The state of Missouri requires minimum auto insurance limits of 25/50/25, but these limits are widely considered insufficient for most drivers.
What 25/50/25 means:
$25,000 Bodily Injury Liability (per person): Covers injuries you cause to a single individual in an accident.
$50,000 Bodily Injury Liability (per accident): The total amount available for all injured parties in one accident.
$25,000 Property Damage Liability: Covers damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property.
Why this coverage is often not enough:
While these limits satisfy legal requirements, they do not reflect the real cost of modern accidents. Medical expenses can easily exceed $25,000 for even moderate injuries, especially when emergency care, hospital stays, or ongoing treatment are involved. If multiple people are injured, the $50,000 per-accident cap can be exhausted very quickly.
Similarly, the $25,000 property damage limit may fall short when replacing or repairing newer vehicles, which often cost far more. If damages exceed your policy limits, you are personally responsible for the remaining balance—putting your savings, income, and assets at risk.
For these reasons, the insurance industry generally recommends higher liability limits to provide meaningful financial protection. Carrying only the state minimum may meet the law, but it does not adequately protect you from the financial consequences of a serious accident.