You Don’t Have to Sort Out Insurance Alone.
After a crash, dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming, especially when the other driver may not have enough coverage. If you were injured, we can talk through your options and answer your questions at no cost.
A car accident is a jarring experience, and once the shock of the crash wears off, questions start to arise about fault and payment for the accident.
The single largest factor affecting the outcome of your claims after an auto accident is whether the other driver involved has insurance.
Mississippi car insurance laws mandate a compulsory automobile liability insurance system, which means that all drivers in the state must carry liability insurance and carry proof, either electronic or paper, that the vehicle is insured.
At the Harris Law Firm in Greenville, our experienced auto accident attorneys have helped many clients navigate their claims with insurers after an accident and are here to enforce your rights after an accident.
Mississippi Auto Insurance Law: What to Know
Mississippi sets a clear minimum for car insurance, and knowing it can help you understand your options after a crash.
- The rule: Every vehicle operated in Mississippi must be covered by a liability insurance policy, and drivers should keep proof of coverage, on paper or electronically.
- Minimum limits: Mississippi requires at least $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage per accident (often called 25/50/25).
- Penalties: Driving without proof of insurance is a misdemeanor and can lead to a fine and a license suspension of one year or until you show proof of insurance and pay the required fees.
- The gap: Minimum limits often fall short after a serious crash. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may help cover the difference, if you carry it.
Car Insurance Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi law mandates that all drivers maintain liability insurance and carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times starting January 1, 2001.
Each driver must have $25,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 in liability coverage for total bodily injury or death, and $25,000 liability coverage for property damage in an accident if that driver is found to be at fault for the accident.
Drivers are allowed to carry higher limits, but this is the minimum amount of allowable car insurance coverage under Mississippi auto insurance laws.
There is one exception to the compulsory automobile liability insurance program, which is that under Mississippi insurance law a vehicle owner is allowed to post a bond for the minimum amount instead of carrying insurance coverage.
A vehicle owner is also allowed to make a cash or security deposit of this amount, as well, in order to demonstrate financial responsibility in case they are involved in an accident. However, the vast majority of Mississippi vehicle owners opt for insurance coverage, instead.
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What Does Liability Insurance Cover?
Liability coverage pays for a number of things after an accident. Liability insurance pays for medical bills, property damage, and any other costs incurred by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or others injured in the accident up to your policy limits.
Once the policy limits are reached, you are personally responsible for the remainder of the cost. This is why many Mississippi vehicle owners choose to carry more than the minimum requirements for liability insurance.
It is important to note that the minimum requirements for liability coverage in Mississippi do not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage. If you would like protection for these items, you need to get additional coverage under your auto insurance plan if no one else is found at fault.
One common example of additional coverage is collision coverage, which covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive coverage is another option for additional coverage for your auto insurance needs.
In addition, liability insurance covers any family member, friend, or other person that has been given permission to drive your vehicle. Auto insurance follows the car, not the person, so long as the person driving is allowed to do so.
Depending on the policy, liability insurance may also cover you if you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car.
Mississippi Car Insurance: Common Questions
Yes. Every vehicle operated in Mississippi must be covered by a liability insurance policy, and the owner is responsible for keeping it in force. Drivers should carry proof of coverage, on paper or electronically. Limited alternatives exist, such as a bond or a deposit of money or securities with the state.
Liability limits must be at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Higher limits are allowed, and they can matter after a serious crash because medical bills and repairs may exceed the minimums.
Driving without proof of insurance is a misdemeanor. It can lead to a fine and a license suspension of one year or until you show proof of insurance and pay fines and reinstatement fees. If you can prove coverage was in effect when you were cited, the case is dismissed.
Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may cover your losses, and Mississippi policies include it unless the insured rejects it in writing. You can also pursue the at-fault driver directly, though collecting can be difficult. An attorney can review every policy that could apply to your claim.
No. Mississippi is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the resulting damages. Mississippi also uses pure comparative negligence, so you can still recover compensation if you were partly to blame, reduced by your share of fault.
What Happens if You Drive Without Insurance?
Driving a vehicle in Mississippi without the required minimums of auto insurance is considered a crime. Under the law, driving without proof of insurance is a misdemeanor offense, which could give you a criminal record, fines up to $500, and a suspended driver’s license up to one year.
In addition, if you are found at fault in an auto accident and do not have insurance, you will be held personally liable for the costs of the damage in the crash. This includes payment for current and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and the pain and suffering of all others involved in the accident in addition to covering the costs of your own injuries and damages.
Talk to Our Office Today
Have you been involved in a car accident in Mississippi and need help navigating your claim? If so, the auto accident lawyers at the Harris Law Firm in Greenville are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options after an accident.
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