Missouri Car Insurance
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Missouri
Missouri is a diverse state in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its natural beauty, with a variety of landscapes including rolling hills, forests, and rivers. Visitors can explore numerous attractions, such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or the Ozark Mountains, with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
The capital of the so-called “Gateway to the West” is Jefferson City, a city nestled along the banks of the Missouri River.
When it comes to gastronomy, Missouri offers a range of delicious dishes influenced by its history and cultural heritage. Barbecue is a must-try in the state, with smoked meats and tangy sauces. St. Louis is famous for its unique style of pizza, featuring a thin crust and a square shape. Don’t miss out on trying toasted ravioli, a local specialty, or enjoying a frosty beer at one of the state’s many craft breweries.
In this region, there is something for everyone. But, as you plan your trip, consider the importance of securing your car. InsureOne can guide you to the best auto insurance coverage at the best price, so you can be protected on your Missouri journey.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Missouri?
The average car insurance rates in Missouri are $1,943 per year for full coverage and $490 per year for minimum coverage. These rates are significantly lower than the national average costs, which are $2,014 and $622 respectively.
Keep in mind that your own rate will vary depending on various factors such as the city where you reside, the type of vehicle you drive, your age, gender, driving record, credit rating, and more.
What Does it Mean if a State is At-Fault?
Missouri is a state that follows the “fault” method for determining financial responsibility in car accident cases. This means that if you are involved in an accident, the person who is at fault for the accident will be responsible for paying for injuries, vehicle damages, and other related expenses.
For this reason, it is recommended to set your liability limit higher than the minimum requirement set by the state to ensure you have adequate coverage in case of an accident.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Missouri
The average cost of car insurance in Missouri can vary based on where you live. Cities like Kansas City and St. Louis, which have higher population densities and more vehicles on the road, tend to have higher insurance rates. This is because the increased risk of accidents in
these urban areas impacts insurance claims statistics. On the other hand, areas with fewer vehicles generally experience lower average car insurance rates .
To compare the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different cities throughout the state, refer to our breakdown provided below.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $228 | $59 |
| St. Louis | $249 | $69 |
| Springfield | $161 | $50 |
| Columbia | $169 | $43 |
| Independence | $179 | $51 |
| Lee’s Summit | $168 | $47 |
| O’Fallon | $175 | $51 |
| St. Joseph | $171 | $43 |
| St. Charles | $176 | $50 |
Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Missouri.
How Bundling Your Vehicle and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Missouri
Missouri residents have the opportunity to save around $591 per year, which accounts for approximately 16% of the total cost of their premium, by bundling their car and homeowners insurance policies together.
Bundling these policies not only offers significant savings compared to purchasing them separately but also provides convenience by consolidating both policies with one insurance provider. This consolidation allows for streamlined communication and potentially simplified claims processes.
To benefit from these savings and enjoy the advantages of bundling insurance, you can reach out to an InsureOne agent to explore your specific options.
What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Missouri?
In the State of Missouri, drivers have access to a wide range of discounts. One such discount is the good driver discount, which can lead to a lower insurance rate based on your clean driving record without accidents or traffic violations. The good driver discount is just one example of the many ways you can save money on your premiums. Here are some other commonly utilized deals:
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Paperless billing or automatic bill pay discount
- Good student discount
- Defensive driving course discount
- Low mileage saving
- Veteran’s discount
Remember to discuss these options with your insurance agent to determine the best ways to save on your premiums while ensuring you have adequate coverage.
Missouri Car Insurance Laws
Enforcing state car insurance laws is a top priority in Missouri. The most crucial requirement is the mandatory minimum level of liability insurance that all drivers must carry. The penalties for driving without adequate insurance coverage are severe.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Missouri?
In Missouri, all drivers are obligated to maintain the following minimum car insurance coverage limits:
- $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
- $25,000 per accident in property damage liability
- $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage
For enhanced financial protection, our insurance experts generally advise purchasing higher limits. If you have a vehicle loan or lease, you will likely be required to have full coverage, which typically includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Missouri?
