All drivers should carry some form of car insurance coverage when driving in any US state. Purchasing auto insurance can be a daunting task because there are many insurers, different insurance policies, and prices. Insurance providers use other factors such as driving experience, theft prevention devices, driving distance to work, credit rating/score when calculating insurance premiums, and so your insurance cost will either increase or drop when your situation changes. Still, they provide some incentives that can help you save some money. However, you must shop around, compare rates with multiple Gulfport MS car insurance companies and ask for discounts that you’re eligible for based on your profile.
You can find the best car insurance companies in Gulfport, MS when you compare rates online. This is because insurance companies use different approaches when setting premiums and so it’s possible to get lower rates. Maintaining a clean driving history is one of the most effective ways of getting affordable rates. Still, you can lower rates when you switch to a car with built-in technology and anti-theft devices, which helps to prevent accidents and theft. Continue reading this guide for more insight on how you can get cheap car insurance in Gulfport, MS area.
The Best Car Insurance Companies In Gulfport MS
The insurance industry has different coverage and rates because they are calculated based on an individual profile. Some of the factors insurers are interested in are driving history, credit score, marital status, age, location, year, model, and make of your car, among others.
Therefore, one insurer will give a better rate than the other because of the factors they prioritize or other reasons. Consequently, it’s very important to compare rates before renewing or purchasing an auto insurance policy because you’re likely to get affordable car insurance quotes in Gulfport, MS, and get an insurer that meets your insurance needs.
Full coverage policy offers higher coverage limits, and so you’re left on a financial hook when you get involved in a costly accident. Still, full coverage is costly for drivers with some form of traffic violations on their driving history. Based on the violation, your insurance premiums can go up by a few hundreds or thousands of dollars, so it is important to be careful behind the wheel.
Additionally, when shopping and comparing rates online, it’s important to other factors aside from the company’s average rates. You should be interested in the insurer’s customer service reviews, financial strength scores, discounts, and insurance coverage.
You may start your search by analyzing the largest car insurance companies in Gulfport, MS, by market share. Second, you should ask about discounts and incentives that you’re eligible for or in the future when your situation changes.
The following table shows the cheap auto insurance Gulfport MS companies for full coverage using certain driver profiles. That means you are likely to pay more or less based on your situation.
| Rank | Company | Annual Payment |
| 1 | USAA | $896 |
| 2 | Mississippi Farm Bureau | $981 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,089 |
| 4 | Erie | $1,145 |
| 5 | SAFECO | $1,189 |
| 6 | Nationwide | $1,265 |
| 7 | Auto-Owners | $1,351 |
| 8 | The General | $1,398 |
| 9 | Liberty Mutual | $1,471 |
| 10 | Allstate | $1,538 |
| 11 | MetLife | $1,572 |
| 12 | Travelers | $1,684 |
| 13 | Direct Auto | $1,783 |
| 14 | National General | $1,865 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Gulfport MS
The average insurance cost in Gulfport, MS, is $1,461 per annum. However, a driver can pay more or less depending on their driving history, age, credit score, marital status, coverage level, and other common factors.
Gulfport Auto Insurance Requirements
Each driver on Gulfport MS roads must have minimum liability insurance and carry proof that shows their vehicle is insured. The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury or death per person.
- $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injury or death liability per accident.
- $25,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident.
While the majority of drivers prefer to purchase a liability insurance policy, they have an option of posting a bond, making security, or a cash deposit of the same amounts as the minimums to prove their financial responsibility.
A liability insurance coverage takes care of medical bills and damaged property repair costs of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in an accident that you caused and up to the coverage limits.
In view of that, it’s important to purchase a higher coverage in order to protect yourself in the event that you’re involved in a costly accident that exhausts your coverage limits. Such a car crash can leave you with overwhelming debts, or your personal assets can be sold to cover the medical bills or damaged property repair or replacement costs.
The liability coverage will kick in when a member of your family is involved in an accident while driving your car or when it’s an authorized person. You will also be covered when you get into an accident when in a rental car.
Who Offers The Cheap Car Insurance Rates In Gulfport MS For Married Couples?
Married couples generally pay more insurance premiums than their single counterparts because of the following reasons.
- They have more than one driver on their car insurance policy.
- They are likely to have more than one vehicle.
- They may have teen drivers on their policy.
The following are some of the cheap auto insurance Gulfport MS for married drivers with two cars on their policy. The rates are just estimates, and so you may pay higher or lower premiums based on other factors. Therefore shop around and compare rates with multiple Gulfport MS car insurance companies.
| Company | Married couple rates |
| Erie Insurance | $1,682 |
| Allstate Insurance | $1,791 |
| Progressive | $1,865 |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $1,974 |
| Safeco Insurance | $2,165 |
| MetLife | $2,287 |
| Nationwide | $2,342 |
| State Farm Insurance Company | $2,385 |
Gulfport MS Cheap Car Insurance Quotes For Young Drivers
Young drivers pay more than old drivers in US states. On average, a young driver in the Gulfport MS area may pay as high as a triple of what older adults are charged for their car insurance because these drivers are seen as a greater liability. However, rates tend to reduce as they age. The following are tips for lowering insurance premiums as a young driver.
- Remain on your parent’s policy
- Take a defensive driving course to enhance your driving skills.
- Ask for discounts such as student-away-from-home or good student discounts
- Switch to a less to insure car such as one with lower engine power and risk of being stolen.
