The Best and the Cheapest Car Insurance in Missouri 2024

From Kansas City to Sedalia, the cost of auto insurance in Missouri varies based on several factors. Our research reveals who provides the cheapest car insurance in Missouri, as well as names that excels in other departments — customer service, financial stability, range of optional coverages and discounts, etc. 

Additionally, we’ve prepared a list of the most affordable players in the four biggest cities in the Cave State. Furthermore, we’ve demystified Missouri auto insurance laws, explained its minimum coverage, and offered tips that can help you shave as much as 60% off your monthly premium.

The Overall Winner: Progressive

You may love Progressive’s quirky ads. But does it offer dependable car insurance that’s easy on the pocket? We dug deeper to find out. 

And guess what — Progressive is the cheapest auto insurance company in Missouri by some distance. At $113 a month, its premiums are as much as 40% lower than its nearest competitor. 

Apart from offering great value for money, Progressive is in the pink of health financially. A.M. Best awarded it the second-highest possible rating of “A+”. In other words, you can count on the insurer to not make excuses or look for legal loopholes when you file a claim.  

Unlike some other car insurance MO companies, Progressive offers some unique features. A case in point is its Name Your Price Tool, which obviates the need to hunt discounts and crunch numbers. Just enter the amount you are willing to pay for car insurance, and the tool will list all available coverage options. 

However, Progressive’s performance in customer service is about average, managing only three stars in 2021’s J.D. Power study for the Missouri region. 

Nevertheless, since for most people car insurance boils down to cost, which is Progressive’s strength — as is financial health — it fully deserves the title of “best car insurance company in Missouri.”

Choose Progressive for dirt-cheap premiums.

Look elsewhere if top-shelf customer service is a priority.

The Best for Financial Health: GEICO

If financial stability is more important than price, don’t look further than GEICO. It got the highest possible rating of “A++” from A.M. Best. In simple English, this means GEICO’s customers can rest easy knowing the insurer will promptly pay out their claims whenever they file them, whether that’s tomorrow or a few years down the line. 

GEICO also outshines most other auto insurance Missouri providers in the technology department. Its smartphone app is among the best in the business, as reflected by its rating of 4.8 (out of 5) on both the App Store and Google Play. Whether you want to report a claim, need a tow, or you want to find the cheapest gas station, the app lets you complete the desired action in a jiffy. 

However, much like Progressive, which offers the cheapest car insurance in Missouri, GEICO fails to impress in the customer service department. It too got a three-star rating from J.D. Power in the Missouri region, although its overall rank is slightly better.

All in all, if your priority is rock-solid financial strength and average customer service is not a deal-breaker, GEICO is one name to keep on your radar.

Choose GEICO for superior financial health and online tools.

Look elsewhere if you want the most affordable auto insurance in Missouri or exceptional customer service.

Best for Its Variety of Coverage and Discounts: Allstate

Even though Allstate’s rates are routinely on the expensive side, it’s a worthy option for certain buyers. For instance, if you want a special type of optional coverage, such as classic car insurance, America’s fourth-largest auto insurer might be a good option to consider. 

Allstate’s selection of discounts is just as impressive as its range of optional coverages. Depending on your profile, you might be able to tack on more than a few such discounts on your auto insurance quotes in Missouri and considerably lower your overall insurance cost. The insurer is particularly generous toward safe drivers, whom it rewards handsomely through its Allstate Rewards Program, vanishing deductible, and Safe Driving Bonus Check. 

Continuing with the positives, Allstate’s mobile app is just about as good as they come. You can use it to submit a claim with photos, pay bills, contact your agent, and request road assistance.

Financially, too, Allstate is in pretty good shape. Like Progressive, which provides the cheapest car insurance in Missouri, it managed an impressive A+ rating from A.M. Best. 

However, Allstate’s customer service record is nothing to shout about. It got three stars in J.D. Power regional study, which confirms its customer service is nothing special. 

All in all, Allstate offers several perks. Still, its premium rates are on the higher side and its customer ratings are average. Nevertheless, if you are a good driver or have unique coverage needs, Allstate might be worth a shot.

Choose Allstate for its wide selection of discounts and optional coverages.

Look elsewhere if you want cheap insurance in Missouri.

Best for Military: USAA

USAA — fifth-largest auto insurer in the US — earned a perfect score in the overall satisfaction category in the latest J.D. Power regional study. In other words, with USAA you can rest assured that you’ll be taken good care of. 

The insurer’s financial strength is every bit as impressive as its customer service, as reflected by its “A++” rating from A.M. Best. This is the highest rating awarded by the US-based rating agency. 

USAA is also a suitable choice for budget buyers looking for a cheap auto insurance Missouri provider since its rates are among the most affordable. It is also a good fit for those who prefer to bundle services with one provider. Apart from car insurance, USAA offers banking and investing services as well. 

