Missouri Car Insurance [Rates + Cheap Coverage Guide]

Whether you say “Missour-ee” in the traditional Midwestern dialect or “Missour-uh” with a southern drawl that rolls along like the highways there, the Show Me State offers plenty of car insurance options.

Thankfully, learning about the coverage you need is easier than figuring out a different accent, and with a little know-how, you’ll get the hang of the jargon.

So, let this be your guide to Missouri car insurance and rates, insurers, state laws, and more helpful information. Buckle up and get ready to learn something new.

Comparing car insurance rates is a great way to save money. Start today with just your zip code.

Missouri Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

As you look at your coverage options, you might be in a “show me” state of mind. While you think about car insurance, check out this video about how Missouri became known as The Show Me State.

Don’t worry, Missouri!  We’ve got the proof you need to help you get the right coverage.

– Missouri Minimum Coverage

Liability insurance pays everyone — drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. — owed money for property damage and/or injuries from a car accident you or anyone under your policy has caused.

Missouri is an “at-fault” accident state, which means, if you are the driver responsible for an accident, you will be held liable for any personal injury or property claims.

As such, Missouri requires liability insurance at these minimum coverage amounts:

• $25,000 – for injury or death per person in an accident you caused
• $50,000 – to cover total injuries or death per accident you caused
• $10,000 – for property damage per accident you caused

Missouri also requires all motorists to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM) for greater protection beyond liability. UM can protect you and your passengers if the at-fault driver is uninsured or if you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident. Missouri requires UM coverage of $25,000 in bodily injury per person and $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, but UM doesn’t cover vehicle damage after an accident.

– Required Forms of Financial Responsibility in Missouri

The penalty for operating an uninsured vehicle is a fine no less than $1,500 nor more than $2,000 and mandatory driver’s license suspension and/or driving privileges for six months. For each subsequent offense occurring within three years of a prior violation, the fine shall be no less than $3,000 nor more than $4,000.

Providing false proof of insurance will result in an additional fine of $500 and/or 30 days in jail and suspension of driver’s license for six months.

The insurance ID card presented must be valid or it won’t be accepted.

Insurance Cards expire every six months and therefore need to be reissued every six months. Insurance companies are required to issue a new ID card every six months.

Owners with valid and current license plates who cancel insurance for any reason must surrender their valid license plate to the division. Failure to surrender your license plates before insurance cancellation will result in fines.

The Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles randomly audits for proof of insurance on active registrations. The penalty for being uninsured is $100 for one to 30 days and an additional five dollars per day until coverage is obtained, tags are surrendered, or the registration expires.

Also, the DMV imposes suspensions on the registration and the driver’s license of all owners who fail to respond to the request. Once they suspend them, reinstatement fees cost $50 for the driver’s license and $50 per registration.

– Premiums as a Percentage of Income in Missouri

In 2014, the annual per capita disposable personal income (DPI) in Missouri, after taxes have been paid, was $36,690.

The average annual cost of car insurance in Missouri is $845, which is 2.3 percent of the average DPI.

From 2012 to 2014, premiums rose $46 and the DPI hovered around two percent. Of the eight states Missouri borders, only Kentucky and Oklahoma had higher premiums — over $900.00 — while the rest, except for Iowa, with average annual premiums below $700.00, had about the same rates.

The average Missouri resident has $3,058 each month to buy food, pay bills, etc. Car insurance will take about $70 out of that, and possibly more if your driving record isn’t exactly spotless.

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Fortunately, you won’t have to pay as much as you would if you had to insure a monster truck like the Bigfoot 4×4, the first one ever built. It was made in Pacific, Missouri, and it’s more of a car crusher than a highway hog. It’s just one of the offbeat landmarks and oddities of the “Show Me” state.

If you have money to burn, American Consumer Credit Counseling suggests saving 20 percent of every paycheck. That adds up to $612 every month, and that could help you get a better deal on your car insurance.

How much do you save every month?

– Core Car Insurance Coverage in Missouri

The above table shows the most recent data the leading source on the matter, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has provided. Expect Missouri car insurance rates to be significantly higher for 2019 and on.

Remember: Missouri has a mandatory insurance law for liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, but experts suggest drivers buy more than the state law requires for an “at-fault” state like Missouri.

Let us show you some of the most popular coverage options to add to a basic auto insurance policy.

– Additional Liability Coverage in Missouri

A loss ratio compares how much a company spends on claims to how much money they take in on premiums. A loss ratio of 60 percent indicates the company spent $60 on claims out of every $100 earned in premiums.

MedPay is optional in Missouri, however, uninsured motorist coverage is required. In 2015, 13 percent of drivers in the U.S. and 14 percent of motorists in Missouri were uninsured, despite the potential penalties.

