Full Coverage Auto Insurance: Mississippi's Essential Protection

Mississippi requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance to legally drive in the state. The minimum liability requirements for auto insurance in Mississippi are $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $25,000 in property damage protection. Full coverage auto insurance in Mississippi includes collision and comprehensive insurance, plus higher liability limits than the state minimums. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Mississippi is $1,077 per year, or $90 per month.

Mississippi's minimum coverage requirements

Mississippi's minimum auto insurance requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. These requirements are often written as 25/50/25 and are mandatory for all drivers in the state. Mississippi is an at-fault state, meaning the driver deemed responsible for an accident bears the financial liability for any resulting damages.

While Mississippi does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance, lenders often require both if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Collision coverage insures your vehicle against damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive insurance covers non-collision-related damage, including theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, and contact with animals.

Mississippi drivers can also benefit from additional coverages, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, medical payments, and rental reimbursement. These optional protections offer financial security for various incidents beyond the state's minimum coverage requirements.

The cost of state minimum car insurance in Mississippi is affordable, averaging around $34 to $40 per month. However, age is a significant factor in determining insurance premiums, with drivers aged 22 to 29 typically facing the highest rates due to their lack of driving experience.

It is important to note that maintaining at least the state-mandated minimum coverage is essential to comply with the law and avoid penalties for driving without insurance.

Full coverage cost

The cost of full-coverage auto insurance in Mississippi varies depending on several factors, including age, location, driving record, and credit score. On average, Mississippi residents pay $150 per month or $1,796 per year for full coverage. This is about 9% cheaper than the national average.

The cheapest full-coverage insurance in Mississippi is offered by State Farm, at $88 per month. For young drivers, the cheapest option is Farm Bureau, which offers minimum coverage for $89 per month and full coverage for $195 per month.

The cost of full coverage varies across the state. In Starkville, full coverage costs an average of $130 per month, while in Hermanville, it costs $174 per month.

Mississippi drivers with a DUI will pay significantly more for full coverage. The average rate for full coverage after a DUI is $316 per month, more than twice the rate for a driver with a clean record.

Full coverage is generally recommended, as it includes collision and comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to your car after a crash or other types of damage, such as hail, vandalism, or theft.

Cheapest full coverage options

Mississippi drivers can find cheap full-coverage auto insurance from a variety of providers. The cheapest option is Direct General Insurance, which offers full coverage for $778 per year. Mississippi Farm Bureau is another affordable option, with full coverage costing $859 per year.

Other cheap full-coverage options in Mississippi include:

• Progressive: $1,607 per year
• State Farm: $1,017 per year
• Shelter: $1,343 per year
• Allstate: $1,384 per year
• GEICO: $1,339 per year
• Travelers: $1,342 per year

Full coverage insurance is more expensive than minimum coverage, but it offers more protection. It covers losses incurred in on-road and off-road incidents, such as collisions with another vehicle or fixed objects, floods, and storm damage. It is recommended that Mississippi drivers purchase the most extensive liability insurance coverage they can afford to protect their financial stability.

Add-on coverages

In Mississippi, drivers can opt for additional coverages to enhance their auto insurance policies. These add-ons provide financial security for various incidents beyond the state's minimum coverage requirements, safeguarding against risks like theft, vandalism, and accidents with uninsured drivers. Here are some of the common add-on coverages available:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This protects your vehicle from events beyond your control, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and more. It covers repairs for non-collision damages and is often recommended to protect your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents.
• Collision Coverage: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it collides with another object or vehicle, regardless of fault. It is particularly useful if you want to protect your vehicle from accidents and incidents within your control.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This covers injuries, lost wages, and repair costs if you are hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance. It provides financial protection in the event of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay): This helps pay for medical and funeral expenses for you, your family members, or passengers involved in a covered auto accident. It ensures that you and your passengers receive the necessary medical attention and support in the event of an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is offered in some states and provides similar protection to Med Pay but with additional benefits. It covers medical expenses, lost income, and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: This coverage provides reimbursement for a rental car or alternative transportation while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. It ensures that you have access to a temporary vehicle during repairs, helping you maintain your mobility.
• Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance covers services like towing, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and other related issues. It provides assistance when your car breaks down or experiences mechanical problems, offering peace of mind during unexpected breakdowns.
• Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage: This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of custom parts and equipment added to your vehicle, such as a stereo system, custom wheels, or a paint job. It ensures that your aftermarket enhancements are protected in case of damage or loss.
• Accidental Death Coverage: This provides a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident. It offers financial support to the affected individuals or their families in the event of a tragic accident.

These add-on coverages allow Mississippi drivers to customize their auto insurance policies according to their specific needs and concerns. By selecting the appropriate add-ons, drivers can enhance their financial protection and have greater peace of mind while on the road.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance in Mississippi can result in various penalties, including fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. Here is a detailed overview of the penalties for driving without insurance in Mississippi:

Fines

If you are caught driving without insurance in Mississippi, you will likely face a fine as a penalty. The fine amount can vary, but it is typically around $1,000 for a first offense. For subsequent offenses, the fines may be higher. However, if you can provide proof of insurance before your court hearing, the fine may be reduced to $100. If you can prove that you had valid insurance at the time the citation was issued, the fine, court costs, and suspension may be waived entirely.

License Suspension

Driving without insurance in Mississippi can result in the suspension of your driver's license. The suspension period can be up to one year, or until you can provide proof of insurance. Reinstating your license will also incur a fee, typically around $100. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you may face additional fines and penalties.

Vehicle Impoundment

In some cases, if you are caught driving without insurance, your vehicle may be impounded. You will have to pay fees to get your vehicle released from impoundment, adding to the overall cost of the offense.

SR-22 Requirement

After a conviction for driving without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22 form, which is a certification of financial responsibility. This form must be maintained for a specified period, typically three years, without any lapse in your insurance coverage. Failure to maintain the SR-22 filing can result in additional penalties.

Jail Time

In certain circumstances, driving without insurance in Mississippi can result in jail time, especially if you are involved in an accident. If you are found to be at fault in an accident while uninsured, you could face up to six months in jail.

It is important to note that the penalties for driving without insurance in Mississippi may vary depending on the specifics of each case and whether it is a first offense or a repeat offense. The state takes uninsured driving seriously, and it is essential for drivers to maintain at least the minimum required insurance coverage to avoid these penalties and stay compliant with the law.

Frequently asked questions