If it prompts even one person to pause and check the back seat, then it made a difference.  Please share this reminder with friends, family, or anyone you know who transports children or pets. One small action could prevent a tragedy.

From time to time, clients call and ask which type of cases we handle.  Our practice is built on referrals from satisfied clients.  We know that if we work hard and do a good job for our clients, they will tell their friends about us.  The best compliment from a former client is that client entrusting us with the potential case of their friend or family.  Our office specializes in the following cases:

1. Personal Injury (auto collisions, trucking, motorcycle, slip and fall, dog bites)
2. Work Injuries
3. Traffic tickets and DUI/DWI

If you know someone that meets these criteria, please have them call our office.  If someone does not quite fit the above criteria, please still have the prospective referral give us a call as we can usually help the person find the right attorney via a referral.

Thank you very much to everyone who already left a review, we appreciate it!  If you have not left one and have some kind words, we would appreciate the time.