Teenagers who don't want to let their grades slip or sacrifice extracurriculars may have a hard time affording the average price for car insurance for drivers of their age: $523 per month. Mom and dad will probably have to help, and those in their 20s might want a little cash, too, with a rate of $313 a month.

Drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s finally see that monthly rate slip below the state average. Those nearing retirement age get the best rates. The price pops back up for those in their 70s and 80s, but they still pay far less than the youngest drivers.

Men pay six percent more than women in the Show-Me State. Could it be that women are better drivers, or do men drive more expensive, bigger vehicles? It's most likely a little of both.

With a $48 per month average discrepancy between married and single drivers in Missouri, the latter group could save over $575 a year by walking down the aisle.

Many economists and financial experts argue that married couples have higher net worths and greater financial stability, too. Could it be the marriage moment for drivers in Missouri?

Missouri law states you must have liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage caused to others. Those requirements are $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident, $10,000 in property damage liability per accident; $25,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily per person, and $50,000 in underinsured motorist bodily per accident. To protect your car itself, buy comprehensive and collision coverage.

Like all but a handful of states, Missouri lets insurance companies factor in credit scores when setting their rates.

Why do drivers with poor credit pay less in Missouri than those with average and good credit? People with poor credit often purchase insurance plans with less coverage for less expensive vehicles. If you have good credit, push your score above 800 to cut your average monthly payment by $23 a month, which would result in over $240 a year in savings.

"Safety first" is not just a mantra that saves lives. It also saves money. Common sense tells us that the safest drivers will pay the least, and safe drivers qualify for "good driver" and "accident-free" discounts. But what if your record is less than perfect?

Drivers with a speeding ticket in Missouri will pay $41 more per month on average—plus fines. Drivers with an at-fault accident on their insurance record should expect to see monthly rates increase by around $90. Accidents happen, but driving safely and keeping a clean record are the best ways to avoid rate hikes. Remember, violations and accidents will stay on your insurance history for years to come. Still, you can still take a defensive driver course to reduce your monthly payment.