Missouri Car Insurance Requirements: FAQ

What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Missouri?

Missouri law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident. The minimum required coverage is:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
• $25,000 per accident for property damage liability
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident

These minimums ensure that at-fault drivers can cover medical expenses and property damage for others involved in an accident (Missouri Revised Statutes §303.020).

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri law mandates that all drivers carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage protects you if you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run incident (Missouri Revised Statutes §303.030).

Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay Required in Missouri?

No, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required in Missouri, as it is a fault-based insurance state, not a no-fault state. However, Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) is an optional add-on to cover medical bills regardless of fault (Missouri Department of Insurance).

What Happens If I Drive Without Insurance in Missouri?

Driving without insurance in Missouri carries severe penalties, including:

• First offense: Fine of up to $300 and possible license suspension
• Subsequent offenses: Fine up to $1,000, potential jail time, and longer license suspensions
• SR-22 requirement: You may need to file an SR-22 for three years, proving you have valid insurance

Additionally, uninsured drivers involved in an accident cannot sue for damages, even if they weren’t at fault (Missouri Revised Statutes §303.025).

What Is an SR-22, and When Is It Required?

An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company with the Missouri Department of Revenue to prove you have valid insurance. You may need an SR-22 if:

• You were caught driving without insurance
• You were involved in an accident while uninsured
• You had your license suspended due to a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple violations

Drivers required to file an SR-22 must maintain coverage for three years to avoid further penalties (Missouri Department of Revenue).

What If Someone Else Drives My Car and Gets Into an Accident?

In Missouri, car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means that if someone borrows your car and causes an accident, your insurance policy is the primary coverage, regardless of whether they have their insurance.

If your coverage limits are exhausted, the driver’s insurance may act as secondary coverage (Missouri Revised Statutes §303.190).

Do I Need Insurance for a Car That Is Not Being Driven?

If you own a vehicle but are not driving it, Missouri law still requires liability insurance unless the vehicle is officially registered as non-operational with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

If you cancel your insurance without notifying the state, your registration may be suspended (Missouri Revised Statutes §303.045).

How Do Insurance Companies Determine My Premiums?

Missouri insurance companies calculate premiums based on several factors, including:

• Driving record (accidents, speeding tickets, DUI convictions)
• Age and gender (young drivers typically pay higher rates)
• Credit score (insurers consider credit history in Missouri)
• Location (urban areas often have higher rates due to accident risk)
• Type of vehicle (luxury and sports cars cost more to insure)

Drivers can reduce their premiums by maintaining a clean driving record, bundling policies, and increasing deductibles (Missouri Department of Insurance).

Where Can I Get Help With an Insurance Dispute?

If you believe your insurance company is acting unfairly—whether it’s denying a valid claim, delaying payment, or charging unreasonable rates—you have options:

• File a complaint with the Missouri Department of Insurance
• Consult a Missouri personal injury attorney if your claim involves an accident
• Request arbitration or mediation for disputed claims

Legal representation may be necessary for serious disputes to ensure you receive fair treatment (Missouri Department of Insurance).

Stay Informed and Protected

Missouri drivers must comply with state insurance laws to legally operate a vehicle and protect themselves from financial liability. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is essential, whether you’re shopping for coverage or handling an accident claim.