Drivers must have car insurance in Missouri that meets state liability coverage minimums. Upon registering a vehicle and renewing license plates, motorists must show proof of compliance with Missouri auto insurance law. In addition, drivers must carry valid proof of insurance at all times and are subject to tickets and fines for failure to do so, issued either by police officers or the Missouri Department of Revenue.

To comply with state regulations, your business must have liability auto insurance for Missouri for each vehicle in your business fleet. If you want to self insure, you must have at least 25 vehicles, an ID card issued by the Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles, and a bond or certificate of deposit filed with the Department of Revenue to ensure $60,000 in available funds.

Although saving money on premiums by self-insuring sounds appealing, purchasing car insurance in Missouri allows businesses to:

1. Avoid costly payouts for personal injury and property damages related to auto accidents.
2. Save money on other business related insurance policies.
3. Leave the insurance paperwork and other red tape to the agents.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Comply with Missouri auto insurance laws to avoid stiff penalties

Employers who fail to carry Missouri auto insurance that meets state requirements face losing valuable drivers and paying substantial fines.

I recommend: Legal Missouri auto insurance includes $25,000 of personal injury coverage per person, $50,000 of personal injury liability coverage and $10,000 property damage liability coverage per accident. More than one conviction for failure to show proof of auto insurance in Missouri can ultimately result in strict supervision by the Missouri Driver License Bureau or license suspension. You must show proof of car insurance in Missouri and pay a reinstatement fee of up to $400 to regain driving privileges.

Maintain records of your Missouri auto insurance to avoid SR-22 filing

If one of your drivers fails to show proof of compliant Missouri auto insurance after an accident, he must obtain special documents, which eats up valuable company time and money.

I recommend: An SR-22 is a proof of insurance document provided by a Missouri auto insurance company to state agencies. Auto Insurance USA and autoinsure specialize in SR-22 filing and offer free online Missouri car insurance quotes.

Get comprehensive coverage to further protect your business assets

Shrewd business owners often purchase comprehensive coverage to cover unanticipated expenses related to business vehicle damage. Most Missouri insurance companies offer consumers this additional coverage option despite the additional upfront cost.

I recommend: Talk to your agent about comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages associated with theft, fire, vandalism, explosions and other losses not caused by car collisions. To get comprehensive coverage added to your Missouri auto insurance policy, visit Progressive Commercial or Nationwide .

Get quotes from more than one Missouri auto insurance company

Shop around to get the best deal on auto insurance in Missouri. You may qualify for lower rates if you purchase more than one business insurance policy from the same Missouri insurance company or insure a large fleet of vehicles.

I recommend: Progressive and AIG offer commercial auto insurance in MO for small business owners. To get an accurate Missouri car insurance quote, ask questions to ensure the company can cover your drivers and vehicles and provide the type of business coverage you need. Look at Missouri's government site for a list of Missouri auto insurance providers that offer discounts for things like having multiple cars insured with the same provider.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If a company denies you auto insurance in Missouri, they must send you an explanation within 30 days. The Missouri Joint Underwriting Association provides coverage for motorists who cannot find it elsewhere.
• •  Consider prospective employee's driving records. Missouri car insurance rates are typically higher for those with several tickets or an accident history.