The Minimum Amount Allowed by Law

The minimum amount of liability coverage that drivers must carry in order to comply with Mississippi auto insurance requirements is known as a 25/50/25 plan. What this means is that drivers must have $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage.

In addition to having at least a minimum amount of coverage discussed above you must also be able to show proof of insurance by keeping your insurance card in your vehicle at all times. Law enforcement officers cannot pull you over simply to check for proof of insurance but if you are pulled over for a traffic violation they can ask to see proof of insurance. If you are unable to produce your insurance card you may be subject to a $1000 fine and have your driving privileges suspended for up to a year or until you can show proof of insurance.

Mississippi car insurance requirements are in place to protect all of the drivers on the road. If you are at fault in an accident having the proper coverage protects you because your insurance company assumes financial responsibility for any property damage, medical bills, or litigation that arises from the accident, up to the amount stated in your policy. If you are involved in an accident where someone else is at fault your medical bills and property damage would be covered by the other party's insurance company.

For anyone driving a newer or more expensive vehicle, liability insurance may not be enough. If you cause an accident your medical bills and property damage would not be covered by a liability policy, you would need to have a more comprehensive plan in order to repair or replace your vehicle if you were at fault. Comprehensive plans may also cover things like theft and vandalism that would not be covered under your liability policy.

Even for people that drive less valuable vehicles where liability coverage is all they need, many people choose to carry more than the legal minimums stated by Mississippi auto insurance requirements. Medical bills and property damage in a car accident could exceed the amount covered by a 25/50/25 plan and if the damages exceed the amount covered by your policy you would still be financially responsible so you may wish to consider getting additional coverage.

Whether you decide to go with the legal minimums, additional liability coverage, or a more comprehensive plan, take some time to shop around for the best deal to make sure you're getting the coverage you need at the most affordable price.