Getting a new car is exciting, so having the proper insurance in place before heading out on the road makes your ride safe and worry free. Missouri requires by law that all registered vehicles have liability insurance coverage. When you register a new vehicle or renew your plates, you must present proof that you have insurance. Liability insurance covers you in the event of an accident. The following minimums are in place in Missouri:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 per accident for property
These figures are just minimums and many drivers choose higher limits for more protection and peace of mind.
Auto Insurance Rates for Missouri
Insurers are free to set their own rates based on claims risk, so it makes sense to shop around. The overall cost isn’t the deciding factor; it’s how much coverage you get for your money. The following factors help to determine your rate:
1. Your coverage levels and chosen deductible: A higher deductible equates to a lower rate, but you will pay more out of pocket in the event of an accident.
2. Type and age of your vehicle: Older cars without modern safety features and high performance cars face higher premiums.
3. Age and gender of drivers: Risks due to age and gender can increase your rate, for example, young male drivers are typically the most expensive to insure.
4. Driving history: You obviously pay less if you have few infractions on your driving record.
5. Where you live: A vehicle stored and used on and around a farm will obviously cost you less to insure than a luxury car in a big city.
Average Cost for Car Insurance in Missouri by County
The average cost of car insurance in Missouri varies between drivers. Here is the breakdown of the amount you can expect to pay on car insurance costs by county for vehicle type below for a minimum state policy of the average driver:
| Auto Insurance Costs by County: | Sedan: | SUV: | Coupe: | Truck: | Hybrid: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adair | $1,033 | $856 | $1,016 | $911 | $1,106 |
| Andrew | $1,055 | $874 | $986 | $931 | $1,131 |
| Atchison | $1,102 | $909 | $1,023 | $965 | $1,186 |
| Audrain | $947 | $811 | $884 | $911 | $1,036 |
| Barry | $1,044 | $888 | $980 | $948 | $1,134 |
| Barton | $1,069 | $889 | $1,002 | $948 | $1,141 |
| Bates | $1,075 | $891 | $1,019 | $948 | $1,152 |
| Benton | $1,099 | $912 | $1,050 | $972 | $1,174 |
| Bollinger | $1,031 | $885 | $976 | $981 | $1,110 |
| Boone | $922 | $791 | $876 | $905 | $992 |
Finding Auto Insurance Resources in Missouri
You have many available resources to help you find information about insurance requirements and obtain coverage. You can contact or visit a local DMV or contact the Missouri Department of Insurance for help.
If you are a high-risk driver and have trouble getting coverage on the open market, the Missouri Joint Underwriting Association (MJUA) can offer you coverage if you are eligible.
Moving to Missouri: Important Information
If you are moving to Missouri, you have 30 days to surrender your license and get a Missouri driver’s license. You have to fill out an application form for a new license at the Department of Revenue and take a vision exam and road recognition test. You need to take a written exam and driving skills test if your out-of-state license is expired for more than 184 days.
Out-of-state vehicles need registration within 30 days of moving to Missouri by completing an application for a Missouri Title and License. If you own more than one vehicle, you will need to fill out a separate application for each vehicle.
Understanding Driving Laws in Missouri
If you are driving in Missouri, it is important to know its traffic laws. In Missouri, the Department of Revenue keeps track of drivers by using a point system. The Department of Revenue is notified when you receive a conviction for a driving violation, and it assigns points to your record. For example, a speeding violation is three points. If you gain more than four points within 12 months, you receive an accumulation advisory. Your license is suspended if you receive more than 8 points in 18 months.
- 1st suspension – 30 days
- 2nd suspension – 60 days
- 3rd suspension or higher – 90 days
Missouri features typical seat belt laws:
- All front passengers must be secured by a seat belt
- A child under 4 or under 40 pounds must be secured by a proper child restraint seat
- Children between ages 4 and 8 must be restrained by a suitable safety or booster seat
Missouri is a bit lax with cell phone laws as compared to other states. The only restriction is that children under 21 can’t text while driving
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Auto Insurance
Do all auto insurance companies offer the same coverage and discounts?
All companies offer the basic vehicle policies, like Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive, but discounts and coverage vary greatly between companies.
How do you get an insurance quote?
You get an insurance quote by directly contacting the insurance company and speaking to an agent in person or over the phone. You can also get auto insurance quotes online, by entering information like the vehicle’s make, model, and year, as well as your name and driver’s license number.
Are there other ways to meet insurance requirements in Missouri?
Besides liability coverage, car owners can file for proof of financial responsibility with the Department of Revenue. Another way to meet insurance requirement is to get a certificate of self-insurance. This kind of insurance is only for companies and religious organizations with 26 vehicles or more.
How to Get Great Rates on Missouri Auto Insurance
Finding an auto insurance quote can seem overwhelming – but insuranceQuotes.com helps you find the best car insurance policy at the best price. Every year, we match 15 million consumers to the nation’s biggest auto insurance companies, including State Farm, Allstate and Liberty Mutual.
insuranceQuotes.com connects you with local and national insurance companies that give you free car insurance quotes within minutes. By comparing multiple quotes, you can be sure that you’re getting the best price for car insurance.
insuranceQuotes.com Auto Rate Methodology
Rates are based on one vehicle and one driver who has state minimum coverage with $500 deductibles. The hypothetical driver is 35 years old, female or male, employed, a college graduate, and has good credit. She has no traffic violations, claims, or lapse in coverage. The vehicle is assumed to be a sedan that is garaged on premises, used primarily for commuting, and driven 16,000 miles per year. Rates include commonly available carrier discounts and are estimates and not guaranteed.
