Ryan Bradley | August 27, 2025 | Car Accident \ Missouri Law
Key Takeaways:
- Missouri Requires Three Types of Auto Insurance Coverage. The state mandates $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 property damage liability, and $25,000/$50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is required and not optional in Missouri.
- Driving Without Insurance Can Ruin Your Finances. A first offense means immediate license suspension, up to $500 in fines, and SR-22 requirements that may increase premiums for years. And if you cause an accident, your entire financial stability could be at stake.
- Additional Coverage Protects Your Assets. Consider increasing your limits beyond Missouri’s liability insurance limits and adding coverage like medical payments, collision/comprehensive, and rental car protection to avoid financial shortfalls.
Getting pulled over without proper insurance in Missouri is embarrassing and can cost you your license. But what’s worse: if you caused the crash, you could lose everything you own. Still, many Missouri drivers are cruising around Kansas City, St. Louis, and elsewhere with coverage that barely meets the state’s minimums or no insurance at all.
Car accident laws in Missouri require minimum amounts for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. But these Missouri car insurance requirements were set years ago and won’t come close to covering a serious accident’s real costs.
Our guide explains what Missouri law requires, why the minimums fall short, and what happens if you’re caught without adequate coverage. You’ll also learn when you need legal help to fight insurance companies that are lowballing you after an accident.
What Are Missouri’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements?
If you’re driving in Missouri, auto insurance isn’t optional. You need to carry specific insurance coverage amounts. The state requires three types of coverage, and getting caught without them can cost you your license (and more money than you’d spend on premiums).
Missouri’s Required Coverage Amounts
Here’s a quick reference table outlining the car insurance coverage Missouri law requires you to carry, per the Missouri Department of Revenue:
| Coverage Type | Per Person | Per Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Property Damage Liability | — | $25,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Coverage | $25,000 | $50,000 |
Understanding Each Coverage Type
Here is a breakdown of what each type of insurance coverage does and why Missouri requires all three:
- Bodily Injury Liability Protection. Missouri’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (RSMo § 303.190) requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. This covers damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when you injure someone else in a motor vehicle accident. The amounts may sound like a lot, but consider that one emergency room visit can easily hit $15,000.
- Property Damage Coverage. Property damage insurance pays for the other person’s vehicle and property when you’re at fault or fault is shared for the accident. Missouri requires a minimum of $25,000, which covers most car repairs but won’t go very far if you hit a luxury vehicle or cause damage to multiple cars or buildings.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. This type of coverage can be critical, as it protects you when the other driver is uninsured or carries Missouri’s bare minimums. Since over 20% of Missouri drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), this coverage can be your lifeline.
Remember, the Missouri Department of Revenue can suspend your license if you don’t maintain the required minimum coverage, regardless of whether you’ve ever been in an accident.
Why These Coverage Minimums Matter
You might think Missouri’s minimum auto insurance requirements sound reasonable until you’re involved in a serious accident. The truth is, these coverage amounts were set a long time ago and haven’t kept up with the real cost of medical care or vehicle repairs in cities like Kansas City or St. Louis.
The Real Cost of Missouri Accidents: A Bradley Law Perspective
After handling hundreds of personal injury cases throughout Missouri over 20+ years, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when Missouri’s liability insurance limits fall short. And they often do. Since founding Bradley Law in 2002, we’ve recovered over $100 million for injury victims, highlighting that Missouri’s $25,000 and $50,000 (per accident) car insurance minimums almost never cover what people actually need after a serious accident.
What $25,000 Covers in Today’s Medical Costs
Depending on how badly you’re injured, a single trip to a Missouri emergency room can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, and that’s before any surgeries or extended treatment. When you look at what medical care costs now, Missouri’s $25,000 per person minimum looks pretty thin. Here are some approximate current figures:
- Emergency room visits: Average is around $2700, but can be much higher for catastrophic injuries
- Ambulance transport: $900-$3000
- Physical therapy: Up to $150 per session
- Surgical procedures: $20,000-$100,000+ for typical car injuries like fractures
A simple broken arm requiring surgery can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars before you even start physical therapy. In a serious accident, that $25,000 per person won’t even cover one victim’s initial hospital stay, with a one-day hospital stay alone potentially costing thousands.
And if a victim suffers a permanent or disabling injury, Missouri’s car insurance minimums won’t scratch the surface of what’s required in future healthcare costs.
Property Damage: Why $25,000 Is Rarely Enough
With a new car buyer now paying almost $50,000 on average, according to the Kelley Blue Book, you may already be at double the state’s $25,000 property damage minimum if you total just one newer car. When you factor in luxury vehicles, pick-up trucks, or multiple-car accidents that are common on I-70 through Kansas City or I-64 in St. Louis, that minimum coverage is a drop in the ocean.
And don’t forget, in addition to repair costs, you may also be responsible for rental cars while vehicles get fixed, towing fees, and something called diminished value claims. Even after repairs, a vehicle that’s been in an accident is worth less than before. The other party can collect that difference from you with a legal claim.
What Happens if You Don’t Carry Missouri Minimum Insurance?
If you’re caught driving without the required Missouri minimum auto insurance coverage, the Missouri Department of Revenue will suspend your license under RSMo § 303.042. Subsequent violations mean longer suspensions and steeper fines. Here’s a summary of potential penalties per the Missouri Department of Revenue:
| Offense | License Suspension | Reinstatement Fee | Fine | Points | Jail Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | Until insurance is obtained | $20 | Up to $500 | 4 | None |
| 2nd Offense | 90 days | $200 | $200–$500 | 4 | Up to 15 days |
| 3rd+ Offense | 1 year | $400 | $200–$500 | 4 | Up to 15 days |
You’ll also need to file an SR-22 form with the Missouri Department of Revenue, serving as proof that you’re now carrying insurance. The SR-22 filing requirement can stick with you for years and make your insurance premiums skyrocket. Some insurers even refuse to cover SR-22 drivers.
