All 50 U.S. states require drivers to carry auto insurance, but the amount of required coverage varies from state to state. Mississippi only requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but you should be aware that liability-only coverage does not apply to injuries and property damage resulting from an accident that is your fault. Also, the required minimum coverage amounts may be insufficient to cover actual injuries and damages, so all Mississippi drivers are advised to carry as much coverage as they can afford.

As a general rule, if you choose a higher deductible for your insurance plan, you can obtain lower premiums, but make sure the deductible is an amount you can afford if necessary.

Minimum Required Insurance Coverage in Mississippi

BIL (Bodily Injury Liability): Liability coverage for injuries/deaths in the other vehicle

• Minimum of $25,000 for one person
• Minimum of $50,000 for the other driver and all passengers

PDL (Property Damage Liability): Liability coverage for damage to the other driver’s vehicle or property, and other public or private property surrounding the accident scene

• Minimum of $25,000 for all damages

About Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is divided into two parts, BIL and PDL, and only covers the other driver’s (and his/her passengers’) injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. It does not cover your injuries or damage to your vehicle. The PDL portion of your liability insurance also pays applicable court costs if you are sued for damages after an auto accident. When you purchase liability insurance, your plan is limited to a maximum benefit amount in each category, BIL and PDL. If you cause damages or injuries in excess of your maximum insurance payout, you will be personally responsible for the remaining expenses. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a plan with the highest benefit limit you can afford.

If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver, his/her liability insurance will cover injuries to yourself and your passengers and damage to your vehicle. In order to be covered for damages to your own vehicle or your own injuries in any accident, you should purchase additional collision coverage (described below).

Other Recommended (but not Required) Coverage for Mississippi Drivers

• PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Coverage for injuries to yourself and your passengers in an accident that is your fault; also covers non-medical expenses such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral costs
• UMC (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage): Coverage for injuries to yourself and your passengers resulting from an accident caused by an uninsured or inadequately insured driver
• Collision Coverage: Coverage for damage to your vehicle, your property, or surrounding public property caused by an accident that is your fault

Comprehensive Coverage: Coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by factors other than a traffic accident, including fire, flood, vandalism, theft, or a collision with an animal

If you have a lease, a loan, or a lien and therefore don’t technically own your vehicle, you may be required to purchase collision coverage and/or comprehensive coverage. Check with your leaser, lender, or lien-holder to determine whether you need to purchase additional insurance besides the state-required liability coverage. Your insurance company is not responsible for notifying you of these requirements.

About Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) may provide benefits that are already covered by your health insurance plan, so you should check with your health insurance provider before purchasing this coverage. However, PIP covers all passengers in your vehicle, whereas health insurance only covers you, your dependents, and anyone named in your health plan. It is generally recommended that if you frequently carpool or have non-familial passengers in your car, you should purchase a PIP plan.

About Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Even though all Mississippi drivers are required to carry liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UMC) is recommended to protect yourself from paying out of pocket for an accident caused by an uninsured or inadequately insured driver. If you cause an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your insurance company is still responsible for paying the medical and property damages associated with the accident.

State-Issued Proof of Insurance

All Mississippi drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. If you are involved in an accident or a traffic stop, you will be asked to provide proof of insurance. Failure to carry valid proof of insurance could result in a fine of $1,000 and a 1-year suspension of your driver’s license for your first offense. For successive offenses, the penalties will increase.