Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Author profile picture

Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

Nathan tra…

Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

How much does car insurance cost in St. Louis?

St. Louis boasts relatively affordable living expenses compared to other major cities in the United States. Auto insurance rates in St. Louis average $1,309 for a six-month policy, which equates to about $218 per month. According to our 2023 data, USAA offers the most affordable car insurance in St. Louis, with rates at $550 for a six-month policy. Travelers is also an excellent option for those who cannot qualify for USAA.

In St. Louis, car insurance rates are higher than the statewide average for Missouri, which is $951 per six-month policy. The city's average rates are also more expensive than the national average of $742. According to our data, 36% of St. Louis residents feel they are paying too much for their auto insurance. We can help you understand how your rates compare to those typical of St. Louis and what factors affect your premiums, including age, credit score, and even the weather.

Car Insurance in St. Louis vs. Missouri Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Missouri Average $951
St. Louis Average $1,309

The cheapest car insurance companies in St. Louis

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA takes the prize for the cheapest coverage at $92 per month or $550 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: Travelers

In second place is Travelers, offering auto insurance rates of just $134 per month ($805 for six months).

3rd place medal
3rd place: State Farm

Finishing out as third-cheapest on our list is State Farm. A policy from State Farm in St. Louis costs $1,032 per six-month policy.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in St. Louis:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in St. Louis is $1,309 per six-month policy — $218 per month.
  • The cheapest company in St. Louis is USAA ($550), but Travelers is also a good option.
  • St. Louis ranks as the 25th most expensive city for car insurance in Missouri.
  • 36% of Zebra customers in St. Louis are using our tools because they feel they're paying too much for their current auto insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

St. Louis car insurance rates by company

In St. Louis, the cheapest auto insurance company in 2023 is USAA, with rates of $92 per month or $550 per six-month policy. Travelers follows closely behind as the second most affordable option, with rates at $134 per month or $805 for a six-month policy. While USAA generally has low rates, it is only available to military members and their families, meaning not everyone can purchase a policy. If you want to learn more about the top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we can provide you with the information you need.

Cheapest car insurance companies in St. Louis, MO
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $550
Travelers $805
State Farm $1,032
Nationwide $1,056
GEICO $1,093
Allstate $1,436
Shelter $1,463
Progressive $1,466

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around to save on car insurance


Don't waste your time scouring the internet for car insurance deals in St. Louis. Let us help you by using our comparison tool to find the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget. Simply enter your ZIP code to view rates from top companies such as Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and others, to find the best and most affordable car insurance in St. Louis.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Average car insurance in St. Louis by rating factor

Your car insurance rates in St. Louis are impacted by various rating factors, and different insurance companies may weigh one factor more heavily than another. For example, some insurers prioritize credit scores, while others examine prior claims history in more detail. This implies that the car insurance company that suited you in your 20s may not be the best fit for you in your 40s.

In St. Louis, it's crucial to obtain insurance quotes periodically to ensure that you're receiving the best possible rate. It's also a good idea to reassess your insurance needs and the cost of coverage when personal circumstances change due to events such as marriage, landmark birthdays, or credit improvement.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings, which refer to the revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims, are a significant factor in auto insurance rates in St. Louis. Even if you're a great driver with zero claims, you may still pay more with one insurance company than another due to the costs they incur by doing business in St. Louis.

Auto insurance premiums by age in St. Louis

Age is a crucial factor when it comes to determining car insurance premiums in St. Louis. Insurance companies evaluate risk when analyzing data to determine which drivers, or groups of drivers, are more likely to file a claim. Unfortunately, teen drivers have an accident rate that is significantly higher than any other group, resulting in the steepest increase in premiums. In St. Louis, it can cost up to $3,450 more per year for teens than for someone who is 20-24 years old, which is nearly a $300 per month difference.

Insurance rates for teens in St. Louis can come as a shock to both them and their parents, but it's important to remember that an insurer's business is risk management. Higher rates for teen drivers help offset the costs of paying claims. Since teenage drivers are more likely to have an accident than drivers of other ages, companies have to take this into consideration when it comes to rates.


Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in St. Louis, MO
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $1,502
Travelers $2,302
Allstate $2,600
GEICO $2,834
State Farm $3,501
Nationwide $3,644
Shelter $3,804
Progressive $5,992
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s USAA $679
30s USAA $518
40s USAA $474
50s USAA $447
60s USAA $447
70s USAA $517

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for St. Louis drivers between 20-40 are USAA, Travelers and State Farm.


Most St. Louis drivers fall between ages 20 and 40 and pay an average of $1,503 every six months. However, by choosing these specific insurers, they can potentially save up to 41%. It's worth noting that USAA insurance is only available to military members and their families, so Travelers and State Farm are excellent alternatives if you don't qualify for USAA coverage.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in St. Louis

Adjusting your coverage level is one factor that can directly impact the premium you'll pay for car insurance in St. Louis. According to our research, 30% of drivers in St. Louis have the state minimum coverage, which can lower premiums but also puts them at risk of being underinsured in the event of an accident. While states only require a certain amount of coverage, the bare minimum isn't always the best option in the long run.