Missouri ranked 17th in the nation in 2015 for uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Requiring uninsured motorist coverage seems to have lowered the loss ratio. Unless you sign a form that states you don’t want uninsured motorist coverage, your agent is legally required to provide it to you.

– Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

We know getting the complete coverage you need for an affordable price is your goal.

Good news: there are lots of powerful but cheap extras you can add to your policy.

Here’s a list of other useful coverage available in Missouri. 

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-as-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

– Demographic Rates – Male Vs. Female vs. Age

We’ve partnered with Quadrant to provide data on insurance premiums.

These are average annual premiums for males and females of all ages. Allied and USAA offer some of the lowest rates, especially for teen drivers, while Allstate, Farmers, and Safeco trend toward the high side.

– Demographic and Insurance Carrier

Below are some of the most expensive demographic rates by age. As expected, 17-year-olds have the highest rates.

– Cheapest Rates by Zip Code

These rates are all over the map.

The cheapest car insurance rates can be found at 65301 in Sedalia.

– Cheapest Rates by City

Take a look and see how your hometown ranks.

Sedalia has the cheapest car insurance rates.

The Best Missouri Car Insurance Companies

So many car insurance carriers compete for your business these days that it’s hard to know which ones actually come through on their promises.

No need to worry — we’ve got you covered!  Keep scrolling to find out about the ten best providers across the state.

Ready to go? Let’s get this show on the road.

– The Largest Missouri Companies’ Financial Ratings

AM Best gives insurance companies financial ratings. A good score means they are highly likely to stay solvent and have the ability to pay customer claims.

Besides premiums, one of the other components that should factor into your decision when picking an insurance carrier are customer ratings. Want to find out what customers really think about the top Missouri car insurance carriers?

Here we go.

– Companies With the Best Ratings

– Missouri Car Insurance Company Complaints

The complaint index of each company calculates how much larger a company’s share of complaints is compared to its share of profits across the state. Companies with a complaint index higher than one are worse than the average insurer in Missouri, and those with an index below one are better than average.

Bear in mind that some complaints are based on general customer satisfaction, so factor that into your final decision.

– Cheapest Companies in Missouri

We know that rates are one of the biggest factors that affect your Missouri car insurance choices. The below chart shows ten of the top carriers in the state, along with their average rates compared to the overall state average.

Our researchers discovered that Safeco has the highest average premiums, with Farmers coming in second. Allied has the lowest average rates.

– Commute Rates by Company

The table below compares the rates of top carriers in the state against average commute times.

– Coverage Level Rates by Companies

– Credit History Rates by Companies

According to an  Experian study, the average Missourian has a credit card VantageScore of 675, around three credit cards in their name, and a credit card balance of $5,897.

If you think your credit card debt and car insurance rates have no connection, think again! Insurance carriers run credit checks on their insured to assess the likelihood of them filing a claim at any point.

If your credit score doesn’t meet their standards, you might just see a spike in your rates, whether or not you’ve had an accident.

– Driving Record Rates

Generally, the less you drive and the fewer risks you take, the lower your premiums. Penalties, like those below, can affect your driving history and your rates.

– The Largest Car Insurance Companies in Missouri

– Number of Car Insurance Providers in Missouri

Laws in Missouri

To keep your car insurance rates low, you should know the laws in your state so that you’re not blindsided by a fine.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help.

Keep reading to learn about Missouri’s rules of the road.

– Missouri’s Car Insurance Safety Laws

Car insurance laws vary nationwide, and like other states, Missouri has several laws worth noting.

For instance, among age-related restrictions, drivers 21 years old and younger are banned from texting while they drive and motorists age 70 and older need to renew their licenses every three years.

Also, Missouri seat belt laws are under secondary enforcement only for those 16 and older, which means an officer must enforce a primary law before issuing a seat belt citation.

And guess what?

That means many Missourians could be driving without a seat belt on and get away without it, putting others’ safety at risk, which is why the required uninsured motorist and additional liability coverage can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

– High-Risk Insurance

Drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations may discover they can’t buy coverage from an auto insurance carrier. This is when high-risk insurance comes into play.

So, don’t fret!

If you’re having trouble finding a carrier that will cover you, you may apply for insurance through the Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan (MOAIP).

You must verify that you have tried and failed to get reasonable rates within 60 days of serving your sentence.

– Low-Cost Insurance

The state of Missouri doesn’t currently offer any special low-cost insurance programs. Missouri law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Penalties for not having insurance can be severe. You can’t afford not to have insurance.

