The Complete Guide to Mississippi Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Magnolia State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things MS car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Mississippi?
Car insurance in Mississippi averages $201/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $217 |
| Gulfport | $208 |
| Southaven | $198 |
| Hattiesburg | $194 |
| Biloxi | $206 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Mississippi?
Mississippi drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
29.4% of drivers in Mississippi are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, but other factors keep premiums lower here.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 2,804 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in MS, down 19% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
MS has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 46, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though inland flooding and hurricane are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Mississippi?
All Mississippi drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Mississippi drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Mississippi?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Mississippi drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Mississippi?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from backwoods mudding
How much car insurance do I need in Mississippi?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Mississippi labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | $84 | $127 | $137 | $84 |
| Olive Branch | $77 | $107 | $141 | $77 |
| Oxford | $77 | $107 | $141 | $77 |
| Hattiesburg | $84 | $127 | $137 | $84 |
| Ocean Springs | $84 | $127 | $137 | $84 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Mississippi?
Mississippi takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$1,000 standard fine, reduced to $100 if you get insurance before your hearing.
Suspension
License suspended for one year or until you prove insurance coverage.
Jail time
Mississippi focuses on fines and suspensions – no jail time for insurance violations.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Mississippi?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Mississippi?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Mississippi car insurance FAQs
Is Mississippi a no-fault state?
No, Mississippi isn’t a no-fault state. Mississippi follows at-fault auto insurance, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. Mississippi uses pure comparative negligence rules.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi requires insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Proof of insurance is verified during registration, and coverage must stay active while your vehicle is registered.
What are the top risks for driving in Mississippi?
Mississippi’s rural roads see excessive speeding and high rates of impaired driving. Most roads lack adequate lighting and shoulder space, while sudden heavy rainfall can instantly reduce visibility to zero. High-speed highway crashes occur with concerning frequency.
How long do I have to report an accident in Mississippi?
Mississippi law requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more to be reported immediately to police. Officers generally complete the report. You should still notify your insurer promptly. Failure to report may result in fines.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, slow down on rural roads with terrible lighting. Heavy rain can kill your visibility in seconds. Watch for drunk drivers at night. Buckle up and don’t speed on highways.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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