Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2026)

Quick Answer: Missouri Minimum Auto Insurance

Missouri requires all drivers to carry liability insurance plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. The state uses a strict financial responsibility law with severe penalties for driving uninsured.

This is commonly written as 25/50/25 plus mandatory UM coverage at matching limits. Unlike many states, Missouri does not allow you to waive uninsured motorist protection.

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What Missouri Law Requires

Missouri operates under Revised Statutes of Missouri Section 303.025, which establishes the state's financial responsibility requirements.

The Four Mandatory Coverages

1. Bodily Injury Liability

• $25,000 per person
• $50,000 per accident (total for all people injured)
• Covers injuries you cause to others in an accident
• Pays medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering

2. Property Damage Liability

• $25,000 per accident
• Covers damage you cause to other vehicles, buildings, fences, etc.
• Also covers damage to government property (guardrails, signs)

3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

• $25,000 per person
• $50,000 per accident
• Protects you when hit by driver with no insurance
• Cannot be waived or rejected in Missouri

4. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

• Optional, but typically included with UM
• Same limits as UM coverage
• Protects you when hit by driver with insufficient coverage
• Can be rejected in writing

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Missouri Financial Responsibility Law

Missouri's financial responsibility law is stricter than many states. Here's how it works:

When You Must Prove Financial Responsibility

Immediately Required After:

• Any accident where combined damages exceed $500
• DUI or DWI conviction
• License suspension or revocation
• Accumulation of 8 or more points on driving record
• Court judgment for accident-related damages

How to Prove Financial Responsibility

Option 1: Insurance (Most Common)

• Maintain continuous liability coverage
• Keep insurance card in vehicle at all times
• File SR-22 if required (high-risk situations)

Option 2: Cash Deposit

• Deposit $60,000 with Missouri Department of Revenue
• Held for potential claims
• Rarely used due to high amount

Option 3: Surety Bond

• $60,000 bond from licensed surety company
• Guarantees payment of claims
• More expensive than insurance

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Missouri

Missouri enforces insurance requirements aggressively with both criminal and administrative penalties.

Criminal Penalties

First Offense:

• Fine: Up to $300
• Possible jail time: Up to 15 days
• Court costs and fees

Second Offense (within 5 years):

• Fine: Up to $500
• Possible jail time: Up to 90 days
• Higher court costs

Third Offense:

• Fine: Up to $1,000
• Jail time: Up to 1 year
• Classified as Class A misdemeanor

Administrative Penalties

License Suspension:

• Immediate suspension upon conviction
• Reinstatement fee: $20 (first offense) to $200 (subsequent)
• SR-22 filing required for 2 years

Registration Suspension:

• Vehicle registration suspended
• Cannot legally drive or park on public roads
• Must surrender license plates

Point Assessment:

• 4 points added to driving record
• Points remain for 3 years
• 8+ points triggers additional suspension

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Missouri Insurance Verification System

Missouri uses the Missouri Automated Insurance Verification System (MAIVS) to monitor insurance compliance.

How MAIVS Works

Electronic Reporting:

• Insurance companies electronically report all active policies
• New policies reported within 72 hours
• Cancellations and lapses reported immediately
• Department of Revenue cross-references with registrations

Automatic Enforcement:

• System flags uninsured registered vehicles
• Owner receives "Notice of Suspension" by certified mail
• 30 days to provide proof of insurance or surrender plates
• Failure to comply results in automatic suspension

Random Verification:

• DOR randomly selects vehicles for verification
• Owner must submit proof within 30 days
• Failure to respond = automatic suspension

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Why State Minimums Aren't Enough

Missouri's 25/50/25 minimums haven't kept pace with medical costs and vehicle values. Here's why they're inadequate:

Real-World Cost Examples

Scenario 1: Rear-End Collision

• Vehicle damage to newer SUV: $35,000
• Your property damage limit: $25,000
• You pay out of pocket: $10,000

Scenario 2: Injury Accident

• Injured driver's medical bills: $60,000
• Your per-person limit: $25,000
• You're personally liable for: $35,000

Victims can sue you for the difference and garnish wages, seize assets, or place liens on property.

Recommended Coverage Levels

Insurance experts recommend these minimums:

Cost difference: Upgrading to 100/300/100 typically adds only $20-40/month but provides dramatically better protection.

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Special Situations in Missouri

High-Risk Drivers (SR-22 Requirements)

Missouri requires SR-22 filing after:

• DUI/DWI conviction
• Driving while suspended
• Multiple at-fault accidents
• Uninsured driving conviction
• Serious traffic violations

SR-22 Details:

• Certificate of financial responsibility filed by insurer
• Must maintain for 2 years (minimum)
• Any lapse triggers immediate license suspension
• Premiums increase 30-100% during SR-22 period
• Filing fee: $25-50 (one-time)

Out-of-State Drivers

Moving to Missouri:

• Must obtain MO insurance within 30 days of establishing residency
• Out-of-state policies don't meet MO requirements
• Must title and register vehicle with proof of MO insurance

Temporary Visitors:

• Out-of-state insurance accepted if it meets Missouri's minimum requirements
• Must carry proof of out-of-state insurance
• Missouri law applies—out-of-state minimums must meet or exceed MO standards