Adding collision or comprehensive coverage can significantly increase your rates, but it can also provide added peace of mind when driving in St. Louis. These coverages usually require a deductible, which can also affect your rates. In general, the higher your deductible, the lower your rates will be. For instance,  full coverage with a $2,500 deductible will typically cost less per month (or per policy period) than coverage with a $1,000 deductible.

In St. Louis, you might consider extras like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage that can safeguard you against drivers who don't have their own auto insurance. These additions may increase your overall car insurance rates, but The Zebra's insurance experts advise carrying them for both peace of mind and practicality in the event of an accident.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If you are an owner of a vehicle in St. Louis (which 48% are), you have more flexibility in choosing the level of car insurance coverage. While it's important to have liability coverage to protect against damages caused by an accident, you may want to consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage if your car is paid off. If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, the cost of repairing it may be less than the cost of the coverage itself.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in St. Louis, MO
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $152
Travelers $317
GEICO $320
Allstate $402
State Farm $433
Progressive $457
Nationwide $473
Shelter $561

41% of The Zebra's customers in St. Louis choose the basic tier of coverage, but it may not be the best option for everyone. As mentioned already, carrying the state minimum required coverage may save you money in the short term, but it can leave you in a tough spot if you're involved in a multi-car accident or one involving bodily injuries. Missouri's 25/50/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage — this may be fine for minor incidents, but not enough for every situation.

Missouri also requires uninsured motorist protection (UMP), as well. Learn more about insurance laws in Missouri.

St. Louis car insurance rates by credit score

Your credit score can have a big impact on your car insurance rates, as insurance companies have found that drivers with lower credit scores tend to file more claims and engage in riskier driving behavior. This means that if you have bad credit, you're likely to pay more for your car insurance coverage than someone with good credit, all other factors being equal.

In St. Louis, drivers with poor credit pay an average of 97% more for car insurance compared to those with excellent credit. Most St. Louis drivers fall in the average (580-679) category, and USAA offers the best rates for drivers who fall into this credit tier. Keep in mind that each insurance company weighs credit scores differently, so it's important to shop around for the best rates.

car insurance in St. Louis by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in St. Louis, MO
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $986
GEICO $1,389
Travelers $1,429
Nationwide $1,549
State Farm $1,916
Allstate $2,260
Shelter $2,267
Progressive $2,556

Zebra Tip: If you've improved your credit score, it's time to shop for car insurance!


Drivers in St. Louis who have "Fair" credit pay $1,222 (40%) less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. To move up a credit level may only take a few points, depending on where you fall in the tier, so if you've improved your credit lately, it's a good time to see if you can save money on your auto insurance!

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

In St. Louis, at-fault and collisions-type accidents are the most common type of insurance claims, and they can significantly impact your car insurance rates. According to our data, an at-fault accident in St. Louis can increase your monthly insurance premium by $78 on average. However, this can vary depending on the severity of the accident and your insurance company's policies. We recommend shopping around for insurance after an accident to find the best rates.

One of the easiest ways to keep your car insurance premiums affordable is by being a safe driver. By driving incident-free, you show insurance companies that you're less of a risk and deserve better rates. Remember, citations for reckless driving, speeding, and DUIs, as well as at-fault accidents, can all lead to rate increases.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in St. Louis, MO
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $724
Travelers $1,015
State Farm $1,242
Nationwide $1,700
GEICO $1,786
Shelter $1,891
Allstate $1,905
Progressive $2,381

St. Louis car insurance rates by violation

Check out the table below to see exactly how much a citation or violation could cost you in St. Louis. 

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in St. Louis, MO
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,309 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,309 0% $1
Not-at-fault accident $1,341 2% $33
Two Med/PIP claims $1,369 5% $60
One comp claim $1,398 7% $89
Two comp claims $1,462 12% $153
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,505 15% $197
Child safety restraint $1,520 16% $211
Driving without lights $1,520 16% $211
Failure to show documents $1,521 16% $213
Cell phone violation $1,549 18% $240
Driving with expired registration $1,551 19% $243
Texting while driving $1,553 19% $244
Following too closely $1,555 19% $246
Speeding in school zone $1,566 20% $257
Driving too slowly $1,566 20% $257
Failure to stop at a red light $1,568 20% $259
Failure to yield $1,568 20% $259
Improper passing $1,572 20% $264
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,573 20% $264
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,574 20% $265
Illegal turn $1,576 20% $267
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,578 21% $269
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,585 21% $276
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,602 22% $294
In 65 MPH zone $1,614 23% $305
Open container $1,639 25% $331
Passing school bus $1,640 25% $331
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,681 28% $373
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,760 34% $451
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,920 47% $611
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,920 47% $611
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,048 56% $739
DUI $2,088 60% $779
Driving with a suspended license $2,109 61% $800
Racing $2,130 63% $822
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,197 68% $888
Reckless driving $2,219 70% $911

Why is car insurance in St. Louis so expensive?

