Car Insurance in Missouri: Finding the right car insurance in Missouri can seem like a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of owning and driving a vehicle. The good news? You can make the process easier—and even save money—by getting a free quote. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about car insurance in Missouri, from state requirements to tips for lowering your premiums.
Why Car Insurance is Essential in Missouri
Car insurance isn’t just a smart idea; it’s the law in Missouri. Every driver is required to carry a minimum level of insurance coverage. Why? It ensures that if you’re in an accident, you can cover the costs of damage or injury, both to yourself and others. Without insurance, you could face steep financial penalties, not to mention the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle out of pocket.
Understanding Missouri’s Minimum Coverage Requirements
Missouri law requires drivers to carry at least the following insurance:
- Bodily injury liability: This covers medical expenses if you injure someone in an accident. The minimum required coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability: This covers damages to other people’s property, such as vehicles or buildings, with a minimum coverage of $25,000.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This kicks in if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage. Missouri requires $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for this.
While these minimums cover basic situations, many drivers opt for additional coverage for better protection. Missouri drivers can also choose from options like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP), which provide more complete financial security in case of accidents or other mishaps.
Factors that Affect Car Insurance Rates in Missouri
Missouri car insurance premiums can vary widely based on several factors:
- Age and driving experience: Younger and less experienced drivers tend to pay more.
- Vehicle type and age: The make, model, and age of your car can influence your premiums.
- Driving history: A clean record will get you a better rate, while accidents or traffic violations can raise your premiums.
- Location and ZIP code: Urban areas with higher crime rates often result in higher insurance costs.
- Credit score: In Missouri, insurers may use your credit score to help determine your premium. A better score usually means lower rates.
How to Get a Free Quote for Car Insurance in Missouri
Getting a free quote is one of the easiest ways to compare insurance rates and find the best deal. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Online comparison tools: Websites allow you to input your details and get quotes from multiple providers instantly.
- Working with an insurance agent: Agents can help you navigate policies and find a tailored insurance plan.
- Gather necessary information: To get an accurate quote, you’ll need information like your vehicle’s make, model, and VIN, as well as details about your driving history.
How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Once you have your quotes, it’s time to compare them. Don’t just focus on the price—look at:
- Coverage limits: Make sure you’re meeting at least the state minimums.
- Deductibles: A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but make sure you can afford it in case of an accident.
- Optional coverages: Consider adding collision, comprehensive, or personal injury protection.
- Discounts: Check if the insurance provider offers discounts that could save you money.
Types of Car Insurance Available in Missouri
Beyond the state-required liability insurance, there are several other types of coverage available:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision incidents like theft or natural disasters.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Roadside assistance: Helps with towing, flat tires, and other roadside issues.
Discounts to Look for When Getting a Quote
Many insurance companies offer discounts that can lower your premium:
- Safe driver discounts: Reward drivers with a clean driving record.
- Multi-policy discounts: Bundle home and auto insurance for savings.
- Good student discounts: Available for high school and college students with good grades.
- Low-mileage discounts: If you drive less, you may pay less.
The Impact of Missouri’s Climate on Car Insurance
Missouri’s weather can be unpredictable, with everything from snowstorms to tornadoes. This can impact your insurance premiums, especially if you live in areas prone to severe weather. Comprehensive coverage is a good idea to protect against damage from floods, hail, or storms.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums in Missouri
If you’re looking to lower your premiums, consider these strategies:
- Raise your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium.
- Bundle policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you combine your auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoiding accidents and tickets can help lower your rates.
- Improve your credit score: A higher credit score can reduce your premiums.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Car Insurance
Don’t make these mistakes when shopping for insurance:
- Focusing only on price: Cheaper isn’t always better. Make sure the coverage meets your needs.
- Not understanding policy exclusions: Read the fine print to know what’s not covered.
- Ignoring optional coverages: Consider whether additional coverages like comprehensive or collision are right for you.
When to Reevaluate Your Car Insurance Policy
It’s important to periodically review your policy, especially after major life events:
- Life changes: Marriage, a new car, or moving to a different city can affect your insurance needs.
- Check for better rates: Insurance premiums change over time, so it’s smart to shop around regularly.
- New vehicle: When you buy a new car, ensure your policy provides adequate coverage.
Top Car Insurance Providers in Missouri
Several companies stand out for providing excellent car insurance in Missouri:
- State Farm: Known for excellent customer service and a wide range of coverage options.
- Geico: Often provides some of the lowest premiums in Missouri.
- Progressive: Offers a range of discounts and strong online tools.
- Allstate: Known for its comprehensive coverage options and local agents.
Cheap full coverage in Missouri
Full coverage in costs $1611 for Missouri drivers. 55% of The Zebra’s Missouri customers get quotes for a full coverage policy.
