Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements
Missouri has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Missouri are mandated by state law and the Missouri Department of Revenue. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(Source: Missouri Department of Revenue)
Driving without the mandatory liability insurance in Missouri can result in 4 points on your license, court ordered supervision to verify insurance is being maintained, and suspension of driving privileges. Subsequent offenses are subject to higher fines, reinstatement fees, and jail time.
The Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain required coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.
Alternatively, drivers not wishing to carry basic liability insurance in Missouri may deposit cash or securities in the amount of $60,000 with the Missouri Department of Revenue, or obtain a surety bond. The Department of Revenue will then issue a certificate of self-insurance.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Missouri
Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Missouri requires some research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies, even though Missouri ranks below national averages for car insurance costs. Some factors that impact insurance rates in Missouri include:
• Missouri is not a “no-fault” state, and does not require PIP insurance, however, uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage is required for all policy holders
• Vehicle repair costs are generally more expensive in Missouri than elsewhere
• Overall accident fatality rates is higher than national averages
• A higher percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
• Auto insurance fraud
• Vehicle theft rates above national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Missouri is $1,563 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Missouri
• If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount
• Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Missouri
• Maintain a good driving record
• Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
• Maintain a good credit score
• Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
• Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
• Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles
Missouri Statistics
• Auto Theft: Missouri has a relatively high vehicle theft rate, but it has been decreasing (as is the case in most states) consistently over the past few years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:
(Source: Auto Thiefs)
• Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Missouri has remained fairly constant in recent years, but vehicle accident fatality rates have declined, following a national trend. Still, Missouri is above the national average in numbers of deaths in car crashes.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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