What kind of insurance do I need to drive in Mississippi?
Nowadays, it’s a very common question: What kind of insurance do I need to drive in Mississippi? Today, we will discuss car insurance coverage in Mississippi. Types of Mississippi’s auto insurance coverage, Mississippi’s car insurance cost, Auto insurance claim process, and ways to reduce auto insurance costs in Mississippi. In Mississippi, third-party liability coverage is the most basic kind of auto insurance, and it is required. It shields you from having to pay for any damages to someone else’s property as the policyholder. In the event that you cause an accident that results in someone being hurt or killed, you will also be covered.
Types of Mississippi’s auto insurance coverage
Mississippians spend, on average, 6% less than the national average ($979) for auto insurance annually. Mississippi has the largest percentage of uninsured drivers in the country, so even if the state does not require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it is still a good idea. Find out more below about auto insurance in the Magnolia State.
Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in Mississippi
Bodily injury liability: For every single person accident, you must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage; for multiple person accidents, you must have at least $50,000 in coverage. Liability for bodily injury pays for medical expenses incurred when you injure another person. Any injuries you or your passengers receive are not covered by it.
Property damage liability: A minimum of $25,000 must be covered by property damage liability insurance. Liability for property damage compensates you for harm you cause to another person’s belongings, mainly their vehicle. Damage to your car is not covered by it.
Medical costs coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are not mandated for drivers in Mississippi.
Mississippi merely requires responsibility for property damage and physical injury, but it’s a good idea to have extra coverage. Given that Mississippi has the highest number of uninsured drivers in the nation (29 percent), according to the Insurance Research Council, purchasing UIM coverage makes sense in particular.
In addition, comprehensive collision and medical payment coverage will offer more security in the event of an accident. You should also raise your liability limits above the legally mandated minimum. Although full-coverage auto insurance goes beyond what Mississippi state law requires, we nevertheless advise getting it. In the event that you have claims, full coverage will save you money despite having a higher average premium.
| Type of Coverage | Whose losses it covers | What it covers | Minimum limit we recommend | Deductible |
| Bodily injury liability | Other party’s | Medical costs (injury or death) | $500,000 (combined with property damage) | No |
| Property damage liability | Other party’s | Property damages | $500,000 (combined with bodily injury) | No |
| Comprehensive | Yours | Vehicle damages from incidents other than collisions (e.g., weather, theft, vandalism) | Actual market value of your vehicle | Yes |
| Collision | Yours | Vehicle damages from collisions | Actual market value of your vehicle | Yes |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | Yours | Property damages and medical costs in the event someone with insufficient or no insurance hits your car | $500,000 | No |
| Medical payments | Yours | Medical costs (injury or death) | $500,000 | No |
What does Mississippi’s car insurance cost?
Important Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Prices
Insurance companies evaluate driver risk and set premium prices based on a variety of factors, but most take into account the following:
- Your age (or the age of the policy’s youngest driver).
- What gender are you?
- Your history of driving.
- Your history of claims.
- the length of time you spend driving.
- The location of your car, including the city and state, as well as whether it is garaged.
- The model and make of your car.
- Your credit rating.
- The kind and scope of coverage.
- Your position as a married person.
Average Mississippi Auto Insurance Costs by Age Group
It’s inevitable that your premiums for auto insurance will increase with age. Young drivers usually pay more for vehicle insurance since the firms consider them to be riskier drivers.
In Mississippi, a motorist under the age of sixteen pays $8,989 for auto insurance annually, while a driver between the ages of fifty and sixty pays just $1,497.
| Age | Average Yearly Rate |
| 16 | $8,988.94 |
| 17 | $8,053.25 |
| 18 | $6,716.83 |
| 19 | $4,406.64 |
| 20s | $2,420.58 |
| 30s | $1,758.49 |
| 40s | $1,593.93 |
| 50s | $1,497.00 |
| 60s | $1,495.99 |
| 70s | $1,771.44 |
Mississippi is the sixth most expensive state in which to get auto insurance for a 16-year-old driver, if you’re looking for coverage for a young driver.
Mississippi’s Average Auto Insurance Rates by Gender
Underwriters use gender as a rating component even though it doesn’t have as much of an impact on auto insurance costs as a driver’s age or location.
| Gender | Average Yearly Rate |
| Male | $1,797.73 |
| Female | $1,751.90 |
Mississippi’s Average Auto Insurance Rates by Marital Status
Aside from the honeymoon, one advantage of marriage is usually a better rate on auto insurance. Married drivers in Mississippi save $154 annually on their auto insurance premiums. This exceeds the $76 national mean.
| Marital Status | Average Annual Rate |
| Single | $1,797.73 |
| Married | $1,643.31 |
| Divorced | $1,754.72 |
| Widowed | $1,718.69 |
Mississippi has the highest average cost of auto insurance for divorced drivers in the country. Go shopping if your auto insurance is costing too much.
