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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Missouri

Across the Show-Me State, there are 268,201 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Missouri is $1,698 per year — 11% more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Missouri car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Missouri based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Missouri

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Missouri.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Missouri.

2nd place medal
Shelter Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Shelter Insurance scored an 856 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Farmers

Farmers Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 848 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.3 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Missouri drivers pay about 11% more for car insurance on average, with the cheapest major car insurance company being USAA.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Missouri

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

medal
Cheapest full coverage insurance: USAA

The cheapest rates are from USAA at $1,080 annually, or $90 per month.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for minimum liability: USAA

For the minimum required coverage in Missouri, USAA is the cheapest on average. 

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: Travelers

If you have a DUI on your record, check out Travelers for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,080
Travelers $1,328
Nationwide $1,542
State Farm $1,609
GEICO $1,797
Progressive $1,955
Allstate $2,398

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Missouri auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Missouri. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Missouri, expect to pay an average of $566 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by 5%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Missouri, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

Liability:

  • Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage $25,000 per accident

Uninsured Motorist:

  • Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident

Optional coverage in Missouri (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Medical Payments
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Missouri, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,498, 165% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 214% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Missouri car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Missouri with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Missouri.

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Missouri car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Missouri.

Cheap auto insurance in Missouri for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Missouri, the average cost for minimum coverage is $90 per month, or $566 yearly — a savings of $1,212 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $305
GEICO $459
Travelers $483
State Farm $511
Progressive $590
Allstate $631
Nationwide $649

Cheap auto insurance in Missouri with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Missouri drivers with poor credit pay 62% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,939
Nationwide $2,234
GEICO $2,244
Travelers $2,317
State Farm $2,780
Progressive $3,326
Allstate $3,753

Cheap auto insurance in Missouri with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $915 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,413
Travelers $1,625
State Farm $1,886
Nationwide $2,471
GEICO $2,842
Progressive $3,097
Allstate $3,152

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Missouri

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Missouri, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $5,483 per year — that's 11% more than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical Missouri driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $2,913
Travelers $3,469
Allstate $4,206
GEICO $4,567
State Farm $5,098
Nationwide $5,151
Progressive $7,536

Missouri auto insurance rate by violation

In Missouri, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. 

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,917 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,918 0% $1
Not-at-fault accident $1,961 2% $44
Two Med/PIP claims $2,000 4% $83
One comp claim $2,037 6% $119
Two comp claims $2,124 11% $207
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,184 14% $267
Failure to show documents $2,205 15% $288
Child safety restraint $2,207 15% $290
Driving without lights $2,207 15% $290
Cell phone violation $2,243 17% $325
Driving with expired registration $2,246 17% $329
Texting while driving $2,249 17% $332
Following too closely $2,252 17% $335
Speeding in school zone $2,266 18% $349
Driving too slowly $2,266 18% $349
Failure to stop at a red light $2,268 18% $351
Failure to yield $2,268 18% $351
Improper passing $2,274 19% $357
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,275 19% $358
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,277 19% $360
Illegal turn $2,279 19% $362
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,282 19% $365
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,292 20% $375
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,315 21% $398
In 65 MPH zone $2,319 21% $402
Passing school bus $2,364 23% $447
Open container $2,374 24% $457
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,414 26% $497
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,525 32% $608
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,760 44% $843
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,760 44% $843
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,977 55% $1,060
Driving with a suspended license $3,023 58% $1,106
DUI $3,044 59% $1,127
Racing $3,094 61% $1,177
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,183 66% $1,266
Reckless driving $3,230 68% $1,313

Missouri DUI laws

In Missouri, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $644. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Missouri

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Missouri, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Missouri, Travelers, advertises annual rates 26% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Missouri is USAA, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 46% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,867
Travelers $1,749
State Farm $2,127
Progressive $2,289
Nationwide $3,146
GEICO $3,466
Allstate $3,032

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Missouri SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Missouri to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Missouri might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Missouri

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in MIssouri in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Taos, Missouri, and the most expensive in pine Lawn, Missouri.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Missouri's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Columbia $1,735
Springfield $1,799
Independence $2,024
Kansas City $2,154
St. Louis $2,617

Car insurance price trends in Missouri

In Missouri, average annual auto insurance costs increased by just $11 in the past year. A typical Missouri driver pays an average of $1,698 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Missouri leans toward pricier car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

MISSOURI CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Missouri Yearly Change — Missouri Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,698 $11 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,687 -$42 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,729 $150 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,579 -$217 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Missouri car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Missouri auto insurance.

Our data indicate The Hartford has the cheapest premiums in Missouri. On average, you can buy a policy for $45 per month from Travelers.

For a six-month policy, drivers in Missouri pay $665. This is approximately $30 cheaper than the national average.

Yes — like most states in the U.S., it is illegal to drive without insurance in Missouri. Use The Zebra to find insurance online today.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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RECENT QUESTIONS

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.