Home insurance in Missouri

The average annual cost of home insurance in Missouri is $3,558, according to the latest data available from the Consumer Federation of America. That makes Missouri the 14th-most expensive state for home insurance, and 7% higher than the national average of $3,303.  

How much you pay for coverage will depend on a variety of factors, including the size, age, and composition of your home. The type and amount of coverage you purchase will also affect your total cost. The best way to determine how much you’ll pay for coverage in Missouri is to get a home insurance quote. 

Missouri home insurance rates are based on a range of factors, including: 

• The cost to rebuild your home. Generally, you should have enough insurance to cover 100% of the cost to rebuild your home based on its size and the cost of labor and materials in your area. Also known as your property’s replacement cost, this number plays a major role in the total cost of your policy. 
• Severe weather risks. Missouri is vulnerable to a range of natural disasters and severe weather patterns, including tornadoes, severe storms, and hail. Frequent severe weather events can lead to higher premiums. 
• The age and composition of your home. Older homes or homes with older roofs are generally more expensive to insure. Newer homes or homes hardened against weather events, such as tornadoes, are often cheaper to insure. 
• Claims history. Your claims history, as well as past claims by previous owners of your property, can affect your premiums. 
• Amount and type of coverage. The limits you choose and any policy add-ons, or endorsements, you select will affect the final cost of coverage. 
• Policy deductible(s). The deductible(s) you choose will also affect rates, with higher deductibles often resulting in lower rates. A lower deductible typically leads to a higher premium, but your out-of-pocket expenses will be lower after a covered loss. 
• Credit history. Missouri is one of many states that allows insurers to use your credit-based insurance score to determine your premium. A poor credit score may lead to higher rates. 

A standard home insurance policy in Missouri will typically exclude or limit coverage for the following: 

• Flood damage, including that caused by heavy rains or overflowing bodies of water. 
• Earthquake damage, sinkholes, or other events caused by land shifts
• Pest infestations or damage caused by animals 
• Most incidents of mold, mildew, or rot
• Wear and tear, specifically the replacement of components, systems, or materials that are compromised by normal use or age. 

Keep in mind that policy exclusions and limitations can vary by insurer and policy. Always refer to your policy documentation or contact your insurer for full coverage details. 

No, home insurance is not required in Missouri. However, if you financed the purchase of your home, your lender will likely require you to carry some level of coverage until the mortgage is paid in full. 

Even if you don’t have a mortgage, maintaining a home insurance policy can be a wise financial decision. A standard policy can help cover the cost to repair, rebuild, or replace your property after a covered loss, such as a storm, fire, or theft. Without a home insurance policy, you’d need to cover those expenses out of pocket. 

Your exact insurance needs will depend on a range of factors, including your preferred level of protection and the location, features, and characteristics of your property. However, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind: 

• Dwelling coverage. You should carry enough dwelling insurance to cover 100% of the cost to rebuild your home if destroyed by a covered loss. 
• Other structures coverage. This part of your policy pays to repair structures that aren’t attached to your primary residence, such as a detached garage or shed. Other structures coverage is commonly set to 10% of your dwelling limit, but if the value of other structures on your property exceeds that amount, you may need more. 
• Personal property coverage. You should carry enough personal property insurance to cover the cost of your insurable belongings, including appliances, electronics, and clothing. Taking a home inventory can help you determine the ideal amount of coverage. 
• Loss of use coverage. If you’re displaced after a covered event, such as a fire, this part of your policy covers additional living expenses, such as meals, lodging, and laundry services. It’s often set to 20% of your dwelling limit. 
• Personal liability insurance. You should carry enough liability insurance to protect your assets, including real estate, automobiles, and savings and investment accounts. If someone is injured on your property and you're at fault, this part of your policy could cover their related medical expenses and legal fees you may encounter if you’re sued after the incident. If you or a covered household member damages someone’s property, liability insurance can also cover the cost of replacements or repairs.  
• Medical payments coverage. Standard home insurance policies usually include $1,000 to $5,000 in medical payments insurance. It can cover medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property, regardless of fault. 

A standard home insurance policy offers financial protection against a range of losses, but it doesn’t cover everything. For more robust protection, consider the following: 

• Flood insurance. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you’re at risk for flooding, consider adding a flood insurance endorsement or purchasing a stand-alone flood insurance policy. 
• Water backup coverage. Water damage caused by a backed-up sewer or failed sump pump is generally excluded from a home insurance policy unless you add a water backup endorsement. 
• Extended replacement cost coverage. Labor and material costs can surge after a disaster, and in some cases, that may cause repairs to exceed your policy limits. Adding this endorsement to your policy will extend your dwelling coverage limit, often by 25%, to protect against surging repair costs.