Mississippi’s Median Auto Insurance Premiums by Coverage Tier
The quantity of coverage you choose will determine how much your monthly auto insurance premium will be. Comprehensive coverage with a low deductible is usually more expensive than liability-only coverage. Liability-only insurance and comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible cost $956 more in Mississippi.
| Coverage Level | Average Annual Premium |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — Liability Only | $816 |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,597 |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,777 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — Liability Only | $697 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,482 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,662 |
| State Minimum — Liability Only | $603 |
| State Minimum — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,379 |
| State Minimum — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,559 |
Mississippi’s Average Auto Insurance Prices by Credit Tier
Credit score is a factor used by auto insurance companies to assess a customer’s dependability. According to data, drivers with excellent credit are frequently more dependable auto insurance clients because they are less likely to file claims that are reimbursed by their policy.
In Mississippi, the annual cost of auto insurance is reduced by $1,854.51 for drivers with excellent credit as opposed to those with poor credit. Learn more about how your credit score influences the cost of auto insurance.
| Credit Quality | Average Annual Rate |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $3,410.32 |
| Fair (580-669) | $2,816.16 |
| Good (670-739) | $2,305.62 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,883.26 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,555.81 |
Mississippi’s Average Auto Insurance Premiums for High-Risk Drivers
Your auto insurance premiums will undoubtedly increase if you are judged to be at fault in an accident or if you are convicted of a moving violation. Your auto insurance will cost more if you have more infractions.
In Mississippi, the annual cost of your auto insurance will be $730.76 after your first at-fault collision. In Mississippi, a DWI is one of the most serious driving offenses and can increase your insurance rates by $809.41 on average.
| Violation | Average Annual Premium |
| DUI or DWI | $2,609.46 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,600.93 |
| At-Fault Accident (<$1,000) | $2,530.81 |
| At-Fault Accident ($1,000-$2,000) | $1,895.53 |
| At-Fault Accident (>$2,000) | $2,530.81 |
| Open Container | $1,666.95 |
| Speeding (21-25 MPH > limit) | $1,625.48 |
| Speeding (16-20 MPH > limit) | $1,654.55 |
Ways to Reduce Auto Insurance Costs in Mississippi
- Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers. Each company uses its own formula to determine rates, so prices can vary significantly.
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, to potentially qualify for a discount.
- Increased Deductibles: A higher deductible usually leads to lower premiums. Just be sure you can comfortably afford the deductible in case of a claim.
- Maintain a Good Driving Record: Safe driving can contribute to lower premiums. Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your rates down.
- Ask About Discounts: Inquire about discounts for safe driving, good grades (if applicable), and other factors that may apply to you.
- Drive a Safe and Affordable Car: The type of car you drive can impact insurance costs. Generally, safer and less expensive cars have lower insurance premiums.
- Consider Your Coverage Needs: While looking for affordability, ensure that the coverage meets your needs. Full coverage typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
Don’t forget to customize your insurance to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Reviewing your policy on a regular basis and comparing quotes will help you make sure you’re getting the greatest value.
Auto insurance claim process
Report the Incident: The first thing you should do after an accident or damage is to notify your insurance provider. Usually, you can accomplish this by calling the insurer’s claims hotline, utilizing a mobile app, or going online. Give specifics like the incident’s description, date, time, and location.
Information Exchange: Share details with the people involved, such as names, contact information, insurance information, and car data. Get the details of any witnesses, if there are any. Document the scene with photos, if possible, to provide visual evidence.
File a Police Report: It is wise to make a police report in certain situations, particularly if there are injuries or substantial damage. When processing the insurance claim and assigning blame, this document may be very important.
Claim Adjuster Assessment: The insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster will investigate the incident, review the police report, inspect the damages, and assess the costs involved. They may also interview involved parties and witnesses.
Estimate and Repair: The insurance company evaluates the adjuster’s findings to determine whether to declare the car a total loss or to issue an estimate for repairs. The repairs will start if the estimate is approved. While some insurers let you select the repair shop, others have preferred shops.
Medical Claims: In the event that injuries occur, the medical claims procedure starts. This entails providing the insurance company with medical bills, records, and other pertinent paperwork. The kind of insurance and state laws will determine what is and is not covered for medical costs.
