Car Insurance in Mississippi

The Magnolia State has affordable auto insurance rates for minimum liability only coverage in comparison with the US average. This is surprising considering 29% of motorists are uninsured in this state, which is more than double the nation average. And premiums for full coverage policies are still below the national average. MS has one of the lowest automobile ownership ratios in the US, with about 690 cars per capita. And only 80% of Mississippians buckle up, which is about 10% lower than the national average or over twice as many people don’t buckle up here.

Mississippian drivers travel 19,966 miles on average a year which is about a quarter higher than the national average. This highlights the need to buy a car insurance policy with good level of liability limits, Collision and Comprehensive coverage as your chances of suffering accidents and other incidents increase the longer you stay on the roads.

Collection of Pictures from Mississippi

Mississippi Vehicle Insurance Laws

Minimum liability requirements are;

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
  • $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage.

Operating a vehicle without insurance in Mississippi is considered a misdemeanor, potentially resulting in a $1,000 fine and a suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year, or until you prove you purchased the required liability coverage. Should you provide evidence of insurance before the scheduled hearing, the fine is lowered to $100. In contrast to states with increasing penalties for repeated insurance violations, Mississippi applies a consistent penalty structure for both initial and subsequent offenses.

Given the significant number of uninsured motorists in Mississippi, it is advisable for drivers to contemplate the inclusion of Uninsured Motorists Coverage in their insurance policies. While this coverage is not obligatory in the state, it is prudent to assess the associated expenses and consider incorporating it into your policy if you can afford it.

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel to reduce the chances of accidents and not on your cell phone as texting and driving is banned in this state. You can read the commissioner’s guide here for further information and up to date requirements.

Automobile Insurance Rates in Mississippi

The average premium for the state required minimum coverage liability only policy in MS is $446 and it is 28% below the national average. Motorists can get reasonably priced full coverage car insurance too, as the average cost is $1,771 and it is 12% lower than the country average. Although these figures are below national average, it may still be expensive for Mississippians as the state has one of the lowest average incomes and one of the cheapest living costs.

These figures are given as indication to see if you have a fair premium. If you have had recent claims or traffic tickets you should expect to spend a little bit more than the average. But it can be a lot cheaper if you have been driving for years without any accidents or traffic tickets.

Competitive Auto Insurers in Mississippi

One of the first steps towards securing favorable insurance rates is to locate a provider offering competitive rates. This task has been made more convenient, as we have compiled a list of the lowest priced vehicle insurers below. These particular companies consistently offer the most affordable rates in a majority of cities. In this state, car insurance premiums tend to cluster around the state average, without any specific city standing out as notably expensive or inexpensive – including Jackson.

  1. Progressive
  2. State Farm
  3. Farm Bureau
  4. National General
  5. Direct Auto

It is evident that a significant portion of individuals in this state face challenges affording vehicle insurance. As previously mentioned, the rates, particularly for liability-only policies, are not inherently exorbitant. Even if you’ve received a notably high quote in the past and have not explored other options since then, it’s highly likely that you can discover substantially lower premiums by obtaining multiple quotes through comparison shopping. This process will enable you to drive with a sense of security, knowing you’re adequately insured.

Mississippi Automobile Insurance and Driving Facts

  1. It is not a densely populated state. The largest city is Jackson with only around 180,000 residents. Roads may not be looked after as good as you would expect in other parts of the country. In turn, this can increase accidents and premiums.
  2. In Mississippi, vehicle insurance companies typically charge on average 80% higher rates for drivers with poor credit scores in comparison to motorists with great credit history, according to Forbes.
  3. And adding a teenage driver to your car insurance increases rates by an average of 76% in comparison to costs for a married couple on their own.
  4. Mississippi is unique as the only state not explicitly prohibiting open containers of alcohol in vehicles, but drivers may still be pulled over if seen with such containers. If a driver’s blood alcohol concentration surpasses 0.08%, they can be charged with driving under the influence.
  5. In Mississippi, all vehicle occupants are legally required to wear seat belts. Violators can face fines. When transporting children, proper restraint systems are essential. Children under four must be in a car seat meeting safety standards, and those aged four to seven need a booster seat.
  6. In 2021, 772 people died in car crashes here, giving the state a traffic fatality rate of 26.2 deaths for every 100,000 residents—the highest in the country, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  7. The prevalence of rural highways in Mississippi, characterized by higher speed limits and limited police oversight, contributes to their increased danger compared to urban roads. This could potentially account for the elevated rate of fatal accidents in the state.

Given that insurance is an ongoing expense, it’s valuable to invest time in searching for improved deals both online and offline. This holds true even if you’re currently comfortable with your existing premium payments.