📊 Missouri at a Glance
Avg Annual Premium
$2,100
full coverage
National Ranking
#22
cheapest
vs National Avg
-$597
below avg
Uninsured Rate
20.7%
#2 worst!
⚠️ Critical Warning: 2nd Highest Uninsured Rate
Missouri has the 2nd highest uninsured driver rate in the nation at 20.7%—only Mississippi is worse. More than 1 in 5 drivers on Missouri roads have no insurance. UM/UIM coverage isn't optional—it's essential.
📋 Missouri Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Required: $25,000/$50,000 |
| PIP / Personal Injury Protection | Not required |
✓ Good news: Missouri requires UM coverage matching your liability limits. Given the 20.7% uninsured rate, this is critical protection. Consider increasing beyond minimums.
⚖️ How Missouri's Insurance System Works
At-Fault (Tort) State
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. You can sue for additional damages.
Pure Comparative Fault
You can recover damages even if 99% at fault—but your award is reduced by your fault percentage.
Consumer-friendly: Missouri's "pure" comparative fault rule is generous—you can recover something even if mostly at fault, unlike many states.
💰 Cheapest & Most Expensive Cities
✓ Cheapest Cities
✗ Most Expensive Cities
St. Louis has particularly high rates due to urban crime, theft, and accident frequency. College towns like Columbia offer much better rates.
🏆 Best Insurance Companies in Missouri
| Insurer | Best For |
|---|---|
| State Farm | Major presence, bundling, local agents |
| GEICO | Good drivers (often cheapest) |
| Progressive | Drivers with violations |
| American Family | Strong Midwest presence, bundling |
| Shelter Insurance | Regional favorite (HQ in Columbia!) |
Pro tip: Shelter Insurance is headquartered in Columbia, MO. They often have excellent rates for Missouri drivers and strong local service.
💳 Credit Score Impact
Credit-based insurance scoring is allowed in Missouri.
Missouri prohibits "price optimization" (charging loyal customers more), but credit scores can still significantly affect your premium.
🎁 Available Discounts
Defensive driving course
Good student discount
Bundle home + auto
Telematics/safe driver programs
💡 Tips for Missouri Drivers
- ✓ Max out UM coverage - With 20.7% uninsured, this is critical protection
- ✓ Quote Shelter Insurance - Missouri-based, often competitive
- ✓ Pure comparative fault helps you - You can recover even if mostly at fault
- ✓ Shop St. Louis rates carefully - Urban areas have huge premium swings
- ✓ Use MO DOI - insurance.mo.gov for complaints and rate comparisons
The Bottom Line
Missouri has decent rates ($2,100/year, 22nd cheapest) but a serious problem: the 2nd highest uninsured driver rate in America at 20.7%. The good news? Missouri requires UM coverage to protect you from these uninsured drivers.
Best strategy: Don't settle for minimum UM/UIM—increase it to match higher liability limits. Quote Shelter Insurance (local) alongside GEICO and State Farm. Consider telematics if you're a safe driver—Missouri insurers offer good discounts.