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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

How much does car insurance cost in Kansas City?

Car insurance in Kansas City costs an average of $1,077 for a six-month policy or $180 per month on average. In 2024, our data shows USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Kansas City with rates at $564 for a six-month policy.

Kansas City drivers pay more than the average for car insurance in Missouri ($954 every six months) and more than the national average of $742. In fact, 34% of our customers in Kansas City admit they're paying too much for their car insurance. If you agree or just need help with your car insurance, read on to learn more about what a fair rate looks like in Kansas City based on common factors like credit score, coverage level and more.

Car insurance in Kansas City vs. Missouri

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Car Insurance in Kansas City vs. Missouri Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Kansas City Average $1,077
Missouri Average $954

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Kansas City

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA is the cheapest at $94 per month or $564 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: Travelers

In second place is Travelers, which costs $122 per month.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Auto-Owners

Rounding out the list is Auto-Owners as the third-cheapest insurance company. On average, an Auto-Owners policy in Kansas City costs $784 per six-month policy.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Kansas City:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Kansas City is $1,077 per six-month policy — $180 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Kansas City is USAA ($564).
  • Kansas City ranks in the top 50 most expensive cities for car insurance in Missouri.
  • 34% of Zebra customers in Kansas City stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Kansas City car insurance rates by company

Our 2024 data states that the cheapest company for full coverage car insurance in Kansas City is USAA at $94 per month or $564 for a six-month policy. The second cheapest insurance provider is Travelers with policies starting at $122 per month or $729 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Kansas City, MO
Cheapest car insurance companies in Kansas City, MO

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $564
Travelers $729
Auto-Owners $784
Encompass $852
Nationwide $867
State Farm $892
GEICO $954

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


The only way to know which company is the cheapest coverage for you is to compare. Our comparison will do the leg work for you. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Travelers, State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Kansas City.

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Average car insurance in Kansas by rating factor

In order to assess a fair rate for a driver's circumstances, car insurance companies use a series of rating factors to determine the risk you pose. Most companies use the same rating factors, like age, credit score, claims history and more. However, some insurance providers place more emphasis on some factors than others. 

Knowing this, it's important to note that the best auto insurance company for you can change as you get older or your profile changes. Getting a new quote from time to time can tell you if you're still getting the best rates.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is also a major rating factor for how much you will pay for car insurance in Kansas City. Even if you’ve had no claims with your insurance company, you could still be paying more with a particular insurance company because the price of doing business has increased in Kansas City.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Kansas City

Age is one of the most important rating factors when it comes to car insurance, having a big impact on premiums. Since teen drivers have the highest accident potential of any age group, they are often charged the highest premiums. In Kansas City, the difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is $1,855, the largest such difference between any two age groups.

While this may sound unjust, insurance companies must do this in the interest of risk management. Higher rates for teen drivers mean companies can offset the increased cost of paying claims.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Kansas City, MO
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Teen Drivers in Kansas City, MO

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $1,520
Travelers $1,999
Allstate $2,191
GEICO $2,486
Encompass $2,812
State Farm $2,962
Nationwide $2,994

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s USAA $695
30s USAA $531
40s USAA $487
50s USAA $460
60s USAA $459
70s USAA $526

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Kansas City drivers between 20-29 are USAA, Travelers and Encompass


Our data tells us that drivers between the ages of 20-29 make up the bulk of Kansas City drivers. On average, this group pays $1,403 every six months. By going with these companies, these groups can potentially save 36%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Kansas City

The amount of coverage you select for your policy has a big impact on insurance rates. The more coverage in which you enroll, the more expensive your policy will be. Our data shows that 31% of Kansas City drivers have the state minimum coverage. While this is all that's required by law, only carrying the minimum limits leaves you at risk of being underinsured.

Collision and comprehensive coverage, while recommended, can increase your rates. This combination, commonly referred to as "full coverage," offers a broader scope of protection for your vehicle. These coverages typically require a deductible, which also has an effect on your rates depending on the amount you choose. 