While this is a lot higher than liability-only coverage, Missourians looking for the peace of mind that full coverage can bring should start their search with a company such as Travelers, USAA or GEICO.Cheapest auto insurance companies in Missouri
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $624 | $104 |
| USAA | $671 | $112 |
| GEICO | $1,024 | $171 |
| Shelter | $1,031 | $172 |
| Progressive | $1,128 | $188 |
| State Farm | $1,350 | $225 |
| Nationwide | $1,513 | $252 |
| Allstate | $1,649 | $275 |
Cheap Liability Insurance in Missouri
Liability insurance costs an average of $498 for a 6-month policy, significantly cheaper than the average full coverage policy.
The Zebra’s average driver profile found that USAA was the cheapest liability insurance company in Missouri. For those who are not eligible for USAA, Travelers and Progress could be great, affordable options as well.
Liability insurance quotes in MO
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $183 | $30 |
| Travelers | $235 | $39 |
| Progressive | $262 | $44 |
| GEICO | $299 | $50 |
| Shelter | $377 | $63 |
| State Farm | $414 | $69 |
| Allstate | $537 | $90 |
| Nationwide | $603 | $101 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Missouri
Finding affordable car insurance is a challenge for young drivers in Missouri. Teens in Missouri face six-month premiums of $5,326 — that’s well above the national average and more than three times the cost for a 30-year-old driver in the state.
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Missouri
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,542 | $257 |
| USAA | $1,938 | $323 |
| Shelter | $2,046 | $341 |
| GEICO | $2,663 | $444 |
| Progressive | $4,048 | $675 |
| Allstate | $4,120 | $687 |
| State Farm | $4,365 | $727 |
| Nationwide | $4,614 | $769 |
Tip: Ways to save on car insurance for young drivers
- Stay on a parent’s policy: Being added to a parent’s insurance policy is almost always more affordable than getting your own separate coverage.
- Good student discounts: Numerous insurers provide discounts to students who maintain a “B” average or are enrolled in school away from home.
- Opt for a budget-friendly, safe vehicle: Insuring high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles is typically more expensive, especially for younger drivers.
What are the best car insurance companies in Missouri?
The Zebra conducted an expert analysis to find the “best” car insurance companies in Missouri. We used customer satisfaction ratings, average cost, coverage options, and the availability of additional benefits to provide these scores.
Overall best car insurance company in Missouri — Shelter Insurance
The Zebra considers Shelter the best car insurance company for most people in Missouri due to its strong customer satisfaction and claims handling. While it may not always be the cheapest option, Shelter consistently receives high ratings for customer service and claims satisfaction. This is supported by J.D. Power’s 2023 regional study, where Shelter outscored all competitors in customer satisfaction, making the slightly higher cost worth it for the peace of mind and reliable service.
Pros
- Numerous coverage options
- Great customer satisfaction scores
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- May be expensive for younger drivers or those with at-fault accidents
- Rates are climbing in recent years
- Mobile apps and online services receive mixed reviews
Best car insurance in Missouri — honorable mentions
Shelter is a great carrier, but it isn’t the sole reputable option for Missouri drivers. Here are a few other top-rated companies based on J.D. Power’s study and The Zebra’s survey of 2,722 drivers.
Best car insurance companies in Missouri
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $671 | $112 |
| American Family | $845 | $141 |
| GEICO | $1,024 | $171 |
| State Farm | $1,350 | $225 |
Missouri auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $915 per year.
Below is an idea of how much insurance companies in Missouri will charge you after an at-fault accident.
Auto insurance rates for drivers with at-fault accidents in Missouri
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $759 | $126 |
| USAA | $892 | $149 |
| Shelter | $1,285 | $214 |
| Progressive | $1,503 | $251 |
| State Farm | $1,596 | $266 |
| GEICO | $1,630 | $272 |
| Nationwide | $2,236 | $373 |
| Allstate | $2,427 | $405 |
Tip: Don’t forget about claims satisfaction
While it’s ideal to never use your insurance, having a hassle-free claims process is essential when needed. According to our Customer Satisfaction Survey, Auto-Owners Insurance stood out as a preferred option among claimants. If you’re a Missouri resident, Auto-Owners is certainly worth considering.
In Missouri, a poor driving record will lead to significantly higher insurance rates. If you get a ticket or citation, expect your auto insurance premiums to increase. The amount of the increase depends on the violation, your insurer’s pricing policies, and the local insurance regulations and risks. Consequently, tickets can affect insurance rates in Missouri differently than the national average.
