Cheap Car Insurance in Mississippi: Finding cheap car insurance in Mississippi can feel like navigating a maze, especially if you’re not sure where to begin.
With numerous providers, various coverage options, and fluctuating rates, it’s crucial to understand how to get the best value for your money. Car insurance is not just a legal requirement; it’s essential for protecting yourself financially in case of an accident.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing affordable car insurance in Mississippi, including tips for lowering your premiums and getting free quotes.
Understanding Mississippi’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Before diving into how to get the cheapest car insurance, it’s essential to understand Mississippi’s minimum car insurance requirements. The state mandates that all drivers must carry a certain amount of liability coverage, which protects you if you’re found at fault in an accident.
Liability Coverage Requirements
Mississippi requires drivers to carry at least:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These amounts are often referred to as 25/50/25. While these are the legal minimums, it’s important to consider whether they provide enough protection. In serious accidents, costs can exceed these limits, leaving you responsible for the difference.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Driving without insurance in Mississippi can result in hefty penalties, including fines and potential suspension of your license. First-time offenders can expect a fine of up to $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges until proof of insurance is provided. Multiple violations can result in even harsher penalties, including longer suspensions.
Importance of Meeting Legal Requirements
While some drivers may be tempted to skip insurance to save money, this can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. The cost of car insurance is far less than the potential cost of an accident, so make sure you’re meeting at least the state minimum.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates in Mississippi
Several factors influence the cost of car insurance in Mississippi, and understanding these can help you get cheaper coverage.
Driving Record
One of the biggest factors affecting your insurance rate is your driving record. If you have a history of accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations, you’ll likely pay more for insurance. On the flip side, a clean record can help you secure lower premiums.
Location and ZIP Code
Where you live in Mississippi also affects your rate. Urban areas like Jackson or Gulfport tend to have higher premiums due to a greater likelihood of accidents, thefts, and vandalism. Conversely, rural areas may offer cheaper rates.
Vehicle Type and Age
The type and age of your vehicle play a role in determining your insurance premium. Newer or more expensive cars tend to cost more to insure because they are more costly to repair or replace. On the other hand, older cars or vehicles with good safety ratings can help lower your premium.
Credit Score Impact on Insurance Rates
In Mississippi, insurers can use your credit score as a factor in determining your rate. Studies show that individuals with higher credit scores tend to file fewer claims, so having a good credit score can help reduce your insurance costs.
Cheap Full Coverage in Mississippi
In Mississippi, drivers pay $1068 on average for a six-month auto insurance policy. A full coverage policy is more expensive than liability, but it provides significantly better protection with comprehensive and collision coverage. 60% of Zebra customers in Mississippi choose full coverage insurance for their vehicles.
Travelers, USAA and State Farm offer the best rates in Mississippi for full coverage policies.
Full coverage quotes in MS
Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
Travelers | $807 | $135 |
USAA | $815 | $136 |
State Farm | $849 | $142 |
Shelter | $1,035 | $173 |
GEICO | $1,170 | $195 |
Progressive | $1,297 | $216 |
Allstate | $1,387 | $231 |
What are the best car insurance companies in Mississippi?
We ranked State Farm as the top car insurance provider in Mississippi based on customer feedback, independent ratings (including JD Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), and factors such as available discounts and coverage choices. Below, you’ll find the advantages and disadvantages of State Farm, along with a comparison of other highly-rated insurers in Mississippi.
Overall best car insurance company in Mississippi — State Farm
State Farm took first place for best overall insurance company in Mississippi. This is due to its affordable premiums, range of coverage options, and high satisfaction ratings from both J.D. Power and our Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Pros
- Competitive rates in Mississippi
- Excellent customer satisfaction scores
- Plenty of bundling opportunities and discounts
- State Farm Drive Safe & Save telematics program available
Cons
- Less custom coverage options than similarly-sized carriers
- Above average number of complaints from the NAIC
Best car insurance companies in Mississippi — honorable mentions
Although State Farm ranked highest on our list, these other companies also performed strongly. Our rankings were based on data from the JD Power auto insurance survey and The Zebra’s Customer Satisfaction Survey, which gathered feedback from 2,722 drivers to identify the companies delivering the most customer satisfaction.
