Missouri Auto Insurance (2024)

Missouri auto insurance laws require drivers to carry minimum coverage, but minimum coverage limits are low despite the higher rate and probably won’t meet your needs. Though many factors affect Missouri auto insurance rates, like driving record and ZIP code, Missouri drivers can still find affordable full coverage insurance. 

Keep reading to learn how to find cheap car insurance in Missouri and see which factors affect your Missouri auto insurance rates the most.

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Missouri Minimum Liability Auto Insurance 

Missouri is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the damage must pay for repairs. As such, the state mandates drivers have liability coverage that pays for bodily injuries and property damage to others.

There are many factors that affect auto insurance rates, such as age, driving record, credit score, and ZIP code. Additionally, each car insurance company weighs those factors differently and offers different rates.

First, let’s look at how your coverage amount affects car insurance rates. Although Missouri only requires a small amount of liability auto insurance and uninsured motorist coverage, most drivers opt for full coverage, including collision and comprehensive.

This table shows the average monthly Missouri car insurance rates from top companies based on minimum coverage for a 45-year-old driver with a clean driving record.

Liability Auto Insurance Average Rates From Top Providers

Geico has the cheapest minimum coverage rates in Missouri, and Nationwide is the second cheapest. Check out our Geico auto insurance review for more information about Geico’s options.

Although Missouri drivers can get the required coverage for around $25 a month, it may not provide enough coverage to meet their needs. 

Missouri Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Most drivers find that full coverage auto insurance — which includes collision and comprehensive coverages — is necessary. Collision pays for damages to your vehicle from an accident, and comprehensive pays for damages unrelated to an accident, like theft.

This table shows the average full coverage car insurance rates for Missouri drivers.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates From Top Providers

While USAA has the cheapest coverage rates in Missouri, it only provides coverage to military members, veterans, and their families. Geico offers the most affordable average Missouri full coverage rates to all drivers at $65 a month, and Nationwide is the next cheapest insurer at $85 a month.

The most expensive rates belong to Allstate, regardless of the coverage type. On average, a 45-year-old driver only pays $65 a month for Nationwide full coverage, but that same driver pays more than twice that with Allstate.

Remember, while full coverage is more expensive, it offers better protection. For example, collision coverage pays for the damages if you hit a tree. However, if you only have the Missouri minimum coverage, you’ll have to pay for expensive repairs.

Missouri Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Car insurance companies consider age when setting rates. Since younger drivers don’t have the experience necessary to avoid accidents, they see significantly higher rates than older, more experienced drivers. Therefore, finding affordable auto insurance for teens can be a challenge.

Nationwide offers the cheapest rates for most ages and averages $116 monthly for full coverage. Read our Nationwide auto insurance review to learn more about the company. On the other hand, Travelers offers very expensive teen rates and averages $306 monthly for full coverage.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Teen Drivers

Fortunately, car insurance rates begin to decrease around age 25. For example, Nationwide’s car insurance rates for 16-year-olds average $300 a month, but Nationwide rates for 25-year-olds average $81 a month.

Gender also affects car insurance rates. Typically, males have higher rates because they’re statistically more likely to take risks. For example, on average, 25-year-old females pay about $10 a month less than their male counterparts.

Missouri Auto Insurance for Accidents and Tickets

Your driving record is one of the most significant factors affecting car insurance rates. Drivers with accidents or tickets show they’re likely to cost the insurance company money.

This table shows how accidents affect Missouri auto insurance rates.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Accident vs. Clean Record

While State Farm offers some of the best auto insurance for drivers with accidents, Missouri residents still pay about $12 a month more after their first at-fault accident. Additional accidents increase those rates greatly.

Farmers and Allstate have the highest rates after an accident, but Progressive increases them the most after an at-fault accident.

Next, let’s look at how a speeding ticket affects your auto insurance rates in Missouri.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Ticket vs. Clean Record

State Farm offers the lowest rates after a speeding ticket, but your rates still increase by around $10 a month.

Liberty Mutual has the highest rates after a speeding ticket and the greatest increase from a clean record to one with a ticket. 

Fortunately, accidents and tickets only affect Missouri car insurance for three years. After that, your rates return to normal. So avoid adding accidents or tickets to your driving record to get lower Missouri insurance rates.