Military Personnel

Active Duty in Missouri:

• Can maintain home state insurance and registration
• Must comply with Missouri law when driving in state
• Out-of-state insurance must meet MO minimums

Missouri Residents Deployed:

• Can suspend registration while deployed
• Must reinstate with proof of insurance upon return
• Some insurers offer deployment discounts

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How to Get Missouri Auto Insurance

Step 1: Compare Quotes

Get quotes from multiple insurers:

• State Farm (largest presence in Missouri)
• Shelter Insurance (Missouri-based)
• American Family Insurance
• Farm Bureau Insurance
• National carriers: Geico, Progressive, Allstate

Step 2: Understand What You're Buying

Your quote should include:

• 25/50/25 liability (minimum)
• 25/50 UM/UIM (mandatory)
• Optional collision and comprehensive
• Any additional coverages you select

Verify the insurer is licensed:

• Check Missouri Department of Insurance website
• Unlicensed policies won't satisfy legal requirements

Step 3: Available Discounts

Common Missouri Discounts:

• Good driver (no accidents/violations)
• Good student (under 25 with B average)
• Multi-car discount
• Homeowner discount (bundle policies)
• Defensive driving course completion
• Anti-theft devices
• Low annual mileage
• Automatic payment/paperless billing

Step 4: Maintain Continuous Coverage

Critical: Missouri's verification system monitors coverage continuously

• Never let coverage lapse, even for one day
• Set up automatic payments to prevent cancellation
• Change insurers carefully—ensure new policy starts before old one ends
• Keep proof of insurance in vehicle at all times

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Missouri vs. Neighboring States

Compared to Kansas:

• Kansas: 25/50/25 (same liability)
• Kansas: UM coverage optional (can be waived)
• Missouri: UM mandatory (cannot waive)

Compared to Illinois:

• Illinois: 25/50/20 (lower property damage)
• Illinois: UM mandatory (same as Missouri)
• Illinois: Uninsured motorist property damage optional

Compared to Arkansas:

• Arkansas: 25/50/25 (same minimums)
• Arkansas: UM optional (can be waived)
• Missouri: Stricter electronic verification system

Compared to Iowa:

• Iowa: 20/40/15 (lower minimums)
• Iowa: UM coverage optional
• Missouri: Higher minimums, mandatory UM

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reject uninsured motorist coverage in Missouri?

No. Missouri law requires UM coverage on every auto insurance policy. You cannot waive or reject this coverage. This protects you when hit by an uninsured driver, which is important since approximately 12-15% of Missouri drivers are uninsured.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse for one day in Missouri?

Even a one-day lapse triggers Missouri's verification system. The Department of Revenue will send a suspension notice requiring you to surrender your license plates or provide proof of insurance within 30 days. You'll also face reinstatement fees and potential SR-22 requirements.

Do I need insurance if my car isn't running?

If the vehicle is registered, yes. Missouri requires insurance on all registered vehicles even if not operational. To avoid this, you must surrender your license plates to the Department of Revenue and cancel your registration.

How do I prove insurance during a traffic stop?

You can show either a physical insurance card or electronic proof (on your phone). Missouri law allows both. Officers can also verify coverage electronically through MAIVS. Failure to provide proof results in a citation and fine.

Does Missouri require insurance for motorcycles?

Yes. Motorcycles must carry the same minimum coverage as cars: 25/50/25 liability plus 25/50 UM coverage. Some riders mistakenly believe motorcycles are exempt—they are not.

What is SR-22 insurance in Missouri?

SR-22 isn't a type of insurance—it's a certificate filed by your insurer proving you carry required coverage. It's required for high-risk drivers (DUI, suspended license, etc.) and must be maintained for 2+ years. If coverage lapses, your insurer notifies the state and your license is immediately suspended.

Can I use rideshare insurance from another state in Missouri?

Out-of-state insurance is accepted only if it meets Missouri's minimum requirements. However, if you're a Missouri resident, you must have Missouri-issued insurance even if you primarily drive in another state.

How much does auto insurance cost in Missouri?

Average premiums in Missouri: $1,200-1,800/year for minimum coverage. Full coverage (with collision/comprehensive and higher limits) averages $2,000-3,000/year. Rates vary significantly by location, age, driving record, and vehicle type.

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Key Takeaways

• Missouri requires 25/50/25 liability plus mandatory 25/50 UM coverage
• Uninsured motorist coverage cannot be waived—it's mandatory
• Electronic verification system (MAIVS) monitors all registered vehicles
• Severe penalties for driving uninsured: fines, jail time, suspension
• Financial responsibility law requires proof after accidents or violations
• State minimums are inadequate—consider 100/300/100 or higher
• SR-22 required for 2+ years after serious violations
• No grace period for lapses—even one day triggers enforcement

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Missouri auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources and state law. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with:

• Missouri Department of Revenue
• Missouri Department of Insurance
• Your licensed insurance agent

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: Missouri Revised Statutes Section 303.025, Missouri Department of Revenue, Missouri Department of Insurance, Missouri Automated Insurance Verification System (MAIVS) guidelines