Missouri Car Insurance

Missouri Auto Insurance—If You Can't Show, Don't Go

Historical sources suggest that the name Missouri means "town of the large canoes." Of course, we've come a long way from canoes, and most of our travel in the Show Me State is done by car. So whether you're taking a ride to Busch Stadium to catch a ball game and eat a hot dog or planning a day trip to Mark Twain's boyhood home, you must have auto insurance in Missouri. Fortunately, you can get a Missouri car insurance quote with GEICO anytime.

So, whether you're new to Missouri or a life-long resident take a look at these Missouri car insurance requirements to make sure you're properly insured.

  1. Before you can register your car and drive in Missouri, you have to prove financial responsibility to the Department of Revenue (DOR). The easiest way to do this is by getting auto insurance.
  2. When you register your vehicle, you'll also have to sign an affidavit at the DOR that states you'll maintain insurance during the registration period.
  3. Always have your proof of Missouri car insurance handy while you're driving.

Failure to show proof of insurance could result in points on your driving record or suspension of your driver's license.

Learn More About Auto Insurance Coverage In MO

Before you get behind the wheel in Missouri, you need to have car insurance. Your policy must include the following coverages:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident
  • Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Please note these are the only required coverages you need to insure your vehicle in Missouri, but there are a number of optional coverages you can add for extra protection.

Missouri Teen Driver Laws

In Missouri, the Graduated License Law requires first-time drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 to complete a period of supervised driving and restricted driving before they may apply for a full license.

Missouri teens may apply for their instruction permit when they turn 15. While driving with a permit, the teen must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or a qualified driving instructor. A qualified driver over the age of 25 who has been licensed for at least three years and has received written permission from the teen's parent or legal guardian may also accompany the permit holder.

After the teen has held the permit for at least 182 days and had 40 hours of driving instruction (including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving) he or she may apply for an intermediate license. During the first six months, the teen may not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 19 who isn't immediate family. After six months, the teen may not have more than three passengers who are under 19. Intermediate license holders may not drive alone between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM except to and from a school event or work or in an emergency.

30 days prior to the driver's 18th birthday, an intermediate licensed driver may apply for a full driver's license.

Missouri Registration Information

You have 30 days from the date of becoming a Missouri resident or purchase to title your vehicle.

To obtain a Missouri title and registration (license plates) on a motor vehicle currently titled in another state, you must submit the following:

  • Title from the previous state or country where the vehicle was titled or Registration Certificate or proof of ownership in accordance with the laws of the previous state or country.
  • A signed Application for Missouri Title and License (DOR-108).
  • A current insurance identification card (original or copy) or other proof of financial responsibility.
  • Statement of non-assessment from your county (or City of St. Louis) collector's office showing you do not owe personal property taxes in the county (or City of St. Louis).
  • A Missouri safety inspection not more than 60 days old.
  • Identification number and odometer (ID/OD) inspection. All motor vehicles previously titled in another state or country must be inspected to verify the vehicle identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle.
  • An emissions inspection not more than 60 days old, if you reside in St. Louis City or the following counties: Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis, if applicable.