Updated July 2026
What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance Insurance?
Full coverage combines three distinct coverage types into one package: liability insurance pays for damage you cause to others, collision coverage pays for your vehicle damage after an accident regardless of fault, and comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision damage like theft, hail, or vandalism. Lenders require full coverage on financed and leased vehicles because the car serves as collateral. Once you own your vehicle outright, full coverage becomes optional, though dropping it means you pay out of pocket for any damage to your own car.
- You rear-end another car at a stoplight. The other driver has $6,000 in vehicle damage and $4,000 in medical bills. Your liability coverage pays the other driver's $10,000 in damages. Your collision coverage pays to repair your own car's $7,500 in front-end damage, minus your $500 deductible. Without collision coverage, you would pay the $7,500 yourself.
- A hailstorm causes $4,200 in dents and broken glass across your vehicle. Your comprehensive coverage pays the repair cost minus your $500 deductible, so you receive $3,700. Liability and collision coverage do not apply because no collision occurred. Without comprehensive coverage, you pay the full $4,200 or drive a damaged car.
- You slide on ice and hit a tree. Your car is totaled, with an actual cash value of $12,000. Your collision coverage pays $11,500 after your $500 deductible. If you owe $14,000 on your auto loan, you still owe the lender $2,500 unless you carry gap insurance. Without collision coverage, you receive nothing and still owe the full loan balance.
Who Needs Full Coverage Car Insurance Insurance?
Full coverage is necessary if you finance or lease your vehicle, because the lender requires it as a loan condition. It is also recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000 and you cannot afford to replace it out of pocket after a total loss. Drivers in Missouri with newer vehicles, high theft risk, or frequent severe weather should carry full coverage to avoid paying thousands in repair costs after hail, theft, or collision damage.
Calculate your car's actual cash value using Kelley Blue Book or a similar tool. Add up one year of collision and comprehensive premiums plus your deductible. If that total exceeds 10 percent of your car's value, or if you can afford to replace the car without a loan, consider dropping to liability-only coverage. If you cannot afford to replace the car or still owe money on it, keep full coverage.
How Much Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Insurance Cost?
Full coverage in Missouri typically adds $85 to $160 per month compared to liability-only coverage, depending on your vehicle value, driving record, and deductible selection.
- Vehicle value and repair cost — newer or luxury vehicles cost more to insure because collision and comprehensive claims pay actual repair or replacement costs.
- Deductible amount — choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $500 lowers your monthly premium by $15 to $30 but increases your out-of-pocket cost per claim.
- Driving record — at-fault accidents and moving violations increase collision coverage premiums because they predict future collision claims.
- Location — urban Missouri counties with higher theft and vandalism rates increase comprehensive premiums, while rural counties with more deer collisions may also see higher comprehensive costs.
- Credit-based insurance score — Missouri allows insurers to use credit history in pricing, and lower scores increase full coverage premiums more than liability-only premiums.