Missouri auto insurance quotes by violation
| Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium | $ Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|
| None | $3,222 | $0 |
| One Med/PIP claim | $3,222 | $0 |
| Not-at-fault accident | $3,325 | $102 |
| Two Med/PIP claims | $3,345 | $123 |
| One comp claim | $3,345 | $123 |
| Two comp claims | $3,561 | $338 |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | $3,659 | $436 |
| Failure to show documents | $3,673 | $451 |
| Child safety restraint | $3,733 | $510 |
| Driving without lights | $3,733 | $510 |
| Driving with expired registration | $3,761 | $538 |
| Following too closely | $3,778 | $556 |
| Speeding in school zone | $3,779 | $556 |
| Driving too slowly | $3,779 | $556 |
| Cell phone violation | $3,784 | $561 |
| Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $3,788 | $565 |
| Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $3,789 | $566 |
| Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $3,789 | $566 |
| Texting while driving | $3,789 | $567 |
| Failure to yield | $3,797 | $574 |
| Wrong way/wrong lane | $3,804 | $582 |
| Illegal turn | $3,807 | $584 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | $3,812 | $590 |
| Improper passing | $3,813 | $591 |
| Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $3,819 | $597 |
| In 65 MPH zone | $3,845 | $623 |
| Passing school bus | $3,914 | $692 |
| Open container | $4,027 | $804 |
| Operating a vehicle without permission | $4,129 | $906 |
| At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $4,465 | $1,243 |
| At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $4,710 | $1,488 |
| At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $4,711 | $1,489 |
| Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $4,776 | $1,554 |
| DUI | $4,862 | $1,640 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $4,969 | $1,747 |
| Racing | $5,086 | $1,863 |
| Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run | $5,161 | $1,939 |
| Reckless driving | $5,225 | $2,002 |
Car insurance in popular Missouri Cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Taos, Missouri, and the most expensive in Pine Lawn, Missouri.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Missouri’s biggest cities.
Auto insurance quotes in Missouri’s biggest cities
| City | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | $2,091 | $349 |
| Kansas City | $1,804 | $301 |
| Independence | $1,690 | $282 |
| Springfield | $1,496 | $249 |
| Columbia | $1,480 | $247 |
How have car insurance costs in Missouri changed?
In Missouri, average annual auto insurance costs increased by just $42 in the past year. A typical Missouri driver pays an average of $1611 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Missouri leans toward lower car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while recent years have seen surges taking place post-pandemic. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have continued to increase due to inflation and increased numbers of claims.
Car insurance costs in Missouri since 2015
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Missouri | Yearly Change — Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,100 | $42 |
| 2023 | $2,058 | $141 |
| 2022 | $1,917 | $219 |
| 2021 | $1,698 | $11 |
| 2020 | $1,687 | -$42 |
| 2019 | $1,729 | $150 |
| 2018 | $1,579 | -$217 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 |
Missouri State Resources for Car Insurance
If you need help navigating car insurance, the Missouri Department of Insurance offers valuable resources, including:
- Information on state insurance requirements
- How to file a complaint against an insurance provider
- Tips for finding the best rates
FAQs about Car Insurance in Missouri
1. What is the minimum car insurance required in Missouri?
In Missouri, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
2. Are Missouri drivers required to have uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, Missouri law requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage. This must include a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
3. What factors affect car insurance rates in Missouri?
Several factors can affect your car insurance rates in Missouri, including your driving record, age, the type of vehicle you drive, your credit history, and even your geographic location within the state.
4. Can my car insurance rates increase after an accident in Missouri?
Yes, it is possible for your car insurance rates to increase after an accident, especially if you are found at fault. However, some insurers offer accident forgiveness policies which might prevent your premiums from rising after your first accident.
5. How can I save on car insurance in Missouri?
You can save on car insurance by comparing quotes from different insurers, maintaining a clean driving record, qualifying for discounts (like multi-car, good driver, or student discounts), and increasing your deductibles.
6. What should I do if my car insurance claim is denied in Missouri?
If your car insurance claim is denied, you should first review the denial letter to understand the reason. You can then contact your insurance agent to discuss the details and possibly appeal the decision. If necessary, consulting with a legal advisor can also provide guidance on further steps.
Conclusion
In summary, securing car insurance in Missouri is not just a legal necessity but a critical component of financial protection for drivers. As we’ve explored, Missouri offers a range of insurance options tailored to meet diverse needs and budgets. Understanding the nuances of coverage, from liability to comprehensive plans, empowers drivers to make informed decisions.
The importance of obtaining a free quote cannot be overstated. A quote provides a personalized snapshot of what you can expect to pay based on your specific circumstances without any commitment. By comparing quotes, you can identify the most cost-effective policy that doesn’t compromise on coverage.
Therefore, we encourage all Missouri drivers to take advantage of free quotes today to ensure they receive the best possible deal tailored to their unique needs. This proactive approach not only saves money but also secures peace of mind on the road.
References
For more in-depth information and further validation of the insights shared in our guide to Car Insurance in Missouri, consider exploring these reputable sources:
- Missouri Department of Insurance – Stay updated with the latest regulations and consumer protection measures in the insurance sector directly from the state’s official department. Visit the Missouri Department of Insurance.
- Insurance Information Institute (III) – A comprehensive resource offering detailed insights on insurance coverage options, safety advice, and consumer reports. Explore the III’s extensive resources.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – Access consumer guides, insurance company reports, and compare industry standards across states. Check out the NAIC website.
- Consumer Reports – Find unbiased reviews and ratings for insurance providers in Missouri to make informed decisions based on reliability and customer satisfaction. Read Consumer Reports.
These resources can provide you with a deeper understanding and help you navigate the complexities of car insurance in Missouri.
