Mississippi car insurance laws
These limits are in place to ease the financial burden for drivers who cause an accident and for the victims. The at-fault driver knows their insurer will cover medical expenses and property damage up to a certain amount, and victims can more readily access funds to pay for accident costs.
However, a serious crash can generate medical and repair bills that exceed the state minimum limits. Once the available coverage is exhausted, the at-fault driver will be personally responsible for the unpaid amount.
Mississippi car insurance requirements
Drivers in Mississippi must carry the coverage required by state law, including liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. and any other mandatory protections. The minimum liability limits are 25/50/25. These limits help pay for injuries, property damage, and other required accident-related expenses covered under Mississippi law.
Mississippi requires the following coverage:
Liability. There are two parts to liability coverage. First, bodily injury liability pays medical costs associated with an accident, such as doctor visits, surgery, and prescriptions. Second, property damage liability covers repairing or replacing items such as vehicles, fences, or buildings.
Mississippi liability minimums are 25/50/25.
Minimum coverage in Mississippi costs an average of $510. Progressive offers the lowest average rate at $365, but your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. will depend on your driving record, age, location, and other factors.
The table below shows the average rates of the top insurers for minimum coverage in Mississippi.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $365 | $30 |
| GEICO | $375 | $31 |
| Safeway Insurance | $390 | $33 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $438 | $37 |
| Travelers | $489 | $41 |
| Shelter Insurance | $578 | $48 |
| Nationwide | $706 | $59 |
| Allstate | $848 | $71 |
| USAA | $289 | $24 |
Mississippi car insurance cost for minimum coverage limits
Minimum coverage car insurance in Mississippi costs an average of $510. However, the amount you pay will depend on your insurer, age, location, driving history, and other rating factors. Progressive has the cheapest average minimum coverage rate at $365 annually.
On average, state minimum car insurance costs $510. Car insurance rates for minimum coverage vary by company and driver. The table below shows average annual rates for the old minimum liability limits in Mississippi. We will soon revise the rates to align with the updated limits.
The cheapest company for minimum coverage in Mississippi is Progressive at an average rate of $365 annually.
| State minimum coverage limit | 25/50/25 |
| Average annual premium | $510 |
| Average monthly premium | $42 |
Are the minimum coverage requirements changing in 2026 in Mississippi?
Mississippi car insurance requirements will not change in 2026. Drivers who already carry the state-required minimum coverage do not need to update their policies. If requirements change later, insurers will inform affected policyholders and explain any necessary coverage or premium adjustments.
Why do limits change?
"Several states have minimum requirements of property damage of $10,000-$25,000," says Zack Pope, agency manager at David Pope Insurance in Missouri. "[Given] the current values of vehicles, that's extremely antiquated coverage values and a main reason that I personally do not offer less than 100/300/100 to customers. It is significantly easier to see a car on the road that is valued at $100,000 than it has been in the past."
What does minimum car insurance cover in Mississippi?
Minimum car insurance in Mississippi pays for specific accident expenses up to the limits required by law. Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage you cause to other people. These limits pay for injuries, property damage, and other losses covered under Mississippi's minimum insurance requirements.
Mississippi requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance to help offset accident costs.
Mississippi drivers are required to carry liability coverage. Bodily injury liability helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident. Property damage liability covers items damaged in an accident, such as another vehicle, fence, or other property.
PEOPLE ASK:
Is Mississippi minimum car insurance enough?
It may not be. Even a moderately serious accident could exceed the state minimum limits of 25/50/25, and minimum coverage may not cover all accident costs. Furthermore, state minimums do not cover your vehicle; you need to add comprehensive and collision coverage.
How much car insurance is enough in Mississippi?
The amount of car insurance you need in Mississippi depends on your assets, income, savings, and vehicle. Higher liability limits can protect you from lawsuits and major out-of-pocket expenses. Drivers with financed or leased vehicles will also need collision and comprehensive coverageComprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. It is subject to a deductible..
Drivers with substantial savings, property, or other assets should avoid choosing limits that are too low. If you cause an accident that exceeds your policy limits, the injured party may pursue your income or assets for the remaining costs.