Driving without insurance in Missouri can result in serious penalties. If caught driving without the required insurance coverage, you could face the following consequences: a one-year suspension of your driving privileges, a $400 reinstatement fee, a $500 fine and/or 15 days in jail if you are a repeat offender.
Note: “No insurance” tickets cannot be removed from your record in Missouri.
What Factors Does Missouri Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
Car insurance premiums in Missouri are determined by various factors, which include personal circumstances and demographics. Drivers who have a higher number of “risky” elements in their profiles generally pay higher premiums. However, it’s important to note that even high-risk drivers can still obtain affordable insurance coverage. Over time, violations can be removed from records and credit scores can be improved, resulting in potential premium reductions.
In this state, the following rating factors are commonly used to calculate insurance premiums:
- Age
- Vehicle age
- Driving history
- Accident history
- Marital status
- ZIP code
- Credit score
- Gender
Among these aspects, your driving record is the most significant. A clean driving record can make you eligible for premium discounts, while a history of accidents and speeding tickets can cause your premiums to increase significantly.
Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs Older People in Missouri
Driver’s age has an impact on car insurance rates. Insurance companies generally consider younger and less experienced drivers as more prone to file claims, making them riskier to insure. As a result, younger drivers usually face higher insurance premiums. However, as they grow older and gain more experience on the road, their premium is likely to decrease.
For young drivers, it is often more cost-effective to remain on their parents’ or guardians’ insurance policy until they establish their own household. For instance, an 18-year-old driver would pay over $2,000 more per year for full coverage on their own policy compared to being on their parents’ policy.
What Is Driving Like in Missouri?
The climate of Missouri is known for being variable and changeable. Drivers in this region can face different weather conditions throughout the year that can impact driving.
During the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing, leading to snow and ice accumulation on the roads, which can create hazardous driving conditions. You need to be prepared to navigate through these conditions, which may require the use of chains, winter tires, or other specialized equipment .
In spring and fall, heavy and prolonged rainfall can occur, leading to road and street flooding. In these conditions, you should reduce your speed and exercise caution when driving through areas of standing water, as it can cause vehicles to lose traction and slide dangerously.
Lastly, in the summer, high temperatures can affect vehicle and tire performance, leading to faster wear and tear. Long road trips can also contribute to driver fatigue and dehydration, which can impact reaction times.
Always remember to check weather forecasts before driving and adapt your driving behavior to suit the current weather conditions. How Many Car Accidents Happen in Missouri?
In 2021, Missouri experienced 931 fatal motor vehicle crashes. This figure is alarming as it represents an increase of almost 3% compared to 2020. It is important to prioritize road safety and take necessary precautions while driving to reduce the risk of accidents. Obey traffic laws, avoid distracted driving, and always wear your seatbelt.
In the table below, you can see the number of fatal accidents that occurred in different Missouri cities in 2021.
| City | Fatal Crashes in 2021 |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | 77 |
| St. Louis | 64 |
| Jefferson City | 4 |
| Joplin | 5 |
| St. Charles | 5 |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in Missouri?
According to the latest statistics available from the Insurance Information Institute, in 2019, Missouri ranked as the twelfth highest state for uninsured drivers. Shockingly, 16.4 percent of drivers in the state were found to be uninsured or underinsured.
This highlights the critical need to have auto insurance. Having proper car insurance coverage is essential to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. Ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage to safeguard yourself and your vehicle with InsureOne.
Get the Best Car Insurance in Missouri Today
InsureOne offers you exceptional insurance coverage in Missouri at competitive prices. Our agents will conduct thorough research to find quotes that meet your specific needs, presenting you with multiple options to choose from. This saves you both time and money. You can conveniently obtain a quote online, visit one of our offices, or reach out to us at (800) 836-2240 for personalized assistance.