Mississippi Auto Insurance Car Insurance Comparison

Known as "The Magnolia State," Mississippi is famous for its pecan mud pies, fishing, and of course deep fried catfish.

Requirement : Yes

Car insurance is required in Mississippi . Drivers must have a minimum of liability coverage. Mississippi drivers aren’t required to have insurance to register a vehicle, or apply for a driver’s license.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability insurance policy is required:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability is the only requirement for Mississippi motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

• Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
• Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
• Rental Reimbursement – Reimburses you if you have to rent a car after an accident.
• Roadside assistance/towing coverage – Typically adds coverage for towing, tire changes, lockout services, and more.
• GAP Insurance - If your vehicle is loaned or leased and totaled, Gap insurance may pay for the difference between the cash value of the vehicle and the unpaid balance of the loan or lease.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party, or they don’t have adequate coverage.
• Medical Payments – Helps cover your medical or funeral costs due to an accident.

• Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include:

• Surety Bond: $75,000 for payments in an at-fault accident with bodily injury or property damage.
• Real Estate Bond: $150,000 in stock or equity in two individuals’ real estate properties in the state of Mississippi to act as sureties.
• Certificate of Cash: $15,000 cash deposit with the State Treasurer.
   

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times, you don’t have to have proof of insurance in order to renew your registration. The insurance company (provider) will give you an insurance card as proof of insurance.

• Valid forms of proof of insurance:
• Insurance card.
• Copy of insurance card.
• Letter from insurance carrier.

The card will include:

• Vehicle’s information:
• Make
• Model
• Year
• Safety Rating
• Value
• Your policy name & name of any other drivers insured under the policy.
• The policy term’s expiration date.
• A new policy card will be provided every time you renew your car insurance policy.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

• Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
• $250 - $500 fine for first offense.
• Up to 10 days in jail.
• $350 fine for second offense in 5 years.
• Up to 10 days in jail.
• Suspension of registration and license plates until proof of compliance.
• $500 fine for subsequent offenses within 5 years.
• Up to 6 months in jail.
• Suspension of registration and license plates until proof of compliance.

SR22:

A SR22 may be required after a suspension in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. An SR22 certificate only certifies proof of insurance of minimum requirements, it is not insurance.

You may be required to file an SR-22 to:

• Prevent suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
• Reinstate a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All Mississippi drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers who are unable to find coverage may be eligible to apply for car insurance through the Mississippi Automobile Insurance Plan.

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

• Credit history
• Driving history
• Make, model of car
• Deductible

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in Mississippi:

• Good driver discount
• Good student discount
• Multi-car discount
• Defensive driver discount (Drivers 55 years old and up)
• Multi-policy discount

Cellphone Use:

There is currently no cell phone ban for drivers. All drivers are banned from texting while driving. Texting violations are considered primary offenses. Violators currently face a $25 fine, which will increase to a $100 fine on July 1, 2016.