• Missouri drivers must maintain liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage.Red cars image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
  
  Every state has its own laws governing required types of auto insurance, minimum coverage amounts and penalties for failing to maintain said insurance. Missouri law only requires drivers to maintain liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. However, individuals leasing or financing cars may need additional insurance if required by the dealership or bank financing the loan. Missouri drivers may not register their vehicles without showing physical proof of insurance and the Driver's License Bureau may request proof of continued insurance at any time during the registration process.
  
  

Required Insurance

• Missouri drivers must maintain liability insurance to cover injury and property damage incurred if they are found at fault for an accident. The law requires a minimum of $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people and $10,000 for property damage. They must also obtain the same bodily injury minimums for their uninsured motorist coverage.
  
  

Alternatives to Insurance

• While most people choose to meet their financial responsibility requirements by purchasing standard auto policies, the Department of Revenue offers residents several other options. Residents may file a real estate bond, a surety or another type of security bond in the amount of $60,000 with the Department of Revenue. Those who own more than 25 vehicles---such as businesses--may also obtain a self-insurance ID card for each vehicle by demonstrating that they have the necessary funds to cover damages. Anyone interested in these options should contact the department for more information.
  
  

Penalties

• In cases where failure to maintain proper insurance results in a license suspension, the first offense does not incur a minimum suspension period and the driver may regain privileges as soon as he provides proof of insurance. A second offense within two years will result in a suspension of 60 days, while any subsequent suspensions will result in a suspension for one year, regardless of when they occur.
  
  If an unlicensed driver causes an accident, the second suspension will be for 90 days regardless of when it occurs, while the penalties for first and third offenses remain the same.
  
  

License Reinstatement

• In order to reinstate a license suspended for failure to maintain insurance, a driver must show proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee. The first suspension requires a fee of $20. The second requires a fee of $200, while third and subsequent suspensions incur fees of $400. These fees are the same regardless of whether the unlicensed driver was involved in an accident.