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Last updated: October 4, 2024
Driving Without Insurance in Mississippi
If you're driving in Mississippi, you must have insurance — here's what you need to know.
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Mississippi state law requires that all drivers carry auto insurance adhering to minimum coverage limits. However, the state has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country.1 While opting not to get insurance may seem like an easy way to save money on premiums, you may end up having to pay fines and face license suspension if you’re caught driving without it.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Mississippi
Driving without insurance in Mississippi won’t land you in jail like it can in some other states, but you may face penalties, including fines and potential license suspension. As of 2018, driving without insurance in Mississippi is considered a criminal misdemeanor instead of a civil violation.
If you are asked to provide proof of insurance by a police officer and cannot provide it, you may receive a citation that will require you to pay a fine of up to $1,000. You also risk having your license suspended for one year, or until you can provide proof of a valid insurance policy.2
In addition, keep in mind that if you get into an at-fault accident without any insurance, you may be sued for damages by the other party, which can end up costing you far more than the cost of insurance.
GOOD TO KNOW
According to Mississippi law, a police officer cannot legally pull you over just to check if you have insurance, but if you’re stopped for an unrelated violation, they may ask for proof of insurance.
What Happens if I Don’t Have Proof of Insurance?
If you’re stopped for a traffic violation and the law enforcement officer asks for proof of insurance, you must be ready to provide it. If you can’t, the officer may give you a citation for driving without insurance, and you’ll face the penalties described above. If you have a valid insurance policy and simply don’t have any proof with you, you may get the citation dismissed if you can provide proof on or before your court date.
What Proof Is Required?
If you’re pulled over for a traffic violation or get into an accident and are asked for proof of insurance, you’ll need to show your insurance card. When you sign up for a policy, you will receive this card from the insurance provider, which you should print out and keep in your car at all times. This card has important information about your vehicle details and policy information.
Paper or Electronic?
Mississippi allows for both paper and electronic copies of insurance cards to be furnished as proof. You should also be able to access the card via the insurance company’s app, or you can also use an image on your phone, which may be a screenshot from the company website or a photo of the physical card. It’s a good idea to carry a physical copy in case your phone runs out of battery or breaks in an accident.
SR-22s
Mississippi requires SR-22s for certain severe violations such as a DUI, but you won’t need to keep one on file for driving without insurance. However, if you are charged with driving without insurance and have points added to your driving record, you should expect insurance premiums to increase.
How to Get Insurance After a Lapse in Coverage
Drivers with a lapse in insurance coverage are considered higher-risk drivers, so insurance companies charge them higher premiums than those with clean driving records. However, you shouldn’t have much of an issue finding coverage after a lapse if you shop around.
Look for High-Risk Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies will cover high-risk drivers, depending on the severity of the violations they’ve been charged with. While you should expect higher premiums when you have violations on your record, getting insurance coverage is possible, and it’s worth it in the long run. Having coverage protects you financially in the event of an accident, and maintaining continuous coverage without further violations can lead to lower premiums over time.
In Mississippi, Progressive has some of the best auto policies for high-risk drivers according to our research, but you may be able to find good options from other companies as well. Always be sure to shop around.
Consider the Mississippi Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP)
The Mississippi Automobile Insurance Plan is Mississippi’s residual market program.3 These state programs are designed to allow high-risk drivers to access insurance even if they cannot find coverage in the normal competitive market. This should be considered an option of last resort, but it can be useful if you haven’t been able to get a policy through traditional means.
If you’ve been charged with your first offense of driving without insurance, it’s very likely you’ll be able to find coverage on your own. However, if you have several prior violations, particularly severe ones like DUIs, this may be an avenue you can pursue.
Appealing Your Fine
If you received a citation for driving without insurance because you weren’t able to provide proof, you can appeal your fine, assuming you did have a valid policy at the time of the citation. You’ll need to provide proof to the court on or before your court date, and you may still need to pay a small administrative fee. Keep in mind that purchasing a policy after the citation date will not get you out of the fine.
Other Car Insurance Laws in Mississippi
Here’s what you should know about basic driving laws in Mississippi.
Minimum Coverage
Mississippi law requires the following minimum coverages for drivers in the state:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
TIP
Mississippi doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage, but given that the state has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, it’s highly recommended. Adding this coverage to your policy protects you financially if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver.
Registration
If you own a passenger vehicle in Mississippi, you’ll need to register it at your local county tax collector’s office. Standard registration fees are $14, but additional taxes will vary depending on your county. You’ll need to renew your registration every renewal period, which can be up to five years. If you do not renew within 15 days of the expiration date, you’ll be charged late fees.
Unlike in many states, you do not need to provide proof of insurance in order to register a vehicle in Mississippi. If you’re new to the state, you have 30 days after moving to the state to register your vehicle.4
Recap
Mississippi requires all drivers with Mississippi tags to carry at least the minimum auto insurance coverage mandated by state law. However, it’s wise to get high liability limits or a full coverage policy for more robust coverage. If you are caught driving without insurance and cannot provide proof of a valid policy, penalties include fines and license suspension. You’ll also have to pay higher insurance premiums after a lapse in coverage, so it’s in your best interest to maintain continuous coverage.
Learn more about average auto insurance costs and driving laws in Mississippi.
Managing Editor & Industry Analyst
Maya Afilalo holds over 10 years of professional experience in writing, communications, and research, which she leverages to provide accurate and reliable information to empower consumers. In addition to overseeing content production, Maya has herself written many articles on auto insurance costs, company comparisons, state laws and requirements, and other topics. She is committed to helping consumers navigate the complex world of car insurance with clarity and confidence. Maya holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from North Carolina State University.
Citations
Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists. Insurance Information Institute. (2024).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motoristsAuto Insurance. Mississippi Insurance Department . (2024).
https://www.mid.ms.gov/mississippi-insurance-department/consumers/auto-insurance/Mississippi Automobile Insurance Plan. AIPSO. (2024).
https://www.aipso.com/Plan-Sites/MississippiMotor Vehicle Licensing FAQs. Department of Revenue State of Mississippi. (2024).
https://www.dor.ms.gov/tagstitles/motor-vehicle-licensing-faqs
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