2011 Missouri Revised Statutes
TITLE XXIV BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Chapter 375 Provisions Applicable to All Insurance Companies
Section 375.420. Vexatious refusal to pay claim, damages for, exception.

375.420. In any action against any insurance company to recover the amount of any loss under a policy of automobile, fire, cyclone, lightning, life, health, accident, employers' liability, burglary, theft, embezzlement, fidelity, indemnity, marine or other insurance except automobile liability insurance, if it appears from the evidence that such company has refused to pay such loss without reasonable cause or excuse, the court or jury may, in addition to the amount thereof and interest, allow the plaintiff damages not to exceed twenty percent of the first fifteen hundred dollars of the loss, and ten percent of the amount of the loss in excess of fifteen hundred dollars and a reasonable attorney's fee; and the court shall enter judgment for the aggregate sum found in the verdict.

(RSMo 1939 6040, A.L. 1975 H.B. 93)

Prior revisions: 1929 5929; 1919 6337; 1909 7068

(2000) Plain language of statute does not preempt a tort claim for defamation. Overcast v. Billings Mutual Insurance Co., 11 S.W.3d 62 (Mo.banc).

Annotation Copyright Missouri Joint Committee on Legislative Research