Auto Coverage in Mississippi
Mississippi Auto Insurance
Drivers in Mississippi, like 48 of the 50 states in the U.S., need to have auto insurance, and they need to carry proof of coverage on them at all times in their cars. If you're stopped by a police officer, or involved in an accident, you may be asked to show your auto insurance proof of coverage.
Minimum Mississippi auto insurance
In Mississippi you need to have at least the following amounts in auto insurance:
- Bodily Injury and Death: $25,000 to cover one person in any one accident, and $50,000 to cover all injuries
- Property Damages: $25,000
The state of Mississippi follows the tort system, meaning that in an accident, one of the drivers must be found at fault and will be financially responsible for covering all the costs for repairs, medical bills, and other damages. To protect your investment in your car, and your other finances, it's a good idea to buy more than the minimum amounts of insurance, to make sure you are covered in case of an unfortunate accident.
You should also consider purchasing uninsured motorist coverage in Mississippi, since the state has one of the highest rates of drivers who don't have insurance in the country. If you're in an accident with an uninsured motorist, the costs could skyrocket, leaving you without any financial cushion.
Penalties without Mississippi auto insurance
Although there are many drivers in Mississippi driving without the minimum required insurance, they are risking heavy penalties. If you are caught without insurance, you can be fined $1,000. Your driving privileges can also be suspended for up to a year, or until you can show proof of insurance.