Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements

Missouri Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law

Missouri's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (Chapter 303 RSMo) requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage. This law ensures that drivers can financially compensate others for injuries or property damage caused in accidents.

Minimum Liability Coverage: 25/50/25

Missouri mandates the following minimum liability limits, commonly expressed as 25/50/25:

Understanding the 25/50/25 Split Limits

The split limit format means:

• First number (25): Maximum paid for bodily injury to any single person
• Second number (50): Maximum paid for all bodily injury claims in one accident
• Third number (25): Maximum paid for property damage in one accident

Example: If a Missouri driver causes an accident injuring three people with damages of $30,000, $20,000, and $15,000, the liability policy would pay:

• Person 1: $25,000 (capped at per-person limit, $5,000 shortage)
• Person 2: $20,000 (full amount)
• Person 3: $5,000 (remaining from $50,000 per-accident limit)
• Total: $50,000 (at the per-accident maximum)

Exam Tip: Missouri's 25/50/25 limits are the legal minimum. Many insurance professionals recommend higher limits to protect against personal liability for damages exceeding policy limits.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Missouri UM/UIM Requirements

Missouri insurance companies are required to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage to all policyholders. However, policyholders may reject this coverage in writing.

UM Coverage Protects Against:

• Uninsured drivers who have no liability insurance
• Hit-and-run drivers who cannot be identified
• Underinsured drivers (with UIM) whose coverage is insufficient

Rejection Requirements

To reject UM/UIM coverage in Missouri:

• Rejection must be in writing
• Rejection applies to named insured and all family members
• Insurer must have signed rejection on file
• Rejection carries over to renewal unless changed

Important: If no written rejection is on file, courts may presume UM/UIM coverage exists at the minimum liability limits.

Proof of Financial Responsibility

What Constitutes Proof?

Missouri accepts the following as proof of financial responsibility:

1. Liability Insurance Policy - Most common method
2. Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance ID Card - Paper or electronic
3. Self-Insurance Certificate - For qualified self-insurers
4. Surety Bond - Posted with the Department of Revenue
5. Cash Deposit - $60,000 with the Department of Revenue

Electronic Proof of Insurance

Missouri law permits electronic display of insurance cards:

• Accepted on smartphones and tablets
• Officers may not search the device
• Paper copies still acceptable
• Must show current, valid coverage

Penalties for No Insurance

SR-22 Requirements in Missouri

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by an insurance company with the Missouri Department of Revenue. It verifies that the driver carries at least the minimum required liability coverage.

When is an SR-22 Required?

Missouri requires SR-22 filing for:

• DWI/DUI convictions (driving while intoxicated)
• Driving without insurance (if involved in an accident)
• License suspension or revocation for certain offenses
• Accumulation of excessive points on driving record
• At-fault accidents without insurance
• Court-ordered requirements

SR-22 Filing Requirements

SR-22 Cancellation Consequences

If SR-22 coverage lapses:

• Insurance company notifies Department of Revenue within 10 days
• Driver's license suspended
• Vehicle registration may be suspended
• Filing period may restart

Exam Tip: An SR-22 is NOT insurance itself - it's a certificate proving insurance exists. The driver must still purchase and maintain an actual liability policy.

Missouri's Fault-Based System

Tort System Explained

Missouri follows a fault-based (tort) system for auto accidents:

• The at-fault driver is responsible for damages
• Injured parties seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurer
• If liability limits are insufficient, at-fault driver is personally liable
• Lawsuits may be filed to recover damages exceeding policy limits

Determining Fault in Missouri

Fault is determined by:

• Police reports and accident investigations
• Witness statements
• Physical evidence at the scene
• Traffic law violations
• Insurance company investigations

Pure Comparative Negligence in Missouri

How Pure Comparative Negligence Works

Missouri follows pure comparative negligence (also called pure comparative fault). This means:

• Injured party can recover damages even if they are mostly at fault
• Recovery is reduced by the injured party's percentage of fault
• Even a party who is 99% at fault can recover 1% of damages
• No threshold or bar to recovery based on fault percentage

Comparative Negligence Examples

Pure vs. Modified Comparative Negligence

Exam Tip: Missouri is one of the few states using pure comparative negligence. Remember that an injured party can always recover something, regardless of their fault percentage.

Additional Auto Coverage Types in Missouri

Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)

• Pays medical expenses regardless of fault
• Covers policyholder, family members, and passengers
• Optional coverage in Missouri
• No subrogation rights typically

Collision Coverage

• Pays for damage to insured vehicle from collision
• Regardless of fault
• Subject to deductible
• Optional coverage

Comprehensive Coverage

• Pays for non-collision damage (theft, fire, vandalism, weather)
• Subject to deductible
• Optional coverage
• Often required by lienholders

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

• Not required in Missouri
• Provides no-fault medical and wage benefits
• Optional coverage
• Broader than Med Pay

Missouri No-Pay, No-Play Law

Missouri does not currently have a "no-pay, no-play" law. Some states restrict uninsured drivers from recovering non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in lawsuits, but Missouri allows full recovery subject only to comparative negligence principles.