Mississippi Auto Insurance

Mississippi auto insurance is required in the state if you have a car. However, it takes time to shop and compare everything that’s out there for your specific MS auto insurance requirements. It can often be confusing too. By learning more about Mississippi car insurance and what it is for, you will be well armed to shop for the best possible coverage.

Understanding Compulsory Mississippi Auto Insurance

There are a variety of different types of auto insurance coverage available for those who live in Mississippi. The only one that is compulsory is liability and the minimum requirements for it are 10/20/5. These numbers translate into:

1. $10,000 limit of bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in an at-fault accident

2. $20,000 limit of bodily injury liability coverage per accident in total

3. $5,000 limit of property damage liability per accident

These are the lowest state minimums in the entire country and are pitifully low. These limits would only cover minor accidents. If you were to be involved in a more serious accident, these liability limits would not cover the costs involved, and you would be sued for the difference.

It is wise to consider raising these limits by at least 5 times, if not 10 times or more, in order to provide yourself with true liability protection. The cost of cars and health care are rising, along with everything else. Antiquated liability limits like the ones in Mississippi do not keep up with the times.

Understanding Other Mississippi Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Collision: Collision is a required coverage if your car is financed, because the lien holder will require you to carry it as protection on his investment. Collision pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if you are at-fault in an accident.

Comprehensive: Comprehensive is also required by the lender if your car is not completely paid off. Comprehensive covers repairing or replacing your vehicle if there is a loss because of any of the named perils in the policy like fire, theft, vandalism or windstorm damage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: This type of coverage protects you in case you are involved in a car accident and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In Mississippi the probability of being in an accident with someone who is underinsured is very high because the minimum liability requirements are so low. This coverage also protects you in case of hit and run accidents.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP will pay for your medical expenses and those of your passengers if case of a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It offers more extensive coverage than liability does and without the wait. It will also provide medical coverage in the case of vehicle-pedestrian accidents.

Mississippi Auto Insurance Companies

In the state of Mississippi, there are numerous companies that offer auto insurance. Be sure to choose the one you use carefully, as they are not all equal in customer service nor financial stability. Below is a list of the better known ones.

1. State Farm

2. Allstate

3. Nationwide

4. Progressive

5. Farmers

6. Alfa

7. Esurance

8. Metropolitan

9. 21st Century

10. GEICO

So, which one is the best Mississippi car insurance company? It is important to remember that every insurance company sets their MS auto insurance rates differently and so it can pay to shop around. There is no single “best Mississippi auto insurance company” for everyone.

High Risk Mississippi Car Insurance

Being termed a high risk driver is not a picnic for anyone. There are a variety of reasons you may be considered a high risk driver by Mississippi car insurers. These may include:

1. Multiple tickets and/or accidents

2. A conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

3. If you are a very young and/or inexperienced driver

4. A period of time with no insurance coverage

5. Poor credit

If you find yourself in one of these situations, don’t despair. There is still hope for finding car insurance; however, you will have to pay for it. Your last resort is the Mississippi Automobile Insurance Plan, which is the state’s assigned-risk insurance program for those who cannot find insurance elsewhere.

Be sure you have thoroughly checked out what else is available first, because the Mississippi Automobile Insurance Plan is very pricey. There are some companies out there who specialize in high-risk individuals, so look to those before the state’s plan.

Mississippi Auto Insurance Savings Tips

When you are shopping for cheap Mississippi auto insurance there are things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best deal possible:

1. Shop around. Get at least 3 or more quotes on car insurance and carefully compare them before making a final decision. Premiums can vary significantly and the most effective way to find the best deal is to shop around.

2. Raise your deductibles on collision and comprehensive to save money on your yearly premium, but remember to not raise them so high that they become unreasonable.

3. Do not skimp on liability coverage to save on your premiums. This is the most important coverage to carry therefore you should carry a decent level of protection.

4. Ask the insurer about available discounts and make sure you have all that you qualify for.

5. If you get a ticket or are involved in an accident, check into doing a driver’s education course. It will save you the demerit points on your license and quite a bit on insurance.

6. Maintain a good driving record. Slow down, obey the traffic laws and drive defensively. By avoiding tickets and not having accidents you will be able to get the best rates possible.

7. Drive less. Carpool when possible or take public transportation and avoid just going for a drive for something to do. If you put fewer miles on your car a year, you just may qualify for a low mileage discount.

Mississippi Auto Insurance Quotes

Get your Mississippi auto insurance quote today by returning to the quote tool above and inputting your zip code to get started. Once you’ve answered a set of questions about you, your car and the other drivers who use it, you’ll be rewarded with a variety of quotes.

Having multiple quotes from several insurers serving your area makes it easy to compare what’s available and at what price.

Get your free online MS auto insurance quote now and in no time you’ll be on your way to having a great new Mississippi auto insurance policy!