Auto Insurance In Mississippi: What You Need To Know

Mississippi requires all drivers to have auto insurance. The state follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident must compensate those injured or whose property is damaged. Mississippi requires a minimum coverage liability limit of 25/50/25, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This basic coverage ensures financial protection for motorists in the event of a collision.

Minimum insurance requirements

Mississippi requires drivers to carry minimum auto insurance, and proof of this coverage must be carried at all times. The minimum coverage requirements in Mississippi are:

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

This is known as minimum liability coverage, and is typically listed as 25/50/25. Liability coverage is the only type of insurance that is legally required in Mississippi. It covers injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering inflicted on another driver or their passengers in an accident where you are at fault. It also covers damage to the other driver's vehicle.

Mississippi is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident bears the financial liability for damages. The minimum coverage requirements are set to provide basic financial protection in collisions, but it is recommended that drivers increase their liability limits and add extra coverages for more protection.

While not required by Mississippi state law, drivers may also want to consider comprehensive insurance to protect their vehicle from non-collision-related damages, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Collision insurance is another option, which covers damages to your vehicle if you collide with another car or stationary object.

Mississippi's fault-based insurance system

Mississippi operates under a fault-based insurance system, also known as a "pure" comparative fault or comparative negligence system. This means that the driver deemed responsible for an accident is also responsible for covering any resulting damages. In Mississippi, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which covers injuries and property damage caused to others in the event of an accident where the policyholder is at fault. The minimum liability coverage in Mississippi is 25/50/25, which includes:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage per accident

Mississippi's fault-based system also allows for a fair distribution of responsibility and damages in cases involving auto accidents. For example, if Driver A is deemed 60% responsible for a car accident and Driver B is found to be 40% responsible, Driver A can still seek compensation from Driver B for their 40% of the damages.

It is important to note that Mississippi's fault-based insurance system only applies to liability insurance, which is the only legally required insurance coverage in the state. Other types of insurance, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, are not required by state law but may be required by lenders or leasing companies.

Mississippi takes car insurance seriously, and driving without insurance can result in penalties such as fines, suspension of driving privileges, and even misdemeanor convictions. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers in Mississippi to understand the state's fault-based insurance system and ensure they have the required minimum coverage.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Mississippi takes car insurance seriously, and driving without it can lead to various penalties. The penalties for driving without insurance in Mississippi include fines of up to $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges for up to a year or until you can prove that you've purchased the mandatory car insurance. Reinstating your license will also be costly.

If you are caught driving without insurance in Mississippi, you may be fined $1,000 and face suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration for up to one year or until you can show proof of financial responsibility. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety may also require you to file an SR-22 form, a certification of financial responsibility, before they will lift the suspension.

Mississippi has a single sentence for first and future offenses. If you violate the auto insurance law more than once, you will be fined $1,000 and your driving privileges will be suspended for one full year or until you can satisfy the court with valid proof of insurance.

If it is your first offense, the penalties are usually less severe compared to subsequent offenses, which result in heftier fines and possibly harsher consequences. For example, if you are involved in an accident while uninsured, you could face up to six months in jail.

To avoid these penalties, it is important to follow the law and keep your car insured. Mississippi sets these basic insurance requirements to protect you and other drivers.

Optional insurance coverages

While liability insurance is the only type of insurance coverage that is legally required in Mississippi, there are several other types of insurance coverage that drivers can opt for. These optional insurance coverages offer financial security for various incidents beyond the state minimum coverage. Here are some of the more common options:

Comprehensive Coverage

This type of coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision perils such as theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, and damage caused by animals. It covers repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire, or hail. Comprehensive coverage does not include damages from a collision or personal injuries.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs from a collision with another vehicle or object and is subject to a deductible.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you in the event of an accident where the other party is at fault and either doesn't carry insurance or is underinsured. It covers the medical expenses, lost wages, and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. It also covers damages to your vehicle or other personal property.

Medical Payments Coverage

This coverage pays for the medical expenses of those in your vehicle at the time of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It may also cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses or funerals for you and others who are covered under your policy in an accident, up to the amount you choose.

Rental Car Reimbursement

If your car is unable to be driven due to an accident, this coverage can help pay for the cost of a rental car or other transportation expenses until your vehicle is repaired. It does not cover fuel, insurance, or other rental extras.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

This coverage offers reimbursement for services like towing, flat-tire fixes, and even overnight stays in some cases. It can be extremely helpful if your vehicle breaks down and you need assistance.

Mississippi's traditional fault-based system

Mississippi follows a traditional fault-based insurance system, which means that the driver deemed responsible for an accident is also responsible for covering any resulting damages. This is also known as an "at-fault" system. In Mississippi, liability falls on the party responsible for the crash and their insurance company. This is in contrast to a no-fault system, where drivers would have to go through their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident.

Mississippi's fault-based system includes pure comparative negligence laws, which state that an injured person may recover compensation even if they are considered responsible for 99% of the accident. However, the compensation is reduced by the percentage of the driver's contribution to the accident. For example, if a driver is deemed to be 30% at fault, their recovery will be reduced by 30%.

Mississippi's fault-based system also means that a driver's insurance premium could be affected by their driving record and the likelihood of them being found at fault in an accident. This can make it challenging to find affordable insurance for those with a history of accidents or traffic violations.

In Mississippi, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which covers injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering inflicted on another driver or their passengers in an accident where they are at fault. The minimum coverage requirements in Mississippi are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

It is important to note that Mississippi takes car insurance seriously, and driving without insurance can result in penalties such as fines, suspension of driving privileges, and even a misdemeanor conviction.

Frequently asked questions