Car Insurance In Missouri 2026: Laws, Costs, Requirements & Companies

Car insurance in Missouri is required by law and helps protect you financially if you’re in an accident. Drivers must carry minimum liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, making it important to understand your options and choose the right policy.

With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, I can help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget. I’ll make the process simple so you can feel confident and protected on the road.

Does Missouri Require Car Insurance?

Missouri requires car insurance by law. Every driver must have an active insurance policy to legally drive or register a vehicle in the state. If you drive without insurance, you could face fines, lose your driver’s license, or have your vehicle registration suspended.

Missouri law also requires drivers to carry minimum coverage for injuries, property damage, and uninsured motorists. You must be able to show proof of insurance if you are pulled over, in an accident, or when registering your car. Having insurance helps protect you and others if an accident happens.

How Much Insurance Should You Get In Missouri?

In Missouri, the law requires drivers to carry minimum car insurance coverage of $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required to help protect you if the other driver has no insurance.

These minimum amounts may not be enough in a serious accident. Many drivers choose higher coverage limits to better protect their savings, vehicle, and future income from large medical or repair bills.

How Much Is Car Insurance In Missouri?

Car insurance rates in Missouri vary based on your age, driving record, and the type of vehicle you own. Where you live in the state can also affect how much you pay. Higher coverage limits and added protections usually cost more

Here’s a breakdown of average annual car insurance costs in Missouri for different driver profiles:

• Low-Income Drivers: Affordable options for low-income Missouri drivers are available, with average monthly minimum coverage policies starting at approximately $75 per month.
• Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: Drivers in Missouri who have a speeding ticket usually pay higher insurance rates. Even short-term policies, such as one-month coverage, can become more expensive. The average cost of minimum coverage is $78 per month.
• Senior Drivers: Drivers in Missouri aged 65 and older may pay around $150 monthly for full coverage and about $80 per month for minimum coverage.
• Young Drivers: Young Missouri drivers may pay around $330 monthly for full coverage and about $160 per month for minimum coverage.
• Drivers With Old Cars: Drivers in Missouri who own old cars often pay less for insurance because their vehicles usually cost less to repair or replace. The average monthly full coverage cost is $110.

These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurer and your personal driving profile.

Which Car Insurance Companies Operate In Missouri?

Here are some of the major car insurance companies that operate in Missouri:

• State Farm
• Progressive
• American Family Insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• GEICO
• Shelter Insurance
• Nationwide
• Travelers
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• Farm Bureau
• Safe Auto Insurance Company
• Root Insurance
• Allstate

These insurance companies provide different types of coverage and discounts for drivers in Missouri. It’s a good idea to compare prices and what each policy includes so you can choose the one that works best for you.

How To Get Lower Insurance Premiums In Missouri

Here are some simple strategies to lower your car insurance premiums in Missouri:

• Compare quotes every year: Insurance prices change often, so getting quotes from different companies can help you find a cheaper rate for the same coverage.
• Choose a higher deductible:  Raising your deductible lowers your monthly premium, as long as you can afford to pay more out of pocket after an accident.
• Maintain a clean driving record: Avoiding tickets and accidents helps you qualify for lower rates and safe-driver discounts.
• Ask about discounts you may miss: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, good students, low mileage, or having safety features in your car.
• Improve your credit score: In Missouri, insurers often use credit history to set rates, so better credit can mean lower insurance costs.

Proof Of Insurance In Missouri

In Missouri, drivers must carry proof of insurance whenever they drive. This proof shows that your car is legally insured and can be a paper card, a digital copy on your phone, or an insurance app provided by your company.

You may need to show it when you register your vehicle, get pulled over by police, or after an accident. Always keeping proof of insurance with you helps avoid fines, penalties, or problems if an accident happens.

Missouri State Driving Laws

Missouri state driving laws are designed to keep everyone safe on the road. They explain how drivers should behave, what is allowed, and what isn’t. Knowing these rules helps you avoid fines and drive with confidence across the state.

Seat Belts Are Required

Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt. Drivers can be fined if passengers are not buckled up, especially children.

Speed Limits Must Be Followed

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is illegal. Speeding can lead to tickets, fines, and higher insurance rates.

No Texting Or Using A Phone While Driving

Drivers under 21 cannot use a cell phone at all while driving. All other drivers should avoid texting, as it is dangerous and can lead to penalties.

DUI Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Even a small amount over the legal limit can result in arrest, fines, license suspension, or jail time.

Yield To School Buses And Pedestrians

Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing lights and always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Ignoring this can cause serious accidents and heavy fines.

Missouri Car Insurance Contact Information

Knowing where to go for car insurance or vehicle problems in Missouri can make things much easier. Here’s a list of important state agencies and what they can help you with.

Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration (DIFP)

Phone: 1-800-726-7390

Website: insurance.mo.gov

Use DIFP if you have questions about your car insurance policy, need help understanding your coverage, or want to file a complaint or dispute against your insurance company in Missouri.

Missouri Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Bureau

Phone: 1-573-526-3669

Website: dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicles

Contact DMV for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, renewing your registration, or any other vehicle-related paperwork and services in Missouri.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Phone: 1-888-275-6636

Website: modot.org

Use MoDOT for information about Missouri state highways, road conditions, closures, construction updates or to report road issues like potholes or damaged signs.

Common Missouri Car-Related Crimes And Fatalities

It’s important for Missouri drivers to be aware of the car-related crimes that happen most often on the state’s roads. Below is a clear overview of the common car-related crimes and accident risks you should know about.

Car Theft

Stealing vehicles is a frequent crime in Missouri. Leaving your car unlocked or with the keys inside can make it easier for thieves to take it. Car theft can lead to insurance claims, financial loss, and legal trouble for the thief.

Drunk Driving (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of accidents and deaths on Missouri roads. Law enforcement strictly enforces DUI laws. DUI accidents often result in serious injuries, fatalities, and long-term consequences for the driver.

Speeding

Driving too fast increases the risk of crashes and serious injuries. Speeding is one of the top factors in fatal accidents in the state. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and make crashes more severe when they happen.

Reckless Or Aggressive Driving

Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic rules can cause serious collisions and endanger everyone on the road. Aggressive driving increases the likelihood of multi-car accidents and can lead to criminal charges.

Hit-And-Run Accidents

Leaving the scene of an accident without helping the injured or reporting it is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Hit-and-run crashes not only harm victims but can also lead to long prison sentences for the offender.