Other worthwhile add-ons include roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage. These coverages can help in an emergency or if you're hit by a driver who does not carry auto insurance coverage. These will add more dollars to your premium, but we still recommend considering them as they go a long way in protecting your vehicle and yourself. 

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

In an analysis of our data, 52% of drivers in Kansas City have owned vehicles. If you are not leasing or financing your vehicle, you should consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. The general rule of thumb is if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage. Bear in mind, however, that dropping these coverages means that you will have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Kansas City, MO
Cheapest companies for minimum coverage in Kansas City, MO

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $153
GEICO $266
Travelers $274
Auto-Owners $283
Encompass $296
Allstate $336
State Farm $346

Source: The Zebra

  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Most of our customers in Kansas City opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand state minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Missouri's 25/50/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in Missouri.

Kansas City car insurance rates by credit score

Though some states have discontinued the use of credit scores as a rating factor, Missouri still takes this number into account when rating policies. Credit score has historically indicated how likely drivers are to file claims— those with lower credit scores are more likely to engage in risky driving, have lapses in coverage, and file claims. Because of this, insurance companies see a lower credit score as a higher risk to insure.

In fact, Kansas City drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 96% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells us most drivers in Kansas City have an "average (580-679)" credit score. In 2022, USAA is the cheapest option for Kansas City drivers for this credit range.

car insurance in kansas city by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Kansas City, MO
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit in Kansas City, MO

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $1,018
Encompass $1,148
GEICO $1,201
Nationwide $1,263
State Farm $1,623
Auto-Owners $1,671
Allstate $1,943

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


In Kansas, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $1,012 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you have recently paid off a loan or other credit-improving actions, check your preferred credit monitoring software to see if your recent efforts could save you on your car insurance!

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

Among all types of insurance claims, at-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common. In 2024, an at-fault accident raised average car insurance rates in Kansas City from $180 to $263 per month. The most affordable insurance company in Kansas City after an at-fault accident is USAA.

Regardless of location, the best way to keep your auto insurance rates affordable is by keeping a clean driving record. Violations like speeding citations, reckless driving charges, DUIs and at-fault accidents will all increase rates. Many of these violations can stay on your record for three to five years, and longer if it's a DUI or DWI.  

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Kansas City, MO
Cheapest insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Kansas City, MO

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $737
Travelers $907
State Farm $1,065
Encompass $1,271
Nationwide $1,390
GEICO $1,545
Auto-Owners $2,094

Source: The Zebra

Kansas City car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Kansas City.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Kansas City, MO
Car Insurance Rate Increases After Violations and Citations in Kansas City, MO

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,077 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,078 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,103 2% $26
Two Med/PIP claims $1,126 5% $48
One comp claim $1,148 7% $71
Two comp claims $1,200 11% $123
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,239 15% $162
Driving without lights $1,251 16% $173
Child safety restraint $1,251 16% $173
Failure to show documents $1,251 16% $174
Cell phone violation $1,272 18% $195
Driving with expired registration $1,275 18% $198
Texting while driving $1,276 18% $198
Following too closely $1,277 19% $200
Driving too slowly $1,286 19% $209
Speeding in school zone $1,286 19% $209
Failure to stop at a red light $1,288 20% $210
Failure to yield $1,288 20% $210
Improper passing $1,291 20% $214
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,292 20% $215
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,293 20% $216
Illegal turn $1,294 20% $217
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,296 20% $219
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,302 21% $225
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,316 22% $239
In 65 MPH zone $1,318 22% $241
Passing school bus $1,348 25% $271
Open container $1,350 25% $272
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,380 28% $303
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,440 34% $363
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,578 46% $500
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,578 46% $500
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,681 56% $604
DUI $1,717 59% $640
Driving with a suspended license $1,723 60% $645
Racing $1,754 63% $676
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,805 68% $727
Reckless driving $1,824 69% $747

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Kansas City so expensive?

