Mississippi Car Insurance Requirements (2024)
Navigating the world of car insurance can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the specific requirements and regulations in Mississippi. Our comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to know, from minimum coverage limits to legal mandates. Stay informed and make the right choices for your car insurance needs in Mississippi.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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The Rundown:
- Mississippi car insurance laws require drives to have at least 25/50/25 in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage
- Drivers can show proof of financial responsibility in other ways if they don’t want car insurance
- Drivers face fines, a driver’s license suspension, and misdemeanor charges if they don’t have insurance or proof of financial responsibility
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Mississippi car insurance requirements. Whether you’re a new driver or a resident looking to renew your policy, understanding the specific requirements and regulations in Mississippi is crucial.
In this article, we will cover key topics such as minimum coverage limits, legal mandates, and important information to help you make informed decisions about your car insurance. By knowing the ins and outs of Mississippi car insurance requirements, you can ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs and comply with the state’s laws.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find the best rates from top insurance providers. Enter your ZIP code now and compare quotes to secure the ideal coverage for your vehicle.
Read more: What states require car insurance?
What car insurance coverages does Mississippi require?
Like most states, Mississippi requires drivers to have car insurance. However, Mississippi’s minimum requirements are low and may not adequately cover you.
Required auto insurance coverages in Mississippi include:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
Liability coverage pays for damages to others and doesn’t include any protection for you and your vehicle. The bodily injury portion of your coverage pays for medical bills for others, and the property damage pays for other damages, such as car or fence repairs.
Your insurance only pays to the policy limits, leaving you paying for the remaining damages out of pocket in a severe accident.
For example, if you cause an accident and the other driver sustains serious injuries, costs quickly exhaust your $25,000 bodily injury limit. Or, if you hit an expensive vehicle, $25,000 in property damage may not be enough to cover repairs.
The injured party can also sue you for additional costs not covered by your insurance.
Consider increasing your limits to avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses. Though you’ll pay higher rates, you won’t have to pay substantial costs.
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Are there alternatives to car insurance in Mississippi?
Drivers who don’t want to carry Mississippi car insurance have another option: They have the option to forgo insurance after proving they can pay for damages up to the minimum policy limit.
For example, drivers must show $75,000 in assets that can pay for damages if needed.
Proof of financial responsibility options include:
- Surety bond. A surety company issues bonds and covers costs up to the bond’s limit. Then, you’ll pay back the company the amount used to pay for damages.
- Real estate bond. Drivers show they have real estate holdings worth enough to cover the minimum requirements. In addition, drivers must show $150,000 in equity or stock.
- Certificate of cash. This document shows you have money equal to at least the minimum amount of required insurance deposited with the Mississippi state treasurer. This money is unavailable to you unless used to pay for damages.
Remember that you won’t have to pay for damages up to your policy limits with a car insurance policy. With a financial responsibility form, you’ll pay for all damages yourself.
While you won’t have car insurance costs, you’ll probably lose money in the long run by paying out of pocket for all damages.
What happens if you don’t have car insurance in Mississippi?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 30% of Mississippi drivers are uninsured, the highest rate in the nation. Mississippi drivers without insurance open themselves up to serious penalties.
Penalties for failing to have insurance in Mississippi include:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspension for up to one year
- Misdemeanor charge
For the first offense, drivers can get a fine of up to $1,000 and a year-long license suspension. However, the court can lift your suspension and reduce your fine to $100 if you acquire insurance within a certain time frame.
The court can also require you to obtain SR-22 coverage, which is a form your insurance company gives the state showing you carry the minimum amount of car insurance. Though the form is relatively inexpensive, an SR-22 increases auto insurance rates, so Mississippi auto insurance quotes with SR-22 can be double standard rates.
Insurance rates are much higher because insurers view you as a risky driver since you drove without coverage.
Is driving without insurance a felony? No, but it is a misdemeanor in Mississippi. Although most car insurance infractions don’t appear on your criminal record, breaking the Mississippi auto insurance law is a misdemeanor.
Carry at least the mandatory required Mississippi car insurance to avoid higher rates, fines, and a criminal record.
If you have car insurance or proof of financial responsibility but don’t have the forms with you, the court typically allows you to show evidence to avoid penalties.
What other car insurance coverages should you consider?
While Mississippi only requires liability insurance, there are other coverages you should consider adding to your policy to be fully protected.
Additional car insurance coverages include:
- Collision. Collision coverage pays for damages to your vehicle if you’re in an accident.
- Comprehensive. This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle unrelated to an accident, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and hail.
- GAP. GAP coverage pays for the difference between what you owe on your car and its worth.
- Uninsured motorist. If an uninsured driver hits you, your uninsured motorist coverage kicks in to pay for damages.
- Underinsured motorist. Like uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages if a driver with inadequate coverage hits you.
- Medical payment and personal injury protection. These coverages are very similar, paying for medical and related costs, such as doctor bills, lost wages, and child care.
- Rental car. Rental car coverage pays for a vehicle for you to drive while your vehicle is in the shop for a covered claim.
- Roadside assistance. This coverage provides service if you have car trouble, including jump starts, tire changes, and fuel delivery.
How much insurance coverage do I need? The coverage you need depends on your vehicle and financial situation.
For example, if you have an older car and can afford to make repairs yourself, you could skip collision and comprehensive coverages.
However, experts recommend full coverage insurance, which combines your state’s mandatory coverages with collision and comprehensive insurance. Although full coverage is more expensive, it provides the most protection.
If you have a car loan or lease, you may not have an option in car insurance coverages. Typically, lenders require collision, comprehensive, and GAP coverages in addition to your state’s mandatory coverage.
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Mississippi Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
Mississippi requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability coverage. If drivers don’t want car insurance, they can show financial responsibility through a surety bond, real estate bond, or certificate of cash.
While Mississippi’s required limits are low, it pays at least a portion of damages. However, drivers who choose to carry bonds or a certificate of cash must pay for all damages out of pocket.
Failing to meet Mississippi requirements leads to fines, a driver’s license suspension, and a misdemeanor on your criminal record.
Mississippi drivers should consider increasing limits and adding coverages to be better protected. Although rates are higher, so is coverage, leading to fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car insurance requirements in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, drivers are required to carry liability insurance coverage. The minimum requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
Is liability insurance the only type of coverage required in Mississippi?
Yes, liability insurance is the only mandatory coverage in Mississippi. However, it’s recommended to consider additional types of coverage such as collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments to protect yourself and your vehicle further.
Are there any penalties for driving without insurance in Mississippi?
Yes, driving without insurance in Mississippi can result in various penalties. If caught driving without insurance, you may face fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of having your vehicle impounded.
Can I use alternative forms of proof of insurance in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi allows drivers to provide electronic proof of insurance. You can show a digital copy of your insurance card on your smartphone or other electronic devices if requested by law enforcement or other authorities.
Are there any exceptions to the insurance requirements in Mississippi?
Mississippi law provides a few exceptions to the insurance requirements. For example, if you have a fleet of 25 or more vehicles, you may be eligible for self-insurance. Additionally, members of the military stationed in Mississippi and non-resident students are exempt from carrying Mississippi insurance if they have insurance coverage from their home state.
Do I need car insurance if I don’t own a vehicle but frequently drive rented or borrowed cars?
If you frequently drive rented or borrowed vehicles, it’s important to check with the rental agency or the vehicle owner’s insurance company to confirm if their insurance covers you as a driver. If not, you may need to consider purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy to provide liability coverage when driving vehicles that aren’t owned by you.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.