Best Car Insurance Companies in MS
Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
Direct General Insurance | $808 | $135 |
Mississippi Farm Bureau | $899 | $150 |
Nationwide | $1,080 | $180 |
Cheap Liability Insurance in Mississippi
The average cost for liability insurance in Mississippi is $313. Our data suggests that State Farm, USAA and Travelers offer the most affordable liability insurance in the state.
Liability insurance alone is typically not enough protection for the average driver, but it does fulfill state legal requirements. 40% of our Mississippi customers choose liability-only coverage. Liability insurance quotes in MS
Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $221 | $37 |
USAA | $221 | $37 |
Travelers | $284 | $47 |
GEICO | $305 | $51 |
Shelter | $347 | $58 |
Progressive | $407 | $68 |
Allstate | $423 | $70 |
Mississippi auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
Your driving history plays a major role in determining your auto insurance premiums. Insurers often view past at-fault accidents as a risk indicator, which can result in higher policy costs. On average, a single at-fault accident could increase your annual car insurance rates to as much as $995.
See below the average auto insurance rates from top companies in Mississippi after an accident.
Best insurance companies in MS after an at-fault accident
Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
Travelers | $1,056 | $176 |
Shelter | $1,056 | $176 |
State Farm | $1,105 | $184 |
USAA | $1,180 | $197 |
Allstate | $1,703 | $284 |
GEICO | $1,775 | $296 |
Progressive | $1,882 | $314 |
Tip: Don’t forget about claims satisfaction
Filing a claim is never ideal, but having a smooth, hassle-free process is crucial when you do. In our Customer Satisfaction Survey, we focused on those who had to file claims, and USAA and AAA emerged as the top choices among companies underwriting in Mississippi. Mississippians seeking peace of mind in critical moments like claims filing should consider these companies.
In Mississippi, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer’s pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That’s why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Mississippi auto insurance quotes by violation
Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium | $ Rate Increase |
---|---|---|
None | $2,138 | $0 |
One Med/PIP claim | $2,138 | $0 |
Not-at-fault accident | $2,234 | $96 |
One comp claim | $2,280 | $141 |
Two Med/PIP claims | $2,290 | $151 |
Driving without lights | $2,465 | $327 |
Two comp claims | $2,477 | $338 |
Failure to show documents | $2,541 | $402 |
Failure to wear a seat belt | $2,546 | $408 |
Driving with expired registration | $2,555 | $416 |
Child safety restraint | $2,557 | $419 |
Driving too slowly | $2,581 | $442 |
Speeding in school zone | $2,581 | $442 |
Failure to stop at a red light | $2,583 | $445 |
Cell phone violation | $2,607 | $469 |
Wrong way/wrong lane | $2,610 | $472 |
Improper passing | $2,620 | $482 |
Texting while driving | $2,620 | $482 |
Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $2,633 | $494 |
Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $2,634 | $495 |
Failure to yield | $2,635 | $496 |
Following too closely | $2,647 | $508 |
Illegal turn | $2,648 | $510 |
Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $2,657 | $519 |
Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $2,670 | $531 |
Passing school bus | $2,704 | $565 |
In 65 MPH zone | $2,769 | $630 |
At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $2,898 | $759 |
Operating a vehicle without permission | $2,928 | $789 |
Open container | $3,014 | $875 |
At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $3,134 | $995 |
At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $3,134 | $995 |
Reckless driving | $3,265 | $1,126 |
Driving with a suspended license | $3,266 | $1,127 |
Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $3,580 | $1,442 |
DUI | $3,608 | $1,469 |
Racing | $3,648 | $1,510 |
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run | $3,674 | $1,535 |
Car insurance price trends in Mississippi
Mississippi car insurance rates have remained fairly steady over the past decade, fluctuating in both directions by about $200 since 2021. While Mississippi drivers tend to pay more than the national average, they can take some comfort in the fact that rates haven’t seen extreme spikes.
