Every driver operating a vehicle in the state of Mississippi is required to maintain appropriate car insurance. Auto insurance requirements aim to protect other drivers on the road with you by providing access to funds in situations where you cause injuries and other losses to another person.
Every driver should understand Mississippi auto insurance requirements, and each driver must state that they have proper coverage when obtaining tags for their vehicle. Speak with a Jackson car accident lawyer from Hearn Law Firm today.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi law requires that drivers maintain a minimum level of auto insurance. This is the minimum amount of liability insurance every driver must carry.
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, no matter how many people were involved
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
This applies to liability insurance, a type of policy each driver purchases to cover damages caused to others. When an accident occurs, you must show proof of your liability coverage to the other driver.
Alternatives to Mississippi Auto Insurance Requirements
If you do not wish to purchase and maintain auto insurance, you must meet the state’s alternative financial responsibility requirements. That means that you must post an indemnity bond that is the equivalent of the minimum amounts of coverage required, meaning you must purchase at least a $50,000 total liability value bond.
You may also make a cash deposit or security deposit to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in the value of $75,000. This allows access to financial support should a person cause an accident. If you cause damage or injury to others, these funds become available to cover that person’s needs.
Enforcement of Auto Insurance Requirements
If you are in an accident of any type, you need to have proof that you have insurance in place. That means you must carry a physical or electronic copy of your insurance card while operating a vehicle. If you are involved in an accident, law enforcement may request proof. They can also request proof of insurance during any traffic stops or checkpoints.
Moreover, Mississippi uses an online verification system that monitors your insurance status at any time. If you are found to be driving a vehicle without coverage, you could face one of several penalties. This may include:
- Fines: You may owe fines of up to $1,000 for your first offense of driving without insurance. Some municipal or local violations may carry different penalties, depending on local laws. Some add an additional $100 to $500 to these fines.
- Suspension: You may lose your driving privileges for one full year if you violate the law by driving without coverage. In some cases, the court may suspend your driver’s license until you provide proof of compliance.
- Fees: To get your license back if it is suspended, you will have to pay additional fees. You may also have more close monitoring of your coverage.
In addition, if a driver operates without insurance and causes an accident, they face the risk of liability claims. That means you may have to pay for the medical, emotional, and financial losses of others out of pocket or through your assets.
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Injured in a car crash? Call Hearn Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with a Jackson car accident lawyer today.