Missouri Car Insurance Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

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Quick, sourced answers to the questions we hear most about what Missouri law requires. Everything here comes from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) and the Missouri statutes. For advice on choosing limits above the minimum, see our blog post, Missouri Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements vs. What You Actually Need.

What is the minimum car insurance required in Missouri?

Missouri requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage, often written as 25/50/25 (RSMo 303.190). DOR says you must have this coverage on each motor vehicle you own or operate.

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri law (RSMo 379.203) requires uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. According to DCI, it covers injuries to you and your passengers caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. It doesn’t cover damage to your car.

Is underinsured motorist coverage required?

No. Missouri’s required coverages are liability (RSMo 303.190) and uninsured motorist coverage (RSMo 379.203). Underinsured motorist coverage is optional. It helps when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your injuries, and it’s worth asking about.

Do I need collision and comprehensive coverage?

State law doesn’t require them. DCI’s auto insurance guide notes, though, that your lender requires them if you have an auto loan. Without them, there’s no coverage for damage to your own car from a crash, hail, theft or hitting a deer.

What counts as proof of insurance in Missouri?

Your insurance identification card, which DOR says must be kept in the vehicle at all times. You’ll also need proof of insurance to register a vehicle or renew your plates. Insurance companies report the vehicles they insure through the Missouri Insurance Verification System (MOIVS), and DOR can ask you for proof of insurance at any time.

What happens if I can't show proof of insurance during a traffic stop?

The officer may give you a ticket, and DOR says the owner can be ticketed too. If you’re convicted, four points go on your driving record. It only takes eight points in 18 months to lose your driving privilege in Missouri. The court may also order supervision or suspend your license.

What happens if my insurance lapses?

If your license or plates are suspended for not having insurance, DOR lists these suspension periods:

• 1st suspension: no suspension period, $20 reinstatement fee
• 2nd suspension within two years: 90 days, $200 reinstatement fee
• 3rd or later suspension: one year, $400 reinstatement fee

After any of these, you have to keep proof of insurance on file with DOR for three years. If the suspension involved an accident, the proof has to be an SR-22 filing. See our Missouri SR-22 guide.

I'm not a Missouri resident. What do I need?

According to DOR, nonresidents must keep insurance that meets the requirements of their own state. If you’ve moved to Missouri, you’ll need a Missouri policy that meets Missouri’s rules. Coming from Kansas or Iowa? See our Kansas and Iowa pages for how those states differ.

Is the state minimum enough?

It meets the legal requirement, but it may not be enough to protect your savings or home equity after a serious accident. We can quote a few different limits so you can see the difference in price. Curious what coverage costs? Read how much car insurance costs in Missouri.

Talk to a Local Agent

Prefer email? Send your questions to quote@hiltinsurance.com.

Sources: Missouri Department of Revenue, Insurance Information; RSMo 303.190 and 379.203; Missouri DCI, Liability Insurance Coverage page. Information is general and current as of October 2026. It isn’t a quote or a guarantee of coverage, discounts or approval.