Nevertheless, USAA has one shortcoming — it’s not available for everyone. Its products are for people affiliated with the US military only. 

Sounds like you? Then give USAA a try. You can’t go wrong with it.

Choose USAA if you are looking for cheap auto insurance in Missouri backed by exceptional customer.

Look elsewhere if you don’t qualify for coverage.

Best for Unique Features: Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual also offers several unique features that might appeal to certain users. A case in point is its new car replacement coverage. If your new car gets totaled before its first birthday and clocking 15,000 miles, Liberty Mutual will pay you for a brand new car, rather than the actual value of your car. 

What about its premium rates? And does it offer something “extra” for old car owners? 

If you are a budget user, you’ll be pleased to know that Liberty Mutual offers cheap car insurance in MO. In our research, it emerged as one of the more affordable options in the Show-Me State. 

And as for old car owners, the insurer has Better Car Replacement. Opt for it and Liberty Mutual will pay you for a model that’s one year newer and 15,000 miles less driven than your totaled car.

Another useful feature on offer is the Deductible Fund. You can lower your deductible by $100 each year by paying only $30 as part of your premium. The remaining $70 will come from the pocket of Liberty Mutual. Nice, eh?  

Apart from offering cheap insurance in MO and some interesting features, Liberty Mutual boasts of robust financial health. It earned the second-best rating of A+ from A.M. Best. 

However, its performance in customer service is a let-down. It could manage only two stars and a lowly 21st rank (among 24 insurers) in the latest J.D. Power regional study. All the same, Liberty Mutual can be an appealing option for those whose top priority is low-cost car insurance or who want unique features offered by it.

Choose Liberty Mutual for its cost-effective rates and unique features. 

Look elsewhere if you want top-notch customer service.

Cheap Car Insurance in Missouri (By City)

To find out which city in the state has the lowest auto insurance premium, we gathered quotes from all important players in the industry. Our quote was for a 40-year-old male with a clean driving record and included full coverage limits.

St. Louis

Built on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is the second-largest city in Missouri. It is known for its blues music, art museums, a world-class zoo, baseball, and of course, the Gateway Arch.  Our research shows that auto insurance in St. Louis, MO, is costlier than elsewhere in the Cave State. Nevertheless, several companies offer buyers good value for their money, and you would do well to pick one of them.

Best for 21-Year-Olds

Progressive shows up as the most affordable option for young drivers in St. Louis, with GEICO coming a close second. However, both of them fail to impress in the customer service department. If your priority is top-rated service rather than cheap St. Louis auto insurance, consider State Farm.

Best for 40-Year-Olds

Experienced drivers looking for a budget-friendly option should go with Progressive. At $154 a month, its premium is nearly 30% cheaper than its nearest competitor — GEICO. On the other hand, if you are someone who places a high value on customer service, State Farm might be right up your alley.

Best for 70-Year-Olds

State Farm appears to be the all-round winner in this category. Its rates are affordable and customer service top-class. Still, if you want the most affordable St. Louis car insurance that money can buy, don’t look beyond Progressive. On the other hand, if you want some less common optional coverages, consider Allstate.

Kansas City

Located in Missouri’s western edge, Kansas City is the largest city in the Cave State. The city lays claim to having more functional fountains than any other in the world, a fact that has earned it the moniker of “City of Fountains.” It is also known for its jazz heritage, the World War 1 Museum, and some exceptional barbecue.If you are looking for cheap auto insurance in Kansas City, Missouri, start your search with Progressive. You can’t go wrong with it since its average premium is 42% lower than the second name in the list — Liberty Mutual. Other suitable options for budget buyers are Travelers and Allstate. 

Springfield

Located in southwestern Missouri, Springfield is the third-largest city in the state. It is also known as the “Birthplace of Route 66” and the “Queen City of the Ozarks.” Springfield, which mixes small-town hospitality with big-city amenities, is a great place to live and work.In our research, Springfield emerged as the most affordable city for car insurance. If you want affordable car insurance in Springfield, MO, it’s hard to look past Progressive. Its rate is almost half of its nearest competitor — State Farm. Allstate, which offers a wide range of optional coverages, might be a good option for certain users. Another name worth adding to your list is Farmers.

Columbia

Touted as one of the best places to live in Missouri, Columbia is the fourth most populous city in the state, with a population of over 120,000. Columbia is known for its colleges, art, and progressive politics.  Those looking for the most affordable car insurance in Columbia, MO, should keep Progressive at the top of their list. Even though few other players offer low-cost insurance in Columbia, none can match Progressive’s rates. For instance, State Farm, the next name on the list, is roughly 44% costlier on average. Nonetheless, you can consider State Farm or Allstate if you want a specific type of coverage not available with Progressive. If you are a new car owner, also add Travelers to the list.

