Yes. Insurance companies associate low credit scores with a higher probability of filing a claim. Your credit score is one of a number of factors used to devise something called your “insurance score.” It’s a system for carriers to estimate the risk of insuring a particular customer, and therefore what they want to charge them. Raising your credit score (or keeping up a high one) helps you get a better deal on your coverage.
Missouri motorists who’ve maintained a clean driving record free of accidents and tickets for moving violations for a certain number of years may qualify for a good-driver discount from their car insurance provider. Ask your representative if this is available and what the requirements are. And while you’re at it, also inquire about other common discounts, such as:
- Full Pay
- Multiple Car
- Multiple Policy
- Good Student
- Resident Student
- Accident-Free
- Vehicle Safety
- Anti-Lock Brake
- Anti-Theft Device
- Home Ownership
- New Car
- Passive Restraint
- Utility Discount
Good news, Missouri residents: If you haven’t heard, yes, since mid-2013, you’ve been permitted to show digital proof of coverage on your smartphone or another mobile device. Obtain a digital insurance card from your carrier and no more worrying about finding that printed card in your overstuffed glove box. But it’s still wise to have one in there, just in case your phone isn’t charged or isn’t cooperating when you need to produce proof.
If you drive without at least the minimum required liability insurance, your driving privileges may be suspended, you’ll face some fines, and you’ll have four points assessed to your driver’s license. Keep in mind that it only takes eight points within an 18-month period to lose your driving privileges in Missouri.
It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Missouri at the following BAC percentages:
.08%+ at 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ at under 21 years old
Learn more about the state’s driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws, processes, and penalties on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
Missouri, like most states nowadays, has an implied consent law that requires all motorists to submit to a chemical detection test at the request of a police officer. Refusing to submit results in loss of driving privileges for 1 year. Then, you’ll have to go through the state’s 3 steps to get your license reinstated.
Conviction of a DWI offense in Missouri comes with criminal and administrative penalties. For a first offense, points will be assessed to your license, and it will be suspended for 90 days. However, you can apply for restricted driving privileges. You may face various fines and fees, as well. Prior drug or alcohol-related convictions within a 5-year period increase your penalties as a repeat offender.
Missouri’s Driver Improvement Program (DIP) offers courses that can, in many counties, prevent you from having points assessed to your driver’s license following certain types of tickets. If you complete one of these courses voluntarily and not in conjunction with a violation, your car insurance company may give you a break on your rate. It’s pretty common but checks with your carrier first to make sure this is something it offers.
Everyone loves to save money, and there are plenty of ways to save on your auto coverage. Carriers serving Missouri residents typically have a wide assortment of discounts available, many of which we’ve discussed above. Remember, a good credit score and a clean driving record are very useful for keeping your rates down. Also, if you can pay off a term of coverage up front instead of in monthly installments, you usually get a lower rate. Take as high a deductible as you can, too, as your carrier will trade-off with a lower premium. The most effective way to cut your car insurance cost, though, is to thoroughly comparison shop for the best quote when you’re in the market for a new policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for damage and injuries caused by another driver who doesn’t have car insurance. Driving without coverage may be against the law, but it happens more than you might realize. Every year, thousands of Missouri residents are involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Missouri mandates uninsured motorist coverage in the amounts of $25,000 bodily injury per person and $50,000 bodily injury per accident. This is an attempt to protect consumers and insurance companies, ultimately helping to keep premiums down for everyone in the state.