Short answer: Missouri requires 25/50/25 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. Missouri also requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Underinsured motorist coverage is optional. Missouri uses pure comparative fault.
What Missouri requires
The Missouri Department of Revenue lists the minimum coverage for vehicles registered in Missouri:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
The liability amounts come from RSMo §303.190. The uninsured motorist requirement comes from RSMo §379.203.
UM yes, UIM optional
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes them. It doesn't cover property damage to your car in Missouri; that's a job for collision coverage.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which pays when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough, isn't required in Missouri. Most insurers offer it. Given that many drivers carry only 25/50, UIM can be valuable.
Pure comparative fault
Missouri is an at-fault state that follows pure comparative fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but it's never barred entirely. If you're 80% at fault, you can still recover 20% of your damages from the other driver. The flip side: the other driver can claim against you even if they were mostly to blame.
Proof and penalties
Missouri requires proof of insurance when you register a vehicle, when a police officer asks and after a crash. The Department of Revenue can also request verification. Driving uninsured can lead to points on your license, suspension, fines and reinstatement fees, and you may need to file an SR-22 certificate.
What the minimum doesn't cover
- Your car. Collision and comprehensive aren't required by law but are usually required by lenders.
- Serious injuries you cause. $25,000 per person can be used up quickly.
- Underinsured drivers. Without UIM, you're limited to their coverage.
- Weather. Missouri sees hail, tornadoes and flash floods. Only comprehensive covers that damage to your car.
Choosing limits
Many Missouri drivers with homes or savings choose 100/300/100 or higher, with UM and UIM at matching limits. If you want an umbrella policy, the umbrella insurer will set minimum auto limits. See how much umbrella insurance do I need.
St. Louis and Kansas City
Drivers in Missouri's two big metro areas face heavy interstate traffic and frequent cross-state commuting. Kansas City drivers who regularly drive in Kansas should know that Kansas is a no-fault state with PIP requirements for Kansas-registered vehicles. Your Missouri policy generally meets other states' minimums when you drive there, but review limits if you spend a lot of time out of state.
Common scenarios
A hit-and-run driver injures you on I-70. Your required UM coverage pays for your injuries up to your limits.
A driver with 25/50 coverage causes $100,000 in injuries to you. Without UIM, you're limited to their $25,000 plus your own medical payments or health insurance.
You're found 30% at fault. You can recover 70% of your damages.
Hail damages your car in Springfield. Comprehensive pays, minus your deductible.
Key terms
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: required coverage for injuries caused by uninsured drivers.
- Underinsured motorist: optional coverage for drivers with too little insurance.
- Pure comparative fault: recovery reduced by fault but never barred.
- SR-22: a certificate proving coverage after certain violations.
Questions to ask your broker
- Do I have UIM, and at what limits?
- What would 100/300/100 cost?
- Do I have medical payments coverage?
- What comprehensive deductible makes sense for hail?
Bottom line
Missouri's minimum includes UM, which many states don't require, but it leaves out UIM and anything for your own car. Add UIM, consider higher limits and keep comprehensive for Missouri weather. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Missouri and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Missouri?
25/50/25 liability plus uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of 25/50.
Is underinsured motorist coverage required in Missouri?
No. It's optional, though most insurers offer it.
Does Missouri UM cover damage to my car?
No. Missouri's required UM covers bodily injury. Collision covers your car.
How does fault work in Missouri?
Pure comparative fault: your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but never barred.
What happens if I drive uninsured in Missouri?
Possible points, suspension, fines, reinstatement fees and an SR-22 requirement.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.