But the real financial nightmare starts when you cause an accident without proper coverage. Failing to observe Missouri’s auto insurance requirements means you will be personally liable for every dollar of damage and medical bills. Creditors can go after your house and even garnish your wages. So if you think Missouri’s minimum auto insurance is expensive, consider the financial devastation you could face if you lack coverage.
Should You Carry More Than the Insurance Minimum?
Missouri’s minimum insurance requirements were designed to provide drivers and passengers basic protection, but they can still leave you financially vulnerable. That’s why purchasing more than the bare minimum Missouri liability insurance coverage is generally a good idea.
Why and When Higher Limits Make Sense
Higher coverage limits protect your personal assets and give you peace of mind. Let’s say you own a home and have some savings; you’re now a target for lawsuits that can exceed Missouri’s required auto insurance by hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s why higher coverage is recommended for Missouri drivers:
- Urban Drivers (Kansas City, St. Louis). Consider $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 insurance coverage. Higher traffic density and more expensive vehicles in bigger cities mean greater risk exposure.
- Rural Missouri. $50,000/$100,000/$50,000 is a good starting point. There may be less traffic in rural areas, but longer emergency response times can potentially increase medical costs.
- High-Asset Individuals. If you have considerable personal assets that could be at risk in a lawsuit, consider an umbrella insurance policy, which protects assets beyond what’s covered in standard policies.
Additional Coverage Worth Considering in Missouri
Besides increasing your Missouri liability insurance limits, think about additional coverage that can protect you and your loved ones:
- Medical Payments Coverage. MedPay is a no-fault insurance, meaning it pays for your family’s medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. In Missouri’s fault-based system, MedPay kicks in immediately and covers everyone in your vehicle, including passengers.
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage. If you own a newer vehicle or you’re still making car payments, collision and comprehensive coverage can make financial sense. Choosing higher deductibles ($500-$1,000) can keep premiums affordable while protecting against total loss scenarios.
- Rental Car and Towing Coverage. Affordable add-ons, like rental car and towing coverage, may cost only around $20-40 per year but can save you hundreds when you need them. After an accident in Springfield or Jefferson City, you’ll be glad for transportation while your car is in the repair shop, and knowing tow truck bills are covered.
How a Lawyer Can Help After an Accident
When you’re hurt and overwhelmed, the last thing you need is an adjuster telling you that Missouri’s minimum coverage is all you’re getting. If fault is disputed or insurers deny you coverage outright, you need someone who can level the playing field and fight for what you deserve.
And some situations demand skilled legal assistance from day one, such as uninsured drivers and trucking crashes. If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, your lawyer can stack coverage from multiple policies and maximize your Missouri UM/UIM insurance benefits. Accidents involving commercial trucks bring federal regulations violations into play and require coordination across multiple insurance companies and policy limits.
Most importantly, having a car accident attorney in your corner means you can focus on healing while they handle the legal fight. Your attorney communicates directly with adjusters so you don’t have to. They can negotiate with medical providers to reduce liens against your settlement and take your case to court if insurance companies want to cheat you out of compensation.
Insurance Company Pushing You Around? Bradley Law Fights Back
When Missouri insurance companies try to lowball you after an accident, they’re hoping you’ll give up and take whatever they offer. At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we don’t want you to leave money on the table that you might need for future medical treatments and accident-related expenses.
We have recovered over $100 million for Missouri clients since 2002, and we know exactly how insurers operate. Our founding attorney, Ryan Bradley, spent years as an insurance defense lawyer before switching sides to fight for victims. Our track record speaks for itself:
- Over $100 million recovered for Missouri clients
- Record-breaking settlements, including $14 million for wrongful death and $14.25 million for a motorcycle accident
- Offices in Kansas City and St. Louis
When we take your case, you don’t have to worry about upfront fees as we work on contingency, meaning you’ll pay nothing unless and until you win and recover compensation. Remember, the time to file a legal claim is limited, so contact us today for a free and no-obligation consultation to learn about your rights.
FAQs – Your Questions About Missouri Minimum Auto Insurance Answered
Can I legally drive in Missouri with just liability insurance?
No, liability insurance alone doesn’t meet the state’s legal requirements. In addition, you must also carry Missouri UM/UIM insurance. State law requires both bodily injury liability ($25,000/$50,000) and property damage liability ($25,000), plus uninsured motorist coverage.
Does Missouri require SR-22 insurance for DUI convictions?
Yes, Missouri requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, license suspensions, and driving without insurance violations. With a DUI, you’ll typically need to maintain SR-22 status for two or more years. Since not all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage, you may also need to shop around for a carrier willing to file the form.
What’s the difference between Missouri’s fault-based system and no-fault states?
In Missouri’s fault-based system, the at-fault driver’s insurer pays for damages. In contrast, if you live in a no-fault state, your own insurance covers you regardless of who caused the crash. In other words, you can sue the other driver for pain and suffering in Missouri, but you’re also more vulnerable to getting sued if you cause an accident.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Missouri?
Generally, Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, insurance companies have much shorter deadlines for filing claims, sometimes only 30 days to report an accident and one year to file a formal claim.