Missouri Auto Insurance for Bad Credit

Many drivers aren’t aware that companies use credit scores to help determine their rates (learn about the best auto insurance companies that use credit scores). Statistically, drivers with poor credit are more likely to file claims and be unable to pay for damages out of pocket. However, drivers with a high credit score are more likely to pay for damages themselves and avoid a claim.

This table shows average monthly rates for drivers with poor and good credit scores.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

Nationwide and Geico offer the cheapest car insurance rates for drivers with bad credit. However, Liberty Mutual has the highest rates, which are more than double those of Nationwide.

Some states, like California, don’t allow insurance companies to use your credit score to determine rates. However, Missouri allows it, so improving your credit score also lowers car insurance rates.

Missouri DUI Laws

In Missouri, you’ll likely be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or higher. Not only will you face jail time and heavy fines, but your car insurance rates will also increase. A DUI increases your rates more than other violations like at-fault accidents or speeding tickets, so it is difficult to find cheap auto insurance for drivers with a DUI.

How DUIs Affect Missouri Auto Insurance Rates

This table shows how much a DUI affects your car insurance rates in Missouri. Compare top insurers’ average monthly rates for a DUI to see which offers the lowest rates.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record

State Farm offers the lowest car insurance rates after a DUI, with only a $6 monthly increase with a clean driving record. Check out our State Farm auto insurance review for more information. On the other hand, Liberty Mutual has the highest rates after a DUI.

Fortunately, you’ll only pay higher rates for five years. After that, your charge doesn’t affect your car insurance rates. However, it does show up on your driving record for 10 years. So, if you’re applying for a driving job, be aware that your DUI may appear.

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Missouri Auto Insurance Rates by City

Your location also affects car insurance rates. Large cities tend to have higher crime rates and a larger traffic volume.

Insurers charge higher rates since your car is more likely to be stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident. For example, car insurance in Kansas City is higher than in rural areas. 

While moving to get cheaper car insurance rates isn’t realistic, it’s something to consider when making your next move. Compare rates from multiple areas to see which offers lower car insurance rates.

Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements

Drivers must meet the Missouri minimum auto insurance requirements to drive legally in the state. However, limits are low, and most drivers opt for more coverage.

Drivers in Missouri must carry the following:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability per person
• $25,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury liability per accident

After a severe accident, you may exhaust these limits quickly. Consider increasing limits and adding coverage for full protection.

Additional coverage options in Missouri include:

• Comprehensive. Comprehensive auto insurance pays for damages unrelated to an accident, such as flood, fire, theft, vandalism, and acts of nature.
• Collision. Collision auto insurance pays for damages related to an accident, such as hitting another car, an object, or rolling over.
• GAP insurance. GAP insurance covers the difference between what you owe on a vehicle and its worth.
• Roadside assistance. Roadside assistance coverage offers help if your car breaks down. It usually includes tows, jump starts, fuel delivery, and lock-out service.
• Rental car reimbursement. This coverage pays for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs from a covered claim.

You may add the above-listed coverages and features to your policy for better protection, but each coverage raises your rates. In addition, collision and comprehensive coverages have deductibles you must meet before coverage kicks in.

Most experts recommend full coverage, including the Missouri mandatory minimum, comprehensive, and collision coverages. If you choose just the minimum coverage, your vehicle isn’t protected, and you’ll pay for repairs yourself.

Most lenders also require GAP coverage if you have a car loan or lease since cars depreciate quickly.

Missouri Proof of Insurance

You must prove you have at least the minimum car insurance required in Missouri if you’re in an accident or stopped by the police. You can show coverage with a card from your insurer or through your insurer’s app on your phone.

Failing to have car insurance can lead to driver’s license suspension. In addition, you’ll pay a reinstatement fee. The penalties’ severity depends on whether it’s your first or subsequent offense.

For example, if it’s your first offense, your license won’t be suspended, and your reinstatement fee is only $20. However, if it’s your third offense, your license will be suspended for a year, and your fee is $400.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, around 12% of drivers nationally are uninsured. However, 16% of Missouri drivers are uninsured. Maintaining car insurance is essential since many other Missouri drivers don’t have coverage.

You’ll also face increased car insurance rates if you have a coverage lapse, and you must pay out of pocket for damages you cause in an accident.

Missouri SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 insurance is available to Missouri drivers. You may be required to carry SR-22 insurance if you have DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents, drove with a suspended license, or drove without insurance.

