Mississippi Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re driving down Oxford to watch the Ole Miss Rebels play, tailgating to MSU Bulldog Country in Starkville, rocking to Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo, going to Jackson or cruising the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, the Magnolia State offers scenic beauty, history and entertainment. From Corinth to Biloxi, Vicksburg to Meridian, sightseeing or commuting, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Mississippi driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for MS State Residents

As of 2010, there were nearly 1.9 million licensed driver in the Magnolia State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 28% of Mississippi drivers are uninsured, currently the second highest rate in the nation. The Mississippi State Department of Health reported that Mississippi has the nation’s highest motor vehicle fatality rate, with motor vehicle crashes being the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the state. Alcohol was involved in 33% of the fatal crashes in Mississippi in 2009. Other contributing factors to all motor vehicle accidents in the state include distracted drivers and failure to use proper seat belt restraints. In 2008, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety claimed that 76% of children under 16 who died in motor vehicle crashes were riding without restraints. Uninsured, distracted and alcohol-impaired drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Magnolia State.

 

Mississippi State Minimum Car Insurance

Mississippi state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Magnolia State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Mississippi does not require you to carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability

 

Mississippi Car Insurance Laws

Mississippi law requires that you carry proof of Mississippi auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. The penalty for a no-insurance citation is $1,000 and a 1-year suspension of your driver’s license, which can be reinstated with a $100 fee once you produce proof of insurance. The fee and court costs may be waived if you can show that you had adequate Mississippi auto insurance when you were ticketed.

If you are in an auto accident and don’t have auto insurance, you will face additional penalties and may be held responsible for the damages you caused.

Unlike most other states, Mississippi does not enforce compulsory auto insurance requirements through vehicle restriction.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Mississippi Insurance Department
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Mississippi. For more information, visit their website at http://www.mid.state.ms.us/default.aspx

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Mississippi auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at https://www.ms.gov/hp/drivers/license/Main.do

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at http://www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at http://www.iii.org/

 

Related Car and Motorist E Insurance Articles

Filing a Car Insurance Claim. What Happens After the Crash?

What to Do When an Uninsured Driver Hits You

Traffic School Can Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?