Kansas City car insurance is relatively expensive when compared to the average rate in the state of Missouri and the national average. This is due to a variety of factors: Kansas City is a major city in Missouri, and metropolitan areas typically have a higher concentration of residents and drivers, leading to a higher probability of accidents. The cost of living in Kansas City is also higher than in other Missouri towns, making car insurance companies charge higher rates to cover costs. Even on top of personal rating factors, there are a few reasons why location-specific factors impact rates. 

Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance is so expensive in Kansas City — regardless of your driving profile.

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Location

What part of town in which you reside in Kansas City will affect how much you pay for car insurance. Besides your driving history and age, where you live is one of the biggest contributing factors to car insurance premiums. 

The primary reason for this is the varying levels of crime, theft and uninsured motorists by ZIP code. Some neighborhoods are more prone to such activities, making them more of a risk for companies to insure. High-crime areas will pay more in car insurance premiums than safer ones. 

Expensive Kansas City ZIP codes: 64109, 64128, 64123, 64127, 64130

Cheap Kansas City ZIP codes: 64165, 64157, 64012, 64155, 64156

storm icon
Weather risk

While Kansas City is inland and located in a landlocked state, the city still experiences its fair share of extreme weather. While it is typically safe from hurricanes, tornadoes and even wildfires have been known to occur[1]. The damage caused by these weather events and other natural disasters can cost exorbitant amounts of money to repair. This puts insurance companies in the difficult spot of paying out claims or charging high rates to anticipate weather-related losses. 

Damage to your vehicle caused by weather events like tornadoes is covered under comprehensive coverage. We always recommend carrying this coverage to protect yourself in your vehicle, but especially if you have a new or nicer car.

steering wheel
Number of drivers

Like many cities, Kansas City offers public transportation options like buses, bike-share programs, taxis, and the KC Streetcar (a tram service with limited stops). However, the preferred way to get around town by locals is by personal vehicle. This puts lots of vehicles on the road and increases the likelihood of accidents. The costs of accident-related claims are typically passed along to other drivers in the area through higher premiums — even for safe or occasional drivers.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Missouri ranks 12th for states with the highest population of uninsured drivers[2]. Our data shows that 38% of drivers in Kansas City are not currently insured at the time of their insurance quote. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Kansas City, you could be left paying for the damage yourself.

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage


In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). This coverage will provide assistance to you if you or your vehicle are damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. This coverage typically has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. Plus, the rate increase after a UMPD claim can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Kansas City

Car insurance rates seem to be increasing nationally, but you can still save with discounts. One of the most common discounts among insurance companies is the multi-policy or bundling discount. Combining your home or renters insurance with your auto insurance under the same provider can earn you a significant discount. Some companies offer savings of up to 10% on combined premiums. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.

If you currently have separate policies for your home and car, it's definitely worth shopping around to see if you could save money by bundling them together. In many cases, you'll find that it's well worth the effort.

bundling home and auto insurance in kansas city
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Kansas City, MO
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Kansas City, MO

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $540
Travelers $656
Encompass $671
Auto-Owners $690
Nationwide $762
State Farm $803
GEICO $900

Source: The Zebra

While some things may be out of your control, drivers can work to make their profiles more appealing to insurers. The best advice we offer is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes with as many companies as possible to ensure you're getting the most affordable rate that doesn't compromise coverage and service — especially if any personal factors have changed (like moving, celebrating a birthday and improving your credit). Try as you might, some companies are just more expensive than others; don't be afraid to switch.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

According to our data, car insurance is cheaper in Kansas than in Missouri (an average of $895 for a six-month policy to Missouri's $959). Since Kansas City spans these two states, it is a common question. The average cost of car insurance in Kansas City, MO is $1,077.

Across the board, USAA comes out on top for the best and most affordable car insurance in Kansas City. If you don't qualify for membership with USAA, Travelers also offers competitive rates.

In Missouri, the state minimum limits are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. In Missouri, it is also required that you carry uninsured motorist coverage with limits of $25,000 bodily injury per person and $50,000 bodily injury per accident.


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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Kansas City, MO


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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.