Mississippi rates lean pricier due to the state’s proximity to the Gulf Coast region and the increased risk of weather-related damage. Still, state-wide rate changes each year are often driven by rising repair costs, higher medical expenses, and increased compensation for the growing number of uninsured drivers on the road.
Car insurance quotes in Mississippi since 2015
Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Mississippi | Yearly Change — Mississippi |
---|---|---|
2024 | $1,801 | $203 |
2023 | $1,598 | -$215 |
2022 | $1,813 | $206 |
2021 | $1,607 | $106 |
2020 | $1,501 | -$89 |
2019 | $1,590 | -$14 |
2018 | $1,604 | -$192 |
2017 | $1,796 | $234 |
2016 | $1,562 | -$323 |
2015 | $1,885 | $216 |
Car insurance in popular Mississippi cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Among the top five largest cities in the state, the cheapest car insurance is found in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the most expensive in Jackson, Mississippi.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Mississippi’s biggest cities.
Mississippi car insurance rates by city
City | Avg. Annual Premium |
---|---|
Hattiesburg | $1,742 |
Southaven | $1,801 |
Biloxi | $1,825 |
Gulfport | $1,855 |
Jackson | $1,989 |
Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Mississippi
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Mississippi, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $6,609 per year — that’s over 200% more than a typical Mississippi driver.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in MS
Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
Travelers | $2,333 | $389 |
Shelter | $2,444 | $407 |
USAA | $2,497 | $416 |
State Farm | $2,782 | $464 |
GEICO | $3,204 | $534 |
Allstate | $4,075 | $679 |
Progressive | $5,511 | $919 |
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Mississippi
Now that you understand what affects your rates, let’s explore how to find affordable car insurance in Mississippi.
Shop Around for Quotes
One of the best ways to get cheap car insurance is to shop around. Different insurance companies offer various rates, and what’s cheap for one person might not be for another. Use online comparison tools to get free quotes and compare policies side by side.
Bundle Insurance Policies
If you have other types of insurance (home, renters, etc.), bundling them with your car insurance can lead to significant savings. Many companies offer discounts for customers who purchase multiple policies.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Most insurance companies offer various discounts that can help lower your premium. These might include safe driver discounts, military discounts, or good student discounts. Ask your insurer what discounts you might qualify for.
Increase Deductibles
Raising your deductible can lower your premium. Just be sure you have enough savings to cover the higher out-of-pocket expense if you need to file a claim.
Opt for Usage-Based Insurance
If you don’t drive much, you might benefit from usage-based insurance, which charges you based on how much you drive. This can be an excellent option for those who only use their vehicle occasionally.
Best Insurance Companies for Affordable Coverage in Mississippi
When searching for the best insurance company, it’s not just about price. You also want to consider factors like customer service and claims satisfaction.
Company Comparison for Rates
Some of the companies known for offering affordable car insurance in Mississippi include GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive. However, the rates you’re offered will depend on your personal factors like your driving record and the type of coverage you need.
Customer Service and Claims Satisfaction
Before settling on an insurer, read customer reviews and check their claims satisfaction ratings. You want to ensure that the company is responsive and helpful when you need them the most.
Local vs National Providers
While national insurance companies may offer lower rates, don’t overlook local providers. Smaller, local companies may provide more personalized service and competitive rates.
Discounts That Can Help Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
Safe Driver Discounts
If you have a clean driving record, many insurers offer discounts for safe drivers.
Multi-Vehicle Discounts
If you insure more than one vehicle with the same company, you can often get a multi-vehicle discount.