Additionally, if you drive very little or have a short commute, your chances of causing an accident are relatively low. Also, you may choose to skip coverages such as collision and comprehensive if your car isn't worth much, or you can afford to pay for a new vehicle if yours is damaged. However, if you have a loan or lease, you will be required to carry this coverage by your lender.
Consider your financial situation when determining how much car insurance you need.
Mississippi penalties for driving without car insurance
Driving without required insurance in Mississippi may lead to fines, license suspension, registration penalties and more expensive insurance in the future. Repeated violations may result in harsher consequences. If you cause an accident without coverage, you will also have to pay medical bills and property damage costs yourself.
Failing to carry Mississippi car insurance has penalties, including those listed below. Keep in mind that repeated infractions have more severe penalties, such as jail time.
| Fines | $1,000 |
| Other penalties | License suspension |
| Jail time | No |
Mississippi minimum coverage cost by age group
Younger drivers tend to pay the most, and rates decline with age and experience. Southern Farm Bureau is the cheapest option for teens, while Progressive has the lowest average adult rate
The table below breaks down the cost of car insurance for various age groups. Southern Farm Bureau has the best rates for teens, with minimum coverage averaging $1,271. Progressive offers the cheapest coverage for adults at $362.
Additionally, females and males pay different rates. The average rate for a 40-year-old female is $512, and the average rate for a 40-year-old male is $508, a difference of $4.
Mississippi minimum coverage cost by city
Minimum coverage is cheapest in Tupelo, where drivers pay an average of $473. Gulfport has the highest average minimum coverage rate in Mississippi at $606. Differences in traffic, accident claims, theft, and local repair costs can cause premiums to vary from one city to another.
The table below shows average minimum coverage rates for cities in Mississippi.
| City | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Biloxi | $591 | $49 |
| Greenville | $524 | $44 |
| Gulfport | $606 | $50 |
| Hattiesburg | $541 | $45 |
| Jackson | $602 | $50 |
| Madison | $587 | $49 |
| Meridian | $506 | $42 |
| Olive Branch | $585 | $49 |
| Southaven | $583 | $49 |
| Tupelo | $473 | $39 |
Optional car insurance coverage in Mississippi
The minimum coverage required in Mississippi does not protect your vehicle against most types of damage. Optional insurance, such as collision and comprehensive, will pay to repair or replace your car. Rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and gap coverage can also help with costs that are not included in a minimum liability policy.
Drivers may choose optional coverages such as:
- Collision coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you cause an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage. This coverage pays for damage to your car unrelated to an accident, such as fire, flood, falling debris, and hail.
- Rental car coverage. This pays for a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired for a covered claim and usually has time and cost limits.
- Roadside assistance coverage. If you run out of gas, need a tire changed, or have a dead battery, roadside assistance will send someone to help.
- Gap coverage. Gap coverage pays the difference between what you owe on a car loan and the vehicle's value.
Why do limits change?
Minimum car insurance limits change when state lawmakers determine that existing coverage amounts are no longer sufficient to meet current accident costs. As vehicle prices, repair bills and medical expenses rise, lower liability limits may leave both accident victims and at-fault drivers with large unpaid balances.
Methodology
Insurance.com partners with Quadrant Information Services to field average car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. National and state average rates are based on state minimum coverage and on the following parameters:
- 40-year-old driver
- Honda Accord LX
- Good credit
- A clean driving record
- 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage
State laws were gathered from state DMV and insurance department websites.
Learn more about our data and methodology.
Mississippi car insurance laws and requirements: FAQs
Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Mississippi?
Yes. Drivers in Mississippi must maintain the minimum insurance required under state law. Mandatory coverage includes 25/50/25. Driving without the required policy can result in fines, license or registration penalties, and higher premiums when you purchase insurance again.
Will my bare minimum car insurance cover me in another state?
Yes, your car insurance will cover an eligible claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. when you drive in another state. If the state where the accident occurs requires higher liability limits, your policy will automatically adjust to meet those limits for the claim. However, this does not add collision or comprehensive coverage to a minimum policy.
What happens if I drive without car insurance in Mississippi?
Driving without car insurance in Mississippi can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and increased insurance premiums. Repeat offenses may carry more serious consequences, including jail time. You will also be personally responsible for medical bills, repairs, and other damages if you cause an accident while uninsured.
Compare state minimum requirements with other states
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