The fifth-largest city in Missouri, Independence has a population of around 121,000 residents.1 Its drivers pay $152 per month for car insurance on average, which exceeds the national average of $144 and the state average of $134. Despite the relatively small population, the city has a higher-than-average crime rate, which likely contributes to the city’s high auto premiums.
The cheapest insurers in the state include USAA, Progressive, and State Farm. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find cheap coverage.
Here’s what you should know about finding cheap auto insurance in Independence.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Independence
You have a range of cheap car insurance options to choose from in Independence. What company works best for you will depend on your unique insurance needs and budget.
State Farm, Allstate, and USAA are three of the best insurers selling coverage in the city. Learn more about coverage options, pros and cons, and more below.
Best insurer for liability-only coverage: State Farm
Best insurer for teen drivers: Allstate
Best insurer for military community: USAA
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Independence
Car insurance rates vary based on your driving record and insurance company. To find the cheapest car insurance in Independence for your needs, use the following tips:
Review many options. Check out multiple insurance companies and compare discounts, coverage types, and quotes.
Bundle multiple policies. Many companies offer discounts for bundling multiple policies. For example, you can save on coverage by getting an auto insurance policy and a homeowners insurance policy from the same company.
Increase your deductible. To decrease your auto insurance premiums, you can increase your deductible in exchange for lower premiums. This does mean you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.2
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Independence: Progressive
Like most states, Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum levels of liability coverage. Liability-only insurance provides limited protection for your vehicle. Essentially, it only covers your liability and pays out for damages or injury to the other driver.3 Because liability-only insurance provides less financial protection than full coverage, it's best for drivers who own their vehicles outright, and who drive older, less-expensive cars.
The cheapest insurer for liability-only car insurance in Independence is Progressive, with an average cost of $77 per month. Find more of the cheapest liability-only car insurance options in Independence below.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Independence: State Farm
Full-coverage insurance typically includes the liability insurance mandated by your state as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. Drivers in Independence should consider full-coverage insurance for additional benefits and safeguards in a variety of situations. If you finance or lease your car, your lender may even require you to purchase it.
On average, drivers pay $193 per month for full-coverage insurance in the city. Here are the best options for full-coverage car insurance in Independence.
Car insurance requirements in Missouri
Missouri has an at-fault system, which means the driver responsible for the car accident must cover the other party’s related vehicle repairs and medical expenses. Because Missouri is a “pure comparative fault” state, how much a driver can get for damages depends on their percentage of fault in the accident.3
In the state of Missouri, all drivers must carry minimum levels of bodily injury and property damage liability car insurance.4 Here are the specific coverage limits drivers in the state must adhere to:
In addition to the required coverage in Missouri, you may want to purchase optional coverage to provide more vehicle protection:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Driving incidents can range in severity from minor moving violations and speeding tickets to at-fault accidents and DUIs. The higher the risk you pose, the more you’ll pay for auto coverage. When you have incidents on your record, insurance companies may think you’re more likely to file a claim.5
How much your premium will increase depends on the severity of your incident and whether you have other recorded violations. On average, Independence drivers with an incident pay $175 per month for car insurance.
Best cheap car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Driving within the speed limit is a key component of safe driving. Going beyond the stated limit can reduce your reaction time and increase the likelihood of an accident. If caught by law enforcement, you could get a speeding ticket, which can result in fines and increased car insurance rates. Insurance companies assess risk, and driving too fast puts everyone in danger.
Independence drivers with a past speeding ticket pay $185 per month for car insurance, on average. Review these insurance companies to find your cheapest coverage options.
Best cheap car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
Car accidents can cause property damage, injury, or death. If you cause an accident, your car insurance company will increase your rates because you demonstrate an elevated amount of risk.
On average, drivers in Independence with an at-fault accident on their record pay $197 per month. You can find the cheapest car insurance quotes from the following companies.
Best cheap car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
Driving requires focus and quick reflexes. Drinking alcohol or taking other substances affects your ability to drive safely. That’s why driving under the influence — or as Missouri refers to it, driving while intoxicated (DWI) — is such a big deal.
Getting a first DUI/DWI can lead to a license suspension for 90 days. Consequences increase in severity for additional convictions.6 Because driving while intoxicated puts all drivers at risk of injury or death, a DUI/DWI conviction can lead to significant rate increases.
If you’re a driver in Independence and have a DWI, you may need to look for coverage elsewhere. Here are the cheapest car insurance options for drivers with a DUI. On average, drivers with a past conviction pay $245 per month.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Your age affects how much you pay for car insurance. Senior drivers generally get some of the most affordable coverage, and around 17.9% of people in Independence are age 65 or older. Beginning at age 35, rates trend downward for drivers. However, drivers age 70 and older may face increased rates from insurers accounting for aging-related risk factors.7
Here are the cheapest car insurance options for seniors in Independence. Senior drivers pay an average of $128 per month for coverage.
Best cheap car insurance for teens: USAA
In Independence, 22.9% of residents are younger than 18 years old. Unfortunately, young drivers pay the highest car insurance rates due to their lack of driving experience and tendency to engage in risky driving behaviors, like speeding, distracted driving, and higher rates of fatal car crashes.8
Teen drivers can find a few ways to earn cheaper coverage. Most insurers offer teenagers good student discounts for high school and college students who maintain a high GPA. Teens should also join their parents’ policy and complete an approved driver safety course to get the most competitive pricing.
Here are the cheapest car insurance options for teenagers in Independence. On average, teenagers in the city pay $284 per month.
Independence car insurance quotes by credit tier
In Missouri, auto insurance companies can use your credit history as a risk factor when setting rates.6
Drivers with good or excellent typically earn the best rates. Independence drivers with poor credit scores pay more than twice as much for car insurance than drivers with excellent credit. Here are the average rates for full-coverage insurance by credit tier in Independence.
Is car insurance more expensive in Independence?
Drivers in Independence pay $152 per month for car insurance, which exceeds the national average of $144 per month. It’s also higher than the Missouri state average of $134 per month.
Additionally, most cities in Missouri — besides St. Louis — have more affordable car insurance rates than Independence. Costs fluctuate based on ZIP code, population density, and crime rates. Independence has higher-than-average crime rates, which may explain the city’s more expensive premiums.
More cities in Missouri
Car insurance in Independence tends to cost more than many other cities in Missouri. Joplin has the most affordable coverage in the state, with the biggest price difference compared to Independence. See average rates for different Missouri cities below.