Missouri Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Missouri"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of Missouri.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Missouri?

Missouri has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In Missouri, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and your restricted license at sixteen, with a full license at eighteen.

To adhere to Missouri's auto insurance rules, you must...

In Missouri, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. Missouri requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In Missouri, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $25,000.00, up to maximum of $50,000.00, as well as an additional $10,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In Missouri, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in Missouri:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in Missouri.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Missouri

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: I was in an auto accident and now have medical bills. My health insurance paid them but doesn't the auto pay?
I have copies of explanation of benefits where my health insurance paid my medical bills from an auto accident. I live in the state of Missouri. Doesn't the auto insurance company still suppose to pay you the full amount of the bills?

Answer: The health insurance company can "go after" your auto insurance company for reimbursement of any bills that they paid, if you purchased PIP or Medical payments coverage, up to your auto policy limit. YOU can't collect under both policies. Collecting under your HEALTH insurance automatically assigns them the right of "subrogation" - going after the other policy (either yours or the guy that caused the accident) for reimbursement.

Question: Does anyone know anything about non owners insurance for the state of Missouri?
I need auto insurance

Answer: It only covers you, when you use a vehicle not owned by you, or any of your household members; and the vehicle must not be available to you for regular use. Agents don't like to sell this, for two reasons: 1. it's a pain to write, as pretty much you have to go through the state auto fund of whatever state you're in, and you don't make nearly enough money to cover your costs in writing it and 2. most of the time, people are buying it for the wrong reasons, thinking that it's going to get them out of paying more money to insure them the right way - in other words, claims get DENIED, because people are driving regular use or household member vehicles without being listed. In any case, you'll have to talk to a local agent about this. Don't try "do it yourself" insurance. If you're not an agent, you're probably misunderstanding something.

Question: I had an auto accident outside my home state. Which State's law would be applied (Missouri or Oklahoma)?
I live in Missouri and the accident was in Oklahoma. I have Allstate insurance. Missouri law applies insurance companies to deduct the cost of air bags from the estimate to determine whether the car is totaled. My 2006 civic's side airbags deployed, the rear passenger wheel sheared off, the front and rear bumpers are off the car and the is damage to the passenger side of the car. It appears as though the frame may be bent (according tothe towing company) but I am not sure. Bottom line is that I do not want a car with this damage repaired. I live in Missouri and the accident was in Oklahoma. I have Allstate insurance. Missouri law applies insurance companies to deduct the cost of air bags from the estimate to determine whether the car is totaled. My 2006 civic's side airbags deployed, the rear passenger wheel sheared off, the front and rear bumpers are off the car and the is damage to the passenger side of the car. It appears as though the frame may be bent (according tothe towing company) but I am not sure. Bottom line is that I do not want a car with this damage repaired. The accident was a single car accident (mine only).

Answer: Liability claims - the laws of the state where the accident occurred would apply. Claims involving your contractual coverage, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist - the laws of the state where the policy was written. In your situation, Missouri law would apply. If the damage to your vehicle exceeds 75% of the Actual Cash Value, the insurance company will total your vehicle.

Question: Need input on auto liability insurance only?
Hi, I have found that getting quotes on line for full coverage has left me hounded with unwanted email and phone calls. This time I want to get liability alone for a old (1990) vehicle that I have no concern about replacing if I should have an accident. My question is: Can you give me a ballpark figure of what I may have to pay or perhaps an insurance provider that you may believe has the best rates? My local agents hound me to take full coverage. NOT WANTED!!!!! I gave very little money for this vehicle and will not be using very much at all. Thanks for your input. Missouri vehicle in small town.

Answer: Call Safe Auto- They are all about the minimum coverage requirements- I have a friend that uses them and he loves them.

Question: getting what i deserver from auto accident?
I was hit a week ago in my car which i have only had for 4 months. I paid 15400 then for the car and the person who hit me insurance is offering 11400 for car, it was toteled. THey say they just pay the blue book value. I live in missouri and i was wondering if they are just saying that to get off paying what i deserve or if that is the way things are done. ANY info would be greatly appriciated. Thanks

Answer: Sorry, that is the way insurance works. They owe you the current worth of the car. Not the pay off price. Not the replacement price. Yes, that is the way it's done, if it costs more to fix the car than to total it, they will give you the value, adjusted for condition, at the time of loss. Once they pay you, the vehicle becomes theirs and they will take it off to sell parts off it in an attempt to recover some of their losses. If you want to keep it for whatever reason, they will sell it back to you, but that will reduce your settlement considerably. I wish you well.

Question: Car Rentals vs Car Ownership?
I live in Missouri near one of the larger cities, about 10 miles from the city. I am tired of driving, paying the cost of insurance, maintenance, and of course $gas$ so I was thinking since I am middle age at home alone and do not need car everyday. Would it be cheaper to RENT an auto say maybe 1 a week. And would I need to have insurance of some sort? Any ideas? I just need to get to the city oh maybe at most 1 a week and I would save lots. Going to city grabbing a meal out, buying stuff I do not need, would really seem to help my budget. Does this sound feasible or dumb? Let me know what else I need to consider. Any ideas, tips are helpful. Thank You in advance to all who reply. Isn't a lease about the same as ownership as you have to carry full insurance, maintain the car,etc.?

Answer: Check on a lease, take someone with you to understand terms correctly.

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