Car Insurance in Branson, MO

Experts break down auto insurance costs, coverages, companies, and more for drivers in Branson, Missouri.

Written by Meg Stefanac
Written by Meg Stefanac

Financial blogger and business owner, Meg Stefanac, has more than 15 years experience working in the financial services industry and enjoys helping individuals make solid financial decisions. Meg has extensive experience writing about insurance and finances and is a key contributor to TrustedChoice.com.

Reviewer: Jeffrey Green Reviewed by Jeffrey Green
Reviewer: Jeffrey Green
Reviewed by Jeffrey Green

Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career.  He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.

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Man driving vintage car through the city. How to Find the Best Car Insurance at the Most Competitive Rate in Branson, Missouri.

Vehicle owners in Branson, MO need car insurance. A good auto insurance policy can shield you from unmanageable financial losses whether you are involved in a multi-vehicle collision on Route 65, get rear-ended at a stoplight on State Highway 76, or have a fender bender in a parking lot.

Independent agents make shopping for car insurance easy. These agents can obtain customized quotes from some of the area's best insurers so you can choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the most affordable price. Contact an independent insurance agent in Branson to get started.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Branson, MO?

The average cost of car insurance in Missouri is lower than the national average rate. This is excellent news for Branson drivers who are looking for a reasonably priced policy.

  • National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
  • Missouri's average annual car insurance cost: $1,112

Of course, an average rate can only give you a general idea of what a policy might cost you. Actual premiums can vary significantly from one driver to another because insurance companies calculate costs on a case-by-case basis according to several factors like:  

  • The make, model, year, and condition of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
  • Your age, gender, occupation, marital status, driving record, and insurance claims history
  • Whether you own or rent your home
  • The auto theft and collision rate in the vicinity of your home
  • The amount of liability coverage you want to purchase
  • The coverage options you want to include in your policy
  • The size of your deductible

If you bundle your car insurance with another policy like home insurance, renters insurance, or boat insurance, you can often get significant rate reductions on each of your bundled policies.

You may also qualify for other money-saving incentives such as multi-vehicle discounts, safe driver discounts, military discounts, and good student discounts. A local independent agent can ensure you receive any car insurance discounts for which you qualify.

Comparing rates from a few competing insurance companies lets you choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the most affordable price. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.

Is Car Insurance Required in Branson, MO?

To comply with Missouri law, all vehicle owners in Branson need to have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state's minimum coverage requirements. This means you must have a policy that includes:

  • Auto liability insurance: This covers other people's injuries, lost wages, and property damage if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must meet or exceed the following coverage amounts:
    • $25,000 worth of bodily injury liability insurance per person
    • $50,000 worth of bodily injury liability insurance per accident
    • $25,000 worth of property damage liability insurance per accident
  • Uninsured motorist insurance (UM): This covers medical treatment and lost wages for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver. Your policy must meet or exceed the following coverage amounts.
    • $25,000 worth of UM bodily injury insurance per person
    • $50,000 worth of UM bodily injury insurance per accident
    • UM property damage is not available in Missouri. You can instead be covered through collision insurance.

Some vehicle owners in Branson also need to include physical damage coverage in their car insurance policies. Though not required by law, physical damage coverage is typically required by lenders if you are financing your vehicle, and by dealerships if you are leasing it. It includes:

  • Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

Once you own your vehicle outright, physical damage insurance is optional.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Branson, MO?

In addition to the mandatory coverage mentioned above, you may want to include a few options in your car insurance policy. Some of the coverage options that are popular with vehicle owners in Branson are:

  • Medical payments insurance: This helps cover the cost of medical treatment for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can pay for accrued expenses that your health insurance doesn't cover, like copays, deductibles, and ambulance rides.
  • Towing and roadside assistance insurance: This covers service costs if your vehicle breaks down and you need help, such as if your engine overheats, your alternator fails, or you run out of gas.
  • Glass and windshield insurance: This can cover the cost of replacing the safety glass in your windshield, sunroof, or windows if it is cracked, shattered, or otherwise damaged.
  • Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled, but you owe more for it than it is worth.
  • Rental car reimbursement insurance: This can pay for the cost of renting a vehicle while you are having your own car repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.
  • Umbrella insurance: This separate policy is ideal for Branson residents who want even more liability coverage than their car insurance company can provide.

Be sure to review all the coverage options offered to you so you can determine which, if any, are a good fit for you and your family.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Branson, Missouri?

Driving without insurance is illegal in Missouri. If caught doing so, you may face penalties that include:

  • Four points on your driver's license
  • A fine of up to $500 for a second or subsequent offense
  • The suspension of your driving privileges for up to one year
  • Reinstatement fees ranging from $20 to $400 to get your driving privileges back
  • Community service and/or up to 15 days in jail for repeat offenders
  • Higher car insurance rates

Despite these consequences, a large number of people in this state are driving around in uninsured vehicles. That is why uninsured motorist insurance, which is a mandatory part of your car insurance, is beneficial.

  • Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
  • Percentage of Missouri drivers who are uninsured: 14.0%

If you or your passengers are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage can cover your medical bills and lost wages. This saves you from the need to go through lengthy legal channels to collect what is owed to you by the at-fault driver.

Does Branson, MO Have a High Auto Theft Rate?

The auto theft rate in Missouri is higher than the national average, and the rate is even higher in Branson. Residents of this city report around 85 auto thefts a year.

  • National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
  • Missouri auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 3.23
  • Branson auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 5.31

As a resident in a city with such a high car theft rate, it is important to know that you can only be compensated for auto theft if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive (or "other than collision") insurance.

Comprehensive insurance covers far more than just theft. It can also reimburse you for loss and damage to your car due to many other non-collision hazards, such as if a tornado or a hailstorm impacts your vehicle.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Branson, MO?

Some qualities that make certain insurance companies stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, rapid claims processing, and competitive rates.

Independent insurance agents in Branson have partnerships with some of the best car insurance companies in Missouri. Therefore, your agent can help you review policies and quotes from a selection of insurance providers you can count on if you ever need to file a claim.

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Branson, Missouri?

When you are shopping for car insurance, local independent agents can offer guidance and advice. These agents are available to answer your coverage-related questions and can provide you with customized policies and quotes that you can review and compare together.

Arrange an obligation-free consultation with an independent insurance agent near you to begin your search for the best car insurance policy in Branson.

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http://www.city-data.com/city/Branson-Missouri.html

https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/insurance/

https://insurance.mo.gov/consumers/auto/autobuy/liability.php