– Windshield Coverage

While some states mandate a waived deductible for windshield repairs, and others specify the use of manufacturer’s replacement parts only, Missouri does allow replacement with aftermarket parts if stated on the estimate. The parts should also be “at least equal in like, kind and quality in terms of fit, quality, and performance.” The insurance company can choose the repair vendor.

No law requires insurance companies in Missouri to offer a zero deductible with comprehensive coverage, but it is an option.

If you want windshield coverage, you will need comprehensive insurance, and you should consider carefully how the different insurance providers handle windshield claims.

– Automobile Insurance Fraud in Missouri

Insurance fraud is a criminal offense in Missouri. It happens when someone tries to deceive an insurer for benefits or payouts they’re not qualified to get.

Someone can also commit car insurance fraud when they lie intentionally about or hide vital facts connected with an insurance claim, or the person makes a payment under an insurance policy to get benefits.

For example, property damage to defraud an insurer of over $100,000 is a Class D felony subject to prison for up to four years and a fine of up to $5,000. Property damage to defraud an insurer of less than $100,000 in damage is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum $500 fine.

Simply put: don’t commit insurance fraud, and you’re good to go.

– Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a limit on the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit to court. Different states have different statutes of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims.

If you’re ever in an auto accident involving extensive injuries and damages, you need to know your rights in the matter.

Missouri law gives you five years to file a property damage suit.

– Missouri’s Vehicle Licensing Laws

Now, we all know that you can’t drive a car without a license. Let’s find out about the mandatory vehicle licensing laws in Missouri.

– Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

• First Offense – 0 days; $20 reinstatement fee
• Second Offense – 90 days; $200 reinstatement fee
• Third and subsequent suspension– one year; $400 reinstatement fee

– Teen Driver Laws

Missouri’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program requires all first-time drivers 15 to 18 years old complete a period of driving with a licensed driver (instruction permit), and restricted driving (intermediate license) before getting a full driver license.

If the permit holder is under 16, the trainer must be a driving instructor or another qualified driver at least 25 years old who has been licensed for at least three years and has received written permission from the parent or legal guardian. In case of disability, the qualified parent, grandparent or guardian can serve as their designee.

Young drivers may apply for an intermediate license at age 16. The driver with an intermediate license may drive alone except during a late night curfew (1 a.m. to 5 a.m.). The driver and passengers must use seat belts, be free of alcohol and drugs, and obey traffic laws.

At age 18, or within the 30 days immediately before the intermediate license holder’s 18th birthday, he or she can apply for a full driver license.

License plates are a crucial form of I.D., and passengers can have fun playing bingo to spot out-of-state plates.  Missouri’s license plate features its unofficial state slogan.

– Older Driver and General Population License Renewal Procedure

– New Residents

If you’re about to move to Missouri or just plan to visit, here’s what you need to know:

• The Missouri Department of Revenue handles all matters related to vehicle licensing.
• New residents must apply for a Missouri drivers license within 30 days of moving to the state.
• New residents who have a valid out-of-state drivers license must pass a vision test and provide two forms of identification.
• Anyone driving a motorcycle on Missouri public streets must have a motorcycle-qualified license. To get a motorcycle license, you must first qualify for a valid driver or chauffeur license and then pass a motorcycle written exam and road test. Helmets are required in Missouri.

– Comparative Negligence

Missouri courts recognize pure comparative negligence, meaning that all parties involved in an accident share a percentage of the overall responsibility.

For example, in a car crash, if one driver ran a red light and the other sped through a green light, the driver who didn’t stop at the red light would likely receive a higher percentage of negligence (70 percent).

The other party would share the burden for the remaining 30 percent of negligence.  The driver with the greater negligence would be more at-fault, however, the speeder could claim compensation, but at only 70 percent of the overall total.

– Missouri’s Rules of the Road

Knowing the rules of the road in Missouri can help you stay safe and keep your insurance rates low.

Ready?

– Fault vs. No-Fault

The first thing to know is that Missouri follows a traditional fault-based system when it comes to financial responsibility for losses stemming from a crash: that includes car accident injuries, lost income, vehicle damage, and so on.

– Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Missouri move over laws state that when emergency, police, and maintenance vehicles stop on the roadside, drivers must move into a non-adjacent lane if it’s safe and possible to do so. If a driver can’t travel into a non-adjacent lane, he or she must slow down to speed safe for the road conditions.

– Speed Limits

Maximum posted speed limits are 70 miles per hour on rural interstates, 70 mph on limited access roads, and 65 mph on all other roads.

– Carseat and Cargo Area Laws

Children in Missouri must be restrained in child safety seats if they meet the following requirements:

• they’re 3 years old and younger
• they weigh less than 40 pounds
• they’re 4-7 years old and weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds and are four feet, nine inches or shorter
• they’re four years and older, weigh at least 80 pounds or are at least four feet, nine inches tall

The law states no preference for placement in the rear seat.

