Missouri requires every vehicle owner and operator to carry liability insurance, called financial responsibility. It covers your legal liability for injuries to other people and damage to their property. You show proof when you register a vehicle, renew plates, or when an officer asks.
Minimum required coverage
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury, per crash | $50,000 |
| Property damage, per crash | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury, per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury, per crash | $50,000 |
Acceptable proof of insurance:
- A copy of your original, current insurance ID card from your insurer
- A copy of your liability policy or insurance binder (a temporary policy)
- A paid insurance receipt showing the policy information
- A certificate of self-insurance issued by the Department
- A Department ID card issued when a surety bond or securities are filed
- A hand-held electronic device
Other forms of liability coverage:
- Self-insurance: more than 25 vehicles, and able to show you can and will pay for damage
- Surety bond, CD or other securities of $75,000 ($150,000 for a real estate bond) filed with the Department
- $75,000 cash deposited with the State Treasurer
Know the rule
When you register a vehicle, you sign a form stating you have insurance and will keep it. Keep proof in your vehicle: if an officer asks and you can't show it, you'll get a ticket.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Know the rule
The Department may require proof of insurance at any time, including after a crash in which you didn't show proof.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Know the rule
If the Department learns you haven't kept insurance, you'll get a suspension notice by mail; your license and plates may be suspended. The most common way to file proof is an SR-22, through your insurer.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Suspensions for not keeping insurance
| Suspensions | What happens |
|---|---|
| One | Suspended until you pay $20 and file proof for 3 years |
| Two (within two years) | 90 days; $200 fee; proof for 3 years |
| Three or more | One year; $400 fee; proof for 3 years |
Know the rule
If you don't keep insurance for the three years, your license and/or plates will be suspended again.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Know the rule
If you're at fault in an accident and don't pay the damages, your license and/or plates are suspended for one year. You may be reinstated sooner by paying a $20 fee and sending proof you've settled.
Handbook p. 82 ↗Put it into practice
Your policy lapsed, and it's your second insurance suspension within two years. Your license and/or plates are suspended for 90 days, you pay a $200 fee, and you must file proof of insurance for three years.