Every Missouri driver needs auto insurance, but the legal minimum and the coverage that actually protects you aren’t always the same thing. Here’s what Missouri law requires, what those numbers mean in real life, and what to think about when choosing your limits.
What Missouri Law Requires
Missouri’s minimum liability limits are set in RSMo 303.190, and uninsured motorist coverage is required by RSMo 379.203. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Missouri Department of Revenue both describe the minimums as:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
You’ll often see this written as 25/50/25 with 25/50 UM. Missouri drivers also have to keep proof of insurance in the vehicle, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
What the Minimums Actually Cover
Bodily injury liability pays for injuries you cause to other people, up to your limits. Property damage liability pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property, like their car or a fence. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your injuries and your passengers’ injuries if you’re hit by an at-fault driver who has no insurance or by a hit-and-run driver. According to the Missouri DCI, it doesn’t cover damage to your car.
What minimum coverage doesn’t include:
- Damage to your own vehicle (that’s collision and comprehensive)
- Hail, theft, deer hits and other non-collision damage (comprehensive)
- Rental car while yours is in the shop
- Roadside assistance
Where the Minimums Can Fall Short
Think about what $25,000 of property damage coverage buys today. If you cause an accident involving a newer pickup or SUV, or more than one vehicle, the damage can exceed that limit. The same goes for medical bills when someone is seriously hurt. If a claim goes over your limits, you could be personally responsible for the difference.
That’s why many drivers choose limits well above the state minimum, especially if they own a home, have savings or have a household with teen drivers.
Coverage Worth Considering
- Higher liability limits. Ask your agent to quote a few levels so you can see the price difference.
- Underinsured motorist coverage. Helps when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your injuries.
- Collision and comprehensive. Usually required if you have a loan or lease, and important if you couldn’t easily replace your car. Comprehensive matters around here because of hail.
- Medical payments coverage. Helps with medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of fault, subject to limits.
- Umbrella policy. Extra liability protection above your auto and home limits.
How to Decide on Your Limits
A few questions to start with:
- What do you own that could be at risk in a lawsuit (home equity, savings)?
- Could you replace your car out of pocket if it were totaled?
- Who drives your vehicles, and how much?
- How much deductible could you comfortably pay?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why we like to walk through it in person or by phone.
Local Help Across Missouri
We’re a local Allstate agency in Gladstone with a second office in North Kansas City. We help drivers in Liberty, Parkville, Riverside, Smithville and everywhere else in Missouri and Kansas. Driving on the Kansas side? See our guide to Kansas auto insurance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Missouri?
Missouri requires 25/50/25 liability ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage) plus uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident (RSMo 303.190 and 379.203).
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri law (RSMo 379.203) requires uninsured motorist coverage on auto liability policies, with limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Does minimum coverage pay to fix my car?
No. Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others. To cover your own vehicle, you’d need collision and comprehensive coverage.
Is the state minimum enough?
It meets the legal requirement, but it may not be enough to protect your assets after a serious accident. Many drivers choose higher limits. An agent can help you compare options.
Talk to a Local Agent
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7683. We write policies throughout Missouri and Kansas.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
