Auto · Originally published August 20, 2015 · Updated November 2026
Sometimes a quote comes back higher than you expected, or a company tells you it can't write a policy, and nobody explains why. Usually there's a specific reason on your record or in your insurance history. The good news is that once you know what it is, you can usually do something about it.
Use the checklist below to see where you stand, then look at the steps that match your situation.
Answer these honestly. Each "yes" is something an insurance company may weigh when pricing your policy.
If you answered "no" across the board, your rate is probably being driven by ordinary factors like your vehicle, your coverage choices or where you live. If you answered "yes" to one or more, keep reading.
Before you do anything else, find out what's actually on your record. In Missouri you can request your driver record through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Check for old tickets you thought were dismissed, points you didn't expect, or anything you don't recognize. Mistakes happen, and it's better to catch them early.
If your license is suspended, the first goal is getting legal to drive again. The Missouri DOR sets the reinstatement requirements, and we handle the insurance and SR-22 filing piece. Our license reinstatement page explains how the process fits together.
If your situation involves a DWI, read SR-22 after a DWI in Missouri for what to expect.
You can't erase what's already happened, but you can control what comes next:
Every insurer has its own rules about which records it will accept and how it prices them. One company's decline isn't the final word. Because we work with carriers that regularly insure drivers with tickets, accidents or an SR-22, we can often find options a single-company agent can't.
If your self-check turned up a few "yes" answers, call us at 417.865.4800. We'll look at your full situation and compare options on our high-risk auto insurance page, and you can buy by phone and get proof of insurance by email.
You can request a copy of your driver record from the Missouri Department of Revenue. Review it for errors before you shop for insurance.
Often it improves as violations and accidents age, as long as you keep continuous coverage and avoid new incidents. Asking for new quotes at renewal helps you catch those improvements.
In many cases, yes. Companies set their own guidelines, so an independent agency can check with carriers that accept a wider range of driving records.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back. Most auto quotes are finished on one call, and you can buy before you hang up.