Missouri Car Insurance Laws

Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan (MO AIP)

Are you unable to buy auto insurance coverage from the normal market? Worry not. Help is available — and it goes by the name of the Missouri Automobile Plan (MO AIP). It was designed to help drivers who are denied coverage in the voluntary market. Car insurance is mandatory in Missouri and its MO AIP that makes sure every driver —  high-risk or not — has access to the state’s minimum car insurance coverage.   All auto insurance companies in Missouri must participate in this plan and share the financial burden of insuring high-risk drivers according to its market share. For instance, if GEICO holds a 10% market share in Missouri, it will get up to 10% of drivers coming through MO AIP.  While MO AIP is for the benefit of high-risk drivers, it lends a helping hand only if certain conditions are met. For starters, you must show that you tried but couldn’t find car insurance in Missouri in the normal market in the last 60 days. Secondly, you must hold a valid driver’s license or be eligible to obtain one.  MO AIP can save the day for “rejected” applicants since without basic insurance they can’t legally drive. However, mind you, this help comes at a cost. Coverage obtained through it is considerably more expensive than regular insurance. Therefore, knock at MO AIP doors only after exhausting all other possible options.

Missouri State Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements 

Every driver in Missouri must have the following bare minimum coverage.  – $25,000/$50,000 Bodily Injury Liability — The maximum payout for injury or death of one person in a car accident caused by you is $25,000. If two or more persons are hurt or killed, the maximum payout is set as $50,000 per accident – $15,000 Property Damage Liability per Accident — The maximum amount your policy will pay for property damage caused by you in an accident.

SR22 Insurance in Missouri

SR22 is a form — not a special type of car insurance coverage — that helps maintain or reinstate your driving privileges after you have committed a serious violation or the suspension of your driving license.  Also called a certificate of financial responsibility, SR22 shows that you have the state’s minimum coverage and thus are legally eligible to drive. Your MO car insurance company will have to file SR22 with the local DMV in any of the following scenarios: -You have received a DUI or DWI conviction. -You have gotten a citation for driving without valid insurance or license. -You were involved in an at-fault accident without auto insurance. -You have received too many traffic tickets in a span of a few months. The fee for filing an SR22 isn’t much, usually $15–$25. However, the violation that leads to it can push your auto insurance MO rates higher.  How much higher? Well, that depends on the violation that led to your SR22 requirement and your choice of insurance company. Some companies, such as Progressive, specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer you better rates than others. So do shop around a little.  Once you get the SR22 certificate, you will have to maintain it for one to three years before you can become eligible for standard car insurance.

No-Fault Laws

Missouri is an “at-fault” state. That means each MO auto insurance provider must pay for the damages caused by their drivers in a car accident.  In other words, if you are involved in a no-fault accident and get hurt or experience car damages, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier, up to the policy limits. If your losses exceed the policy limits, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver or claim with your insurance company, provided you have taken uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage.  That said, if you don’t have the mandatory car insurance in Missouri and are involved in a motor vehicle collision caused by another driver, you can’t collect compensation for non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). 

Price Optimization in Missouri

Did you know that behind your premium there could, in fact, be an equation that has nothing to do with your risk profile?  Research shows that nearly 45% of insurers, both big and small, use non-risk related data to calculate premiums, a practice called “price optimization” in insurance parlance. Specifically speaking, companies make educated guesses on how much premium hike you would tolerate before switching to another provider and then try to charge you that amount.  That doesn’t sound fair, right?  Thankfully, insurance companies in Missouri are prohibited from using price optimization.  Missouri became the 17th state to ban price optimization in 2016. The Missouri Department of Insurance issued a bulletin to insurers asking them to stop the practice of “price optimization.” In other words, if you live in Missouri, you can rest easy knowing your car insurance premium is reflective of the kind of risk you represent to your insurer and nothing else.

Missouri Car Insurance for New Residents

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, non-residents must maintain auto insurance that meets the minimum requirement of their state.

Tips for Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Missouri

Check Car Insurance Reviews

No auto insurer excels in all departments. Therefore, in addition to checking the overall rank, take their performance on individual parameters, such as price, financial stability, and customer service, into account. You can find this information and much more in our auto insurance reviews. We covered each and every important factor before grading auto insurers in the US.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes in Missouri

Since all auto insurers assess each driver’s risk differently, the best way to find the cheapest rate on the coverage you want is by gathering quotes from multiple providers and comparing them. Only then can you be sure that you have got the possible best bang for your buck.

See Who Provides the Highest Discounts

You can lower your premium rate significantly by availing all discounts available to you. When you get an online quote for car insurance in Missouri, this is something you don’t have to worry about. The system automatically factors in available discounts before dishing out a quote. However, if you are dealing with an agent, remember to ask them to list all discounts for which you qualify.

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