However, SR-22 isn’t additional insurance coverage. Instead, it’s a form your insurer files with the state showing you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required. The form is typically inexpensive, but your insurance rates will skyrocket.

Since the need for SR-22 insurance shows you’re a high-risk driver, insurers charge much higher rates. Additionally, some insurers may decline coverage.

If you already have car insurance, you may be able to add SR-22 to your current policy. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage, but rates will increase significantly if provided. However, you may be able to get lower rates if you have a good history with your insurer.

If you don’t have car insurance, shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Missouri. However, finding new coverage may be even more challenging since you’ll have a lapse in insurance history.

If you need SR-22 but don’t have a car, consider non-owner insurance. This type of insurance meets your state requirements and allows you to drive vehicles you don’t own. In addition, it’s typically cheaper than a traditional policy because coverage is limited.

Finding the Best Auto Insurance Company in Missouri

It’s difficult to determine the best car insurance in Missouri because there are many criteria to consider. While one person may choose the best company based on rates, another may consider customer satisfaction the most critical factor.

For example, J.D. Power ranks insurance companies on customer satisfaction, including service, cost, products available, and billing. Although Nationwide has the lowest average rates in Missouri, it ranks last with J.D. Power. 

As you look for the best Missouri car insurance company for you, compare rates, ratings, and products. Remember, low rates are great, but you also need a company you can trust.

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Tips to Save on Missouri Auto Insurance

Since we know that Missouri car insurance rates are above the national average, finding ways to lower costs is essential. So let’s look at some ways to get the lowest rates possible.

Improve Factors That Affect Missouri Auto Insurance Rates

As we discussed above, many factors affect the cost of car insurance in Missouri — improving those factors lowers rates.

Ways to get lower car insurance rates include:

• Avoid infractions on your driving record. Accidents and tickets increase Missouri auto insurance rates for three years. Keep your driving record clean to get the lowest rates.
• Raise your credit score. Since insurance companies charge higher rates if you have poor credit, do what you can to raise your score, like making on-time car insurance payments.
• Think carefully about a new vehicle. New or expensive cars are more costly to repair. Consider an older or inexpensive vehicle to keep rates low.
• Consider your ZIP code. If you’re moving, compare ZIP codes to see which one comes with lower car insurance rates.

While you can’t change some factors like your age, making other changes will lower your car insurance rates.

Missouri Auto Insurance Discounts

Most car insurance companies offer car insurance discounts to lower rates based on the driver, policy, and vehicle. However, available discounts and discount amounts vary by insurer. Common savings include multi-car, multi-policy, good driver, good student, and vehicle safety feature discounts.

Most drivers qualify for more than one discount, so bundle all of your eligible discounts for the most savings.

While many states require insurers to offer certain discounts, Missouri doesn’t require companies to offer any specific discount. So speak with your insurer to determine which discounts are available to you in Missouri.

Adjust Missouri Coverage and Deductibles

Two aspects you can control are your car insurance coverages and deductibles. Adjusting these factors lowers your car insurance rates.

First, consider which coverages are on your policy and drop the ones you no longer need. 

For example, if your vehicle is older or not worth much money, you may want to drop collision and comprehensive coverages. It may be cheaper to pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle yourself than to pay higher car insurance rates.

Next, look at your auto insurance deductibles. Each coverage comes with its own deductible, usually between $250 and $1,000. Higher deductibles mean lower rates. So although you’ll pay more out of pocket for repairs, your rates will be lower.

Learn more: Auto Insurance Deductibles Defined 

Shop Around for Missouri Auto Insurance

Every car insurance company weighs your factors differently and offers different rates. For example, one company may charge higher rates for that speeding ticket you got last year, but another might overlook it since it’s your first infraction.

The best way to find the lowest rates is to compare rates from multiple companies. Compare local and national companies to get your best deal.

Auto Insurance in Missouri: The Bottom Line

Car insurance quotes in Missouri must include 25/50/25 in liability and uninsured motorist coverages, but most drivers carry higher limits and add coverages like collision and comprehensive for better protection.

Factors like age, driving record, credit score, and ZIP code affect cheap Missouri auto insurance rates. However, each insurer weighs factors differently and offers different rates. So, the cheapest Missouri car insurance company for you might not be the most affordable for someone else.

Whether you’re looking for cheap insurance quotes in Kansas City or St. Louis, compare multiple companies to find the best deal on Missouri auto insurance.

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