The Complete Guide to Missouri Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Show-Me State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things MO car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Missouri?
Car insurance in Missouri averages $221/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $259 |
| St. Louis | $306 |
| Springfield | $218 |
| Columbia | $196 |
| Independence | $234 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Missouri?
Missouri drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
16.4% of drivers in Missouri are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, raising costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 24,869 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in MO, down 17% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
MO has a relatively moderate FEMA disaster rating of 86, with the highest risks of inland flooding and tornado, driving up comprehensive coverage costs.
What car insurance do I need in Missouri?
All Missouri drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Missouri drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Missouri?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Missouri drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Missouri?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from mudding in the Ozarks
How much car insurance do I need in Missouri?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Missouri labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Peters | $88 | $109 | $161 | $88 |
| Springfield | $88 | $144 | $151 | $88 |
| Columbia | $88 | $119 | $139 | $88 |
| Ballwin | $88 | $109 | $161 | $88 |
| Saint Louis | $88 | $109 | $161 | $88 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Missouri?
Missouri takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
Up to $500 first offense, $200-$500 for repeat violations.
Suspension
License suspended until insurance obtained first time, 90 days second time, one year for third offense.
Jail time
First offense won’t land you in jail. Repeat offenses? Up to 15 days behind bars.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Missouri?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Missouri?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Missouri car insurance FAQs
Is Missouri a no-fault state?
No, Missouri isn’t a no-fault state. Missouri operates under at-fault insurance. If you’re injured, you can pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance or file a lawsuit. PIP coverage isn’t required.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must meet minimum liability coverage requirements. Insurance is electronically verified at registration — failure to maintain coverage can result in registration penalties.
What are the top risks for driving in Missouri?
Missouri’s rural highways experience dangerous speeding and impaired driving incidents, while urban traffic creates frequent accident conditions. Unpredictable weather patterns, including severe storms and ice, can rapidly make roads deadly. Wildlife crossings are common throughout rural areas.
How long do I have to report an accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more must be reported to law enforcement immediately. If police don’t investigate the accident, you must file a report with the Missouri State Highway Patrol within 30 days. Insurance companies often require faster reporting.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Missouri?
In Missouri, be careful on rural highways where deer and other wildlife cross. Adjust your speed when storms or ice hit. Stay alert in busy city areas. Don’t text and drive on long trips.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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