Resolution and Payment: The insurance provider will make a payout after the evaluation and repair procedures are finished. This can entail paying for repairs, paying for a totaled car, or paying for medical bills. The resolution process may take several weeks.
Appeals Process: If you disagree with the insurance company’s decision, there’s usually an appeals process. This may involve providing additional documentation or appealing to a higher authority within the insurance company.
The procedure for filing a car insurance claim is intended to assist people in getting over mishaps or unforeseen circumstances. Throughout the whole claims process, it is imperative that you adhere to the procedure exactly, give accurate information, and communicate with your insurance carrier in a clear and concise manner.
Some advice for accelerating your auto insurance claim
Here are some pointers to speed up the process of filing a claim on your auto insurance.
Download the mobile app for your insurance: Through their applications, a lot of auto insurance companies let drivers submit claims. While each company’s app may have different features and usability, many allow you to attach files such as written statements, images, and supporting evidence to support your claim. Certain applications facilitate the tracking of your claim’s progress.
Compile the required data prior to submitting the claim: When making a car insurance claim, the more organized you are, the faster you will find the information you need. Delays may result from omitting important information, missing uploading accident images, or not mentioning the other driver’s insurance.
Remember when things are due: The type of auto insurance claim, the insurer, and the location all affect the filing deadlines. As soon as you can after an accident, get in touch with your motor insurance provider to find out if there are any deadlines for submitting paperwork and submitting a claim. To ensure that you don’t forget the deadline, add these to your paper or digital calendar and, if at all possible, attach an alert.
Contact your auto insurance provider again. The severity of the collision, whether more than one motorist was involved, and the amount of time it takes the adjuster to go through all the paperwork can all affect how quickly a claim is settled. It’s easier to make sure everything is on track for settlement if you follow up with your insurance.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Car Insurance
A lot of myths and misconceptions surround the subject of auto insurance. These false beliefs have the potential to cause confusion and, occasionally, to cause people to make poor decisions for themselves. Let’s dispel some of these widespread rumors and clear up any misunderstandings regarding auto insurance.
1. Myth: Red cars cost more to insure: The idea that red automobiles cost extra to insure is one that is frequently spread. The truth is that your car’s color has no bearing on your insurance costs. A driver’s history and vehicle make, model, and year are of greater interest to insurers.
2. Myth: Minimum Coverage is Always Sufficient: Some people think it’s always sufficient to choose the bare minimum of coverage. However, in the event of a serious accident, basic coverage might not provide you with enough protection. In order to improve your financial security, it’s critical to evaluate your unique demands and take into account supplemental coverage.
3. Myth: Your Insurance Covers Everything: Although insurance offers necessary protection, it does not cover every eventuality. It’s important to know the restrictions of your policy. Generally speaking, things like normal wear and tear, mechanical malfunctions, or deliberate destruction are not covered.
4. Myth: Personal Auto Insurance Covers Business Use: A personal auto insurance coverage may not protect you if you use your car for work-related travels. Commercial auto insurance is frequently necessary for business use in order to guarantee adequate coverage in the event of work-related accidents.
5. Myth: Older Drivers Always Pay More: Many insurance companies give senior citizens discounts, despite the common misconception that older drivers always pay higher prices. Older drivers can frequently receive reduced rates due to their experience and safe driving records.
Clarifying Misconceptions:
1. Misconception: Speeding Tickets Don’t Affect Rates Significantly: Some people believe that a single speeding ticket won’t have a big effect on insurance costs. In actuality, fines for speeding can result in higher insurance rates, and more expensive rates may follow subsequent infractions. To keep insurance costs low, driving safely must be your top priority.
2. Misconception: Credit Score Doesn’t Affect Auto Insurance: It is true that your credit score affects how much your auto insurance costs. Credit history is a common tool used by insurers to evaluate a policyholder’s dependability. Better credit makes one more trustworthy and might result in lower insurance costs.
3. Misconception: Comprehensive Coverage Covers Everything: Even though comprehensive coverage is broad, it doesn’t address every eventuality that could arise. It is essential to comprehend the precise contents and exclusions of your policy. For instance, it usually doesn’t cover routine upkeep or mechanical failures.
It’s critical to bust these myths and clear up misunderstandings in order to make knowledgeable judgments about auto insurance. Policyholders can ensure they have the appropriate protection for their needs and can navigate the market more skillfully by being aware of the reality of insurance coverage.
I believe if you can observe my entire blog, you may get a valid idea of car insurance coverage in Mississippi. Types of Mississippi’s auto insurance coverage, Mississippi’s car insurance cost, Auto insurance claim process, and ways to reduce auto insurance costs in Mississippi.