Good Student Discounts
For young drivers, maintaining good grades can lead to discounts of up to 25% on car insurance.
Tips for First-Time Drivers and Young Drivers
Why Young Drivers Pay More
Young and first-time drivers tend to pay more for car insurance because they’re statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
How First-Time Drivers Can Lower Premiums
First-time drivers can lower their premiums by taking defensive driving courses, maintaining good grades, and avoiding traffic violations.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Mississippi
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
Why It’s Essential in Mississippi
Given that Mississippi has a higher-than-average rate of uninsured drivers, this coverage is critical. It ensures you’re not left paying for damages caused by someone else’s negligence.
The Importance of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes
Online Tools for Comparison
There are numerous online tools available that make it easy to compare quotes from different insurers. These tools can provide estimates based on your unique driving profile.
How to Evaluate Coverage and Price
When comparing quotes, don’t just focus on the price. Make sure to evaluate the coverage limits and what’s included in the policy to ensure you’re getting adequate protection.
Understanding the Claims Process in Mississippi
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident, the first step is to ensure everyone’s safety, then file a police report and contact your insurance company.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim
Filing a claim usually involves providing details about the accident, submitting photos of the damage, and working with an adjuster to estimate repair costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Car Insurance
Focusing Only on Price
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest policy, but it’s essential to balance price with adequate coverage.
Ignoring Coverage Gaps
Make sure you’re not leaving yourself vulnerable by choosing minimal coverage. You’ll want to ensure you have enough protection in case of a significant accident.
Forgetting About Customer Service Quality
An insurance company with poor customer service can be frustrating to deal with, especially during the claims process. Consider this when making your choice.
How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote in Mississippi
Information Needed to Get a Quote
To get an accurate quote, you’ll need details like your vehicle’s make and model, your driving history, and the type of coverage you’re seeking.
Using Online Tools and Calculators
Many insurance companies offer free online calculators that allow you to get a quote in minutes by inputting some basic information.
Working with an Insurance Agent
If you prefer a more personalized approach, consider working with an insurance agent who can help you find the best policy based on your needs and budget.
FAQs about Car Insurance in Mississippi
1. What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Mississippi?
Mississippi law requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of 25/50/25. This means $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
2. Is car insurance mandatory in Mississippi?
Yes, all drivers in Mississippi are legally required to have at least the minimum liability coverage to operate a vehicle.
3. How can I get affordable car insurance in Mississippi?
To find affordable car insurance in Mississippi, compare quotes from multiple providers, maintain a clean driving record, and look for discounts like safe driver or multi-policy savings.
4. What factors affect car insurance rates in Mississippi?
Your insurance rates may depend on factors like your driving history, vehicle type, age, credit score, and location within the state.
5. Does Mississippi offer uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage is available in Mississippi, though it’s not required by law. It protects you if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding car insurance in Oklahoma is crucial to finding the right coverage for your needs. We’ve covered key aspects such as types of car insurance, required coverage, and factors that affect your premiums. By taking the time to compare options and customize your policy, you can ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Now it’s your turn to take action. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution—compare quotes and tailor your coverage to fit your specific needs. Click below to get a free quote today and start saving on car insurance in Oklahoma!
References
For further reading and to validate the information provided about car insurance in Mississippi, the following reputable sources offer additional insights:
- Mississippi Insurance Department – Auto Insurance Information
This official state resource provides comprehensive details on Mississippi’s car insurance requirements, coverage options, and regulations. - Insurance Information Institute – Mississippi Car Insurance Guide
The Insurance Information Institute offers an in-depth guide covering factors that affect car insurance rates and tips on choosing the best policy in Mississippi. - DMV.org – Mississippi Auto Insurance Requirements
This guide explains the minimum coverage required in Mississippi, how to maintain proof of insurance, and steps to take after an accident.
These sources will help validate the information and provide a broader understanding of car insurance in Mississippi.