St. Louis is a bustling city with a high population density, which can result in increased traffic and accidents. This is one reason why car insurance rates in St. Louis may be higher than in other parts of Missouri. Additionally, car theft and vandalism rates can also be higher in urban areas, which can contribute to higher insurance premiums.

costs
Business costs

Most cities have experienced an increased cost of living for residents, and usually, that also means an increased cost of doing business for auto insurers. These increases are typically passed along to consumers in the form of higher rates.

Location
Location

To insurance companies, the location where you live and drive is an important factor in calculating your car insurance rates. Crime rates, the likelihood of theft, and uninsured drivers can all vary from one city to another, and even from one neighborhood to another within the same city. For example, in St. Louis, car insurance rates may be higher in areas with high crime rates than in safer neighborhoods.

weather
Weather

Missouri may not be at risk for hurricanes, but it does experience its fair share of severe storms. Things like tornadoes, flooding or other weather-related damage are covered under comprehensive coverage, so if you are concerned about possible damage we definitely recommend you carry this as part of your policy in St. Louis.

Drivers
Drivers

Compared to more rural areas of Missouri, St. Louis has a significant number of vehicles on the road at any given time. More vehicles translate to more accidents in general, and this can result in higher premiums to other drivers in the area. These increased premiums even affect drivers who don't use their cars often or are very safe on the road.

Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Missouri


Despite being located far from the coast, Missouri can still experience severe weather events that can affect your car insurance rates. Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and hail storms are common occurrences that can cause damage to vehicles. This is why it's important to make sure you have comprehensive coverage, which covers damages from weather events, in addition to liability coverage.

St. Louis also has a high rate of uninsured drivers, so uninsured motorist coverage can be a smart investment. Missouri realizes this, so UMP coverage is actually a requirement in the state (bodily injury at $25,000 per person/ $50,000 per accident). This coverage helps protect you financially in case you get into an accident with a driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover the damage. It's also typically less expensive than other types of coverage and has a lower deductible.


Bundling insurance policies in St. Louis

If you have multiple insurance policies, you may be able to save money by bundling them together. Combining your auto and renters or homeowners insurance policies can often lead to lower rates. Contact your insurance company today to learn more about bundle deals.

If you're looking to save money on your insurance premiums, bundling home and car policies could be a great way to do it. Many insurance providers offer discounts for customers who have multiple policies with them, so be sure to explore your options.

bundling home and auto insurance in St. Louis
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in St. Louis, MO
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $526
Travelers $725
Nationwide $927
State Farm $930
GEICO $1,029
Allstate $1,263
Progressive $1,317
Shelter $1,463

To ensure that you get the best auto insurance rates and coverage, it's important to take a few steps to make your profile more attractive to insurers. One of the best things you can do is shop around and compare auto insurance quotes from multiple companies. This will give you a better idea of what you should expect to pay for coverage and can help you find a company that offers the right balance of affordability and service. Keep in mind that even small changes in your personal circumstances can affect your rates, so it's a good idea to periodically review your coverage and compare quotes from different providers.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Frequently asked questions

The average rate for a six-month auto insurance policy in St. Louis is $1,309, which breaks down to $218 per month. This is more expensive than both the Missouri state average and the national average.

USAA is the carrier with the cheapest rates in St. Louis, with prices at about $490 per six-month policy. Remember, USAA policies are available to members so not everyone is eligible.

Teenagers in St. Louis pay over $4,000 for a six-month policy or about $670 per month. Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers, we suggest that parents or guardians add teens to their own policy to help keep costs lower.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near St. Louis, MO


Recently answered questions about car insurance in St. Louis from real Zebra customers

Car insurance near me in St. Louis

Other people are also asking...

Can I add coverage after I've had an accident?

Unfortunately you cannot add collision coverage after an accident and then use that coverage for the accident; your coverage only becomes applicable for accidents that occur after you add the coverage - not before. The date of the accident is what they look at, not when you file the claim. At this …
Dec 23, 2017 Lee's Summit, Missouri

If my girlfriend is moving in with me, should we get separate renters insurance policies?

Here is a good article on sharing renters insurance with a roommate. In my personal opinion, sharing a policy with any person who isn't a spouse is not a good idea. The amount of coverage on the policy is split in half and any claim made by the other party will also be attached to your insuran…
Apr 20, 2017 Lee's Summit, MO

What's the difference between collision and liability, versus full coverage?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra!This is a great question. Insurance terms can be really confusing. The term "full coverage" can mean a lot of different things.  So when you purchase liability, uninsured liability, and comprehensive and collision then you and your vehicle are covered …
Jan 9, 2023 Sikeston, MO

Are insurance proceeds taxable?

Thanks for your question! In general, insurance proceeds, or money you receive as part of a claim or settlement, are not taxed. This is because insurance payouts are not actually making you money, but bringing you back to your previous status. The IRS only taxes income, while these proceeds are jus…
Sep 24, 2019 Dudley, MO

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.