Missouri Car Insurance

Although extremely important and legally mandated in most states, car insurance can be difficult to afford. It may also seem like a wasted expense. However, car insurance serves many important purposes and can be purchased at lower rates by shopping around.

The best way to find a great rate on auto insurance is to use an online price comparison tool. These tools make it quick and easy for you to compare multiple car insurance carriers, policies, and prices. Using a quote tool can ensure that you are getting the best premium possible.

Start comparing auto insurance rates now using our FREE comparison tool above!

To learn more about car insurance requirements in Missouri, continue reading the guide below.

Missouri’s Legal Car Insurance Requirements

Purchasing and maintaining proper auto insurance is a legal requirement in most states in America, including Missouri. Having insurance coverage protects all drivers on the road from legal and financial disaster.

If you live in the state of Missouri, you will be required to show proof of current auto insurance coverage when you register your vehicle and when you renew your license plates.

There are two types of liability insurance which cover damages that you may cause in an auto accident. Property damage liability covers damages to other people’s property, such as cars or buildings. Bodily injury liability covers damages for medical bills or funeral expenses.

It is important to note that liability insurance only covers damages you cause to other people, not damages you cause to yourself or that other people cause to you or your property.

In Missouri, the following minimum liability coverages are legally required:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 per accident for property

If you are a resident of another state, Missouri requires that you abide by the insurance coverage laws in your home state.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage in Missouri

Another legally required type of auto insurance policy in Missouri is uninsured motorist. This coverage protects drivers from hit-and-run accidents and covers injuries you may sustain if you, as a driver or a pedestrian, are hit by an uninsured driver.

However, it does not cover damages to your vehicle. In order for a car insurance carrier to issue a policy within the state of Missouri, uninsured motorist coverage must be included in the policy.

The minimum legally required amounts of this coverage in Missouri are as follows:

• $25,000 bodily injury or death coverage per person in any one accident
• $50,000 bodily injury or death coverage for two or more persons in any one accident
• $10,000 property damage coverage for any one accident

Missouri: An At-Fault State

As with most other states in America, Missouri is considered an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents and auto insurance. At-fault means that if an accident occurs, an injured driver has multiple options, including:

• File a claim with his or her own insurance carrier
• File a third party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• File a lawsuit against the at-fault party in the local court

These options give injured drivers in Missouri freedom to choose which option is best for them as opposed to no-fault states. In no-fault states, drivers are required to file a claim first with their own insurance carrier and then must meet certain specifications to file a claim in the court of law.

What drivers and vehicles are covered under my Missouri car insurance policy?

It is quite common for drivers to wonder how their insurance coverage works if other people drive their vehicle or if they are covered if they drive a car belonging to someone else. In the state of Missouri, people named in your policy and people who have your permission to drive your car are covered under your insurance policy.

In addition, vehicles listed on your car insurance policy and vehicles that you drive while yours is being repaired after an accident are also covered. It is important to note that cars used for business purposes, like a lawn service or a food delivery service, are not covered under personal policies.

Optional Car Insurance Coverages in Missouri

In addition to the legally required car insurance coverage in Missouri, you can also purchase comprehensive and collision coverages. Although not legally required, these policy types can be very important to have.

For drivers who have a loan on their vehicle or lease their vehicle, their bank or leasing company likely requires them to have these coverage types.

However, some drivers who have paid off their vehicles may opt out of comprehensive and collision coverage in order to save money on their auto insurance premium. While this may save money each month, it has the potential to turn into a financial disaster if an accident were to occur.

Drivers should weigh their options and financial resources carefully before forgoing comprehensive and collision coverage on their auto insurance policy.

Both collision and comprehensive coverages come with deductibles. In general, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be. Most deductibles range from $100-$1,000. Before selecting a higher deductible, be sure you can pay your deductible should an accident happen.

Collision coverage pays for damages to your vehicle if it rolls or somehow collides with another vehicle. It will pay for repairs, or, if necessary, it will help replace your vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs or helps replace your vehicle in a wide range of circumstances. Situations covered under comprehensive auto insurance include:

• Fire
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Flooding
• Hail or wind damages
• Other weather related damages
• Hitting wildlife or other animals
• Natural disasters

Obtaining Car Insurance Coverage in the State of Missouri

There are a few different ways that Missouri residents can obtain the proper vehicle insurance in this state:

• Purchase an auto insurance policy from a carrier authorized to provide insurance in the state that meets the 25/50/10 minimum requirements.
• File a proof of financial responsibility with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
• Get a certificate of self-insurance from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Whichever route you choose, you will be issued proof of insurance which must be kept with you at all times while driving.

Consequences for Not Having Proper Car Insurance Coverage in Missouri

If you choose to drive without the proper car insurance coverage in the state of Missouri, you can face some serious consequences when pulled over or in an accident.

Such consequences include:

• Suspension or revocation of your driver's license
• Suspension of car registration
• Imprisonment of up to 15 days
• Fines up to $300 for each offense
• Community service
• Increased insurance rates

In addition, you will need to pay the state to get your car registration and your driver's license reinstated. For each offense, the fee will grow.

If you are found at-fault in an accident without insurance, you can be sued in civil court. If the other party wins, you may face liens, wage garnishment, or other actions to force you to pay for the damages you caused. Consequently, driving without the required amounts of insurance in the state of Missouri is a serious risk.

Can my Missouri car insurance be canceled?

Your Missouri car insurance policy can be legally canceled for a variety of reasons. However, driving safely, not lying on your insurance application, always being honest with your insurance company, and paying on time will significantly reduce the chances of your policy being canceled.

During the first 60 days of a newly issued policy, the car insurance company can cancel it for any reason. This practice is generally to protect the car insurance from any misinformation you may have given them when the policy was first issued.

After the first 60 days, your policy can be canceled for non-payment of a premium or suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Your car insurance company can also decide to not renew your policy after it expires. If this is the case, they are legally required to notify you in writing at least 30 days before your policy expires to give you time to get new auto insurance coverage.

Maintaining proper auto insurance in the state of Missouri is a legal requirement and responsibility of all drivers. Not having the proper insurance can cause severe consequences as well as financial and legal problems for all involved parties.

If you live in the state of Missouri, check with your insurance company to be sure you have obtained all of the coverage required in your state.

Should you find that your car insurance premiums are too high, consider utilizing an online price comparison calculator. These calculators have helped many drivers find the best rate possible. They can also save time by allowing you to compare all of the information at once.

Start comparing auto insurance rates now by using our FREE online comparison tool below!