Children eight to 16 years old, all children four years and older who weigh 80 pounds or more, or who are taller than four feet, nine inches can wear adult-size seatbelts.

Violation of Missouri’s child seat law may not only endanger a child, but could result in a $50 fine, and $10 for violations involving children taller than four feet, nine inches or who weigh 80 pounds or more.

Everyone 16 years old and older must wear a seat belt if they sit in the front seat.

People 18 and older are restricted from riding in pickup truck cargo areas, as are those 17 and younger if the vehicle isn’t being driven on a state or federal highway system or within the “corporate” limits of any city.

Exceptions:

• for employment
• participating in agricultural activities, parades, and other special events
• when there is a device to keep the passenger from being thrown or falling out of the vehicle
• when are helping people in a recreational activity
• when a family-owned truck doesn’t have enough room in the cab for all passengers

These restrictions don’t apply to pickup trucks with covered cargo areas.

– Ridesharing

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft mandate that all their drivers carry personal car insurance policies that align with or exceed the minimum coverages state law requires. Drivers rarely carry their own commercial insurance coverage; however, USAA provides rideshare insurance in Missouri.

– Automation on the Road

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),

“Automation is the use of a machine or technology to perform a task or function that was previously carried out by a human.

In driving, automation involves using radar, camera and other sensors to gather information about a vehicle’s surroundings, which is then used by computer programs to perform parts or all of the driving task on a sustained basis.”

Currently, Missouri has no restrictions on autonomous vehicles.

– Missouri’s Safety Laws

But wait, there’s more! Let’s dig deeper into the safety laws in Missouri to protect you on the open road.

– DUI Laws

– Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Missouri currently has no marijuana-specific impaired driving laws. 

– Distracted Driving Laws

The state of Missouri currently bans texting for drivers 21 years and younger only, and a law enforcement officer can pull over a young driver for this offense without having to witness any other violations.

Regardless of where you are driving, texting and driving can be dangerous.

Cell phone use while driving is allowed in Missouri for all ages.

Missouri Can’t-Miss Facts

Do you want to know how safe it really is for drivers in Missouri? Well, the data our researchers found might surprise you.

Let’s explore it,

– Vehicle Theft in Missouri

In 2016, there were just over 15,000 motor vehicle thefts in Missouri. These were the top 10 stolen cars.

– Vehicle Theft by City

– Road Dangers in Missouri

The best way to stay safe while driving is to always keep your eyes on the road and be aware of common risky driving issues. In 2016 alone, 930 traffic accident-related fatalities occurred in Missouri — a 15.21 percent fatality rate per 100,000 of the population.

Let’s dive into this a bit more.

– Fatal Crashes by Weather and Light Condition

Most crashes occurred in normal, daylight conditions.

– Fatalities (All Crashes by County)

In recent years, Jackson (as you’ll also see, further below) is among the counties, unfortunately, with the highest amount of fatal crashes.

– Traffic Fatalities – Rural vs. Urban

– Fatalities by Person Type

– Fatalities by Crash Type

Sadly, crashes involving a single vehicle and a departure from the roadway had the highest number of deaths.

– Five-Year Trend for the Top 10 Counties

These counties had more than one-third of the total number of crashes.

– Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

Jackson County also tops this list.

– Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver by County

Again, the more heavily populated counties had the highest fatalities.

– Teen Drinking and Driving

– EMS Response Time

The time of crash to hospital arrival is more than twice that of urban areas, where hospitals may be closer.

– Transportation

If you live in Missouri, chances are you’re in a two-car (or more!) household, drive alone to work, and spend a lot of your day commuting. With an average commute time of 22.4 minutes, Missourians spend less time commuting than the national average.

– Car Ownership

– Commute Time

A small number of Missouri drivers, 1.72 percent of the workforce, have “super commutes” longer than 90 minutes!

How’s that for drive time?

– Commuter Transportation

– Traffic Congestion

Kansas City and St. Louis rank at 198 and 200 on the list of most congested cities in the world, with average commute times of 19 and 15 minutes each respectively. In 2018, drivers in those cities spent about 50 hours sitting in congested traffic, at a cost of more than $600 per driver.

The average speed during peak times in St. Louis is 35 miles per hour; off-peak, it’s 44 mph, and in free-flowing traffic, 47 mph. Kansas City drivers fare slightly better, with peak traffic speeds of 37 mph, off-peak travel at 48 mph, and at 52 mph in free-flowing traffic.

Now you’re well-equipped to exercise your economic and social freedom to explore your car insurance options in the Show Me State.

Don’t waste another minute while you wait. Start comparison shopping today.