What Is Comprehensive Insurance in Missouri?

Summary: Comprehensive insurance covers incidents that can damage your vehicle outside of a wreck. Things like flooding, hail damage, hitting a deer, etc. It’s not required by law but some drivers may be required to purchase the coverage if they lease or finance their vehicles. Missouri drivers aren’t protected against everything, but comprehensive auto insurance is a very affordable safeguard against paying large, out-of-pocket repair costs. Compare rates near you and get quotes to save more while protecting your vehicle.  Estimated Read Time: 4 mins

Table of Contents:

1. What Comprehensive Car Insurance Covers for Drivers in Missouri
2. What’s Not Covered By Comprehensive Insurance in Missouri
3. Facts About Comprehensive Insurance in Missouri
4. Get Quotes for Missouri Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance protects drivers in Missouri from weather-related claims, such as flooding, hail, fires, etc., while also covering theft, vandalism, and collisions with animals.

Other forms of car insurance in Missouri don’t cover these perils and while it’s not mandatory, you can protect your vehicle from more with affordable coverage.

To compare top-rated carriers near you, get quotes on comprehensive auto insurance using our tool below:

What Comprehensive Car Insurance Covers for Drivers in Missouri

With a comprehensive car insurance policy, drivers are covered for losses that happen outside of accidents. Though it’s not a blanket coverage, here are some common examples of how you’re covered:

• Weather-related damage, such as flooding, hail, etc.
• There’s a storm causing a tree limb to fall on your car
• You’re driving down the road and hit a deer
• Rocks or other objects are thrown from a vehicle and damage yours
• Your glass is damaged, including your windshield
• There is an act of vandalism or a riot that damages your vehicle
• Damage from explosions and fire
• Your vehicle is stolen

What’s Not Covered By Comprehensive Insurance in Missouri

Comprehensive coverage is helpful for many losses that don’t involve other vehicles or accidents, however, there are plenty of exclusions, such as:

• Damage to your vehicle or another driver while driving
• Underinsured motorists who can’t fully cover your damage after an accident
• Hit-and-runs
• Loss of income following an accident.
• Medical and legal expenses after an accident
• Personal property that is stolen or damaged while in your vehicle
• Pothole damage

Facts About Comprehensive Insurance in Missouri

There are many moving parts when it comes to understanding comprehensive auto insurance.

Every policy is different, but the nature of this coverage provides common traits for drivers who are looking to protect their vehicles.

Here are some common, important key takeaways about comprehensive insurance in Missouri every driver should know:

Is it Required?

Comprehensive insurance coverage isn’t required by state law but there are some situations in which drivers must have this protection in place.

Specifically, you’re going to need to likely include this coverage if you are leasing or financing your vehicle, due to the terms and conditions of your contract.

Comprehensive vs Collision Insurance in Missouri

While both protections are found in full coverage auto insurance, comprehensive and collision operate differently. Here’s how they compare:

• You need comprehensive coverage when you’re protecting against weather-related, non-accident perils.
• Collision coverage is how you restore your own vehicle after an accident no matter if you’re at fault.

Together, both coverages are effective additions to liability and help you protect against more with affordable insurance.

Deductibles and Policy Limits

Comprehensive insurance has a deductible you must pay before your insurer reimburses you.

You and your insurance company agree on the deductible you choose when you enroll.

Depending on how much your deductible is will affect how much premium you pay every month but it will also affect the amount of money out of pocket you’ll be responsible for after an accident.

For instance, choosing a $2,000 deductible typically lowers your monthly premium compared to a $1,000 deductible.

If a repair costs $3,000, with a $2,000 deductible, you’d pay the first $2,000 and receive $1,000 from your insurer. With a $1,000 deductible, you would get $2,000 in reimbursements.

Higher deductibles are best for drivers with a history of fewer claims, while lower deductibles may be more cost-effective if you’re more likely to file a claim.

Consider your personal circumstances, such as exposure to risks like falling trees, when choosing your deductible.

Drivers who rarely file claims should opt for higher deductibles but be ready for the associated out-of-pocket costs, whereas those prone to claims may benefit from lower deductibles to ease financial burdens.

How Much Is It?

On average, drivers in Missouri pay $29 per month or $348 per year for comprehensive insurance.

The cost of your comprehensive auto insurance coverage is determined by the risk you pose as a client, similar to other policies.

Insurance companies assess risks differently, so rates can vary even for the same coverage and driver.

Your premium is also influenced by your deductible and the value of your vehicle.

Since compensation is usually based on the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV), if an older car is damaged, like from a fallen tree, the coverage may not fully cover the cost of a new model, leaving you to pay the difference.

Do I Need Coverage?

If you live in or drive through an area that is often affected by weather-related perils, you should consider comprehensive insurance.

For example, if you live where there are plenty of trees or in an area prone to flooding, adding this coverage to your auto insurance policy makes a lot of sense.

Then again, it’s important to remember that anyone leasing or financing a vehicle will likely be required to have comprehensive car insurance no matter what.

Get Quotes for Missouri Comprehensive Insurance

Finding the right policy can feel time-consuming but we’re here to help. You can get a free auto insurance quote by clicking the link or using the tool above to find the cheapest car insurance near you quickly.

If you’d like some assistance, our team is available. Contact us today to learn more about comprehensive insurance and how to save.

Sources:

1. Cover your car, Missouri Department of Insurance.

Cover your car, Missouri Department of Insurance. Accessed September 2024. https://insurance.mo.gov/Contribute%20Documents/tnCarIns.pdf