Missouri drivers are required to maintain $25,000 of bodily injury liability auto insurance (with a per-accident maximum of $50,000), along with $10,000 of property damage liability and $50,000 of uninsured motorist coverage. And those are just the legal minimums. They protect other drivers you might affect in an accident but do not cover your passengers or vehicle, at all. For that, you must pay even more. However, below are some effective ways to reduce what you pay each month in insurance premiums.

4 Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premiums

1. Complete a Driver Safety Class

Missouri offers several state-approved defensive driving classes. Depending on your driving history and insurer, you can often save 5% to 15% on your auto insurance premiums by completing a course. These can usually be taken online. They teach safe and defensive driving techniques and offer a refresher on Missouri traffic laws.

2. Improve Your Driving Record

Accidents and moving violations normally stay on your record for three years — though some insurers keep tabs for five years. If you drive safely and maintain a clean record until the last "ding" falls off, you may qualify for a "safe driver discount." Depending on the insurer, this can save you 10% or even more.

3. Bundle Coverage

Insurers want to encourage customers to buy other insurance from them, so if you bundle coverage, you can often save. For example, if you purchase both homeowners and auto insurance from the same provider, you'll usually pay less for the bundle than by buying them separately.

4. Clean Up Your Credit Rating

Another factor that insurers use to determine auto insurance rates is your credit rating. If you have a history of responsible credit use, you will pay less than if not. If you have bad or no credit, start by making a habit of paying bills on time. Apply for and use a credit card responsibly. Make up any arrearages, and avoid charge-offs. The better your credit rating, the less you'll pay in monthly car — and homeowners — insurance premiums.

To see if you can reduce your auto insurance premiums, contact Farmers Insurance Group in Mountain Grove, MO. They have served clients in and around Wright County for more than 15 years, with specialties in auto, home, life, business, and motorcycle insurance. Check out their website or call (417) 926-7900 to request a free insurance quote.