Missouri car insurance laws

Missouri car insurance laws require that all drivers who are licensed in Missouri have auto insurance. The Missouri minimum car insurance liability limits are 25/50/25, plus 25/50 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Missouri’s auto insurance requirements are designed to protect the other driver in an at-fault collision. However, they can also protect you and your passengers in a hit-and run accident or when you are struck by someone without insurance.

Drivers need to understand the Missouri car insurance laws so they know what kind of insurance they should purchase.

Missouri has laws regarding car insurance

Missouri insurance laws mandate that liability limits not exceed 25/50/25. This is what it means:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability: This amount is what your insurance will pay towards medical expenses for one person involved in an accident you caused.
  • $50,000 total bodily Injury Liability: Your insurer will pay up to $50,000 for any injuries that result from an at-fault incident.
  • $25,000 Property Damage Liability: Your insurance will pay up to $25,000 to replace or repair the car of another driver, as well as any other property (such a fence or lamppost) that you damaged in an accident at fault.

Missouri also requires drivers to carry 25/50 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). If you are in an accident with another driver, who is not insured or has inadequate insurance to cover your injuries and property damage, this is the maximum your insurer will pay per victim. This also covers hit-and run accidents.

Missouri’s auto insurance laws are relatively affordable compared to other states. The minimum cost for Missouri auto insurance is $445. This is more than $100 less than the $563 national average. Missouri’s average cost for full coverage includes comprehensive and collision insurance is $1,680

Missouri has liability insurance

Legally, liability refers to anything you are responsible for, such as injuries or damages caused by an accident. Your liability coverage covers those injuries and damages up to the policy’s limits.

Does the minimum coverage provide enough protection to cover you in all situations? Most insurance experts say no. For example, consider an accident that results if you run a red signal and collide with a vehicle waiting for a turn. Your $25,000 liability coverage will expire quickly if the driver suffers from internal injuries that need surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

$25,000 for property damages is also a reasonable amount, especially when you consider the average cost of a new car in the U.S. at over $40,000. You would be responsible for all costs above $25,000. If your car is an SUV, truck, or luxury sedan.

Is Missouri a no-fault state?

Missouri is not among the 12 states that are considered no-fault in the U.S. Missouri is a “fault state” so you have three options if you are involved in an accident you didn’t cause.

  • You can file a claim directly with your insurance company, but if you aren’t at fault, your insurance will file a subrogation case with the other driver.
  • You can directly file a third-party claim with the insurer of the other driver.
  • You can sue the other driver for personal injury.

Missouri drivers without insurance face severe penalties

Missouri is very serious about its car insurance laws. If a police officer stops a driver, he or she will be subject to stiff penalties. Three penalties are involved in the initial phase:

  • The court will direct the driver license bureau add four points to the driver’s record.
  • A court order will be entered to monitor the driver so they can purchase and keep a policy of liability insurance.
  • The court can suspend the driver’s licence. Although this may not be possible after a single incident, it is possible. Their driver’s license will be suspended for $20, $200, and $400 for each subsequent offense.

Missouri offers additional auto insurance options

Missouri insurance offers many types of insurance. Many insurers offer many optional coverages that can be added to your policy. This will allow you to have a comprehensive and robust policy that covers you regardless of what type of accident you may have. Here are some of the options:

  • Collision – This covers any damage to your car that results from an accident, regardless of who caused it. If you have a loan for a car, your banker may require it. You can choose the amount of your deductible when you buy the policy. It is usually $250-$2,000.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This coverage is usually bundled with collision and pays for damages caused by non-accidental mishaps such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters (such as a hailstorm or tree falling on your car).
  • Medpay (Medical Payments): This type insurance covers your injuries and those of your passengers involved in an accident.
  • You will receive a check for the car’s depreciated amount (minus your deductible) if it is damaged in an accident. Gap coverage will cover the difference if you owe more on your car loan than what is depreciated.
  • Rental reimbursement: This coverage option will cover you for the rental of a vehicle while your car is being fixed.
  • Towing coverage and labor coverage: This insurance covers you if your vehicle breaks down. It generally pays for towing to a station, towing, or gas delivery.

Questions frequently asked

What is the best Missouri car insurance company?

A number of Missouri insurance companies offer good policies, including Geico and State Farm, Progressive, Auto Club Enterprises, Shelter Mutual, and Progressive. Bankrate’s Best Missouri Car Insurance Companies list is a great place to start when trying to find the right insurer.

What is the best Missouri car insurance?

There is no one company that is the best for everyone. Rates are determined by many factors including your driving record, age, and vehicle model. Start your search by checking out our Cheap Auto Insurance Companies of 2021.

What is the minimum Missouri car insurance that I need to be covered?

As long as you don’t get into a serious accident, it will suffice. You may not have enough coverage if you only have the Missouri minimum. We recommend that you purchase as much coverage as possible, such as 100/300/50. Also, we suggest adding collision and comprehensive to any policy.