- Be a safe driver and avoid minor filing claims.
- Opt for pay as you drive option or drive less.
- Increase your deductible
- Install anti-theft devices
- Shop around for better insurance rates
As shown in the following table, a young driver can still get cheap car insurance in Gulfport MS companies such as Mississippi Farm Bureau and State Farm. The two are the best car insurance companies in Gulfport, MS giving young drivers rates below $3,000 per annum.
The rates and averages indicated on this table are estimates, and your insurance premiums may change based on your personal profile.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $2,387 |
| State Farm | $2,674 |
| Allstate | $3,371 |
| Nationwide | $3,489 |
| Shelter | $3,561 |
| Liebrty Mutual | $3,672 |
| Progressive | $3,754 |
| Alfa | $3,861 |
Gulfport MS Car Insurance For Drivers With A Good Record
Keeping your driving record clean or free from traffic violations such as speeding or distracted driving tickets, DUIs, at-fault accidents, or any other traffic infractions is the most effective way to getting the cheapest and the best auto insurance companies in Gulfport, MS. Insurance companies want to work with drivers with a clean driving history and reward them with multiple discounts and lower premiums because they’re low-risk customers.
On the other hand, getting larger violations such as getting a DUI and avoiding a police officer can increase your insurance premium up to 100%. Still, you can talk to your insurance agent when you get involved in one or two minor violations because you might be eligible for Accident Forgiveness discounts which can lower your insurance premiums.
A good driver in the Gulfport MS area can qualify for the following three insurance coverage options:
- State minimum coverage: This offers basic minimum coverage and allows motorists to legally drive on Gulfport MS roads.
- Standard coverage: It has collision coverage added to the state minimum coverage.
- Full coverage: It has collision and comprehensive coverages added to the state minimum coverage on a single policy. Other additional benefits are roadside assistance, ride-share coverage cost, or a full replacement, a policy that doesn’t deduct depreciation from the value of your car when it gets totaled.
The following are the best auto insurance companies Gulfport MS drivers with a good record. The rates indicated on this table are estimates, and your premium might slightly vary from these averages based on other factors.
| Insurance Company | Full Coverage |
| Farm Bureau | $1,765 |
| Progressive | $1,841 |
| Amica Mutual | $1,893 |
| Erie | $1,972 |
| Esurance | $2,287 |
| Travelers | $2,361 |
| Nationwide | $2,435 |
| Hanover | $2,487 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage For Young Good Drivers In Gulfport MS
Young good drivers have a safe driving history; however, they must shop around to find cheap car insurance in Gulfport, MS, because insurers consider them a greater risk for lacking driving experience and getting distracted easily than older drivers. As a result, insurance companies charge them a high premium than drivers in other age groups.
Still, their rates improve as they gain more driving experience and insurers routinely offer better rates for good young drivers. Hence, they need to shop around before renewing their auto insurance policy.
The state minimum coverage is cheaper, but it doesn’t offer adequate coverage in the event of a serious accident. In view of that, the best car insurance companies Gulfport MS recommend that good young drivers should increase their coverage to avoid becoming overwhelmed with debts after a car crash or drive less if they must purchase a state minimum coverage.
Still, these drivers can ask for discounts that they are eligible for when shopping for their auto insurance policy. Some of these includes:
- Multi-policy discounts such as auto, homeowners, or renters insurance
- Good student discount
- Student away-from-home discount
- Take a defensive driving course
- Install anti-theft devices and safety features
Other ways of lowering your insurance cost as a good young driver are:
- Remain on your parent’s policy
- Purchase use-based coverage
- Increase your deductible
- Maintain a clean driving history
- Switch to a cheap-to-insure vehicle
- Shop around and compare rates with multiple Gulfport MS car insurance companies
The following table shows companies with the lowest rates for good young drivers.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $841 |
| Travelers | $879 |
| Erie | $936 |
| Nationwide | $987 |
| State Farm | $1,065 |
| Progressive | $1,142 |
| Allstate | $1,187 |
| Alfa | $1,271 |
Best Coverage For Multiple Cars In Gulfport MS Car Insurance
Gulfport MS auto insurance companies have a wide range of discounts that they use to reward safe drivers or attract new customers. One of these discounts targets drivers with multiple vehicles who insure them under the same insurance company.
So when shopping around for the cheap auto insurance Gulfport MS premiums, make sure that you have asked about this type of discount because it can significantly lower your insurance cost.
The following are the premiums for insuring more than one vehicle with the same insurance company. These figures are estimates, and you may pay more or less based on your individual factors.
| Number of Cars | Insurance Cost |
| 2 Vehicles | $2,351 |
| 3 Vehicles | $3,487 |
| 4 Vehicles | $4,562 |
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Gulfport MS By Age
The most expensive insurance rates in the Gulfport MS area are for teen drivers. However, these rates drop as they age and gain driving experience. On the other hand, middle-aged drivers pay lower premiums because the insurance company doesn’t consider them a greater risk like teenagers.
Since young drivers have a greater likelihood of getting involved in an at-fault accident that can be costly, the best auto insurance companies Gulfport MS recommend that such drivers should add collision and comprehensive coverage that gives them greater protection in the event of an accident. Purchasing liability insurance that offers a minimum coverage limit can leave them with overwhelming debts in the event that they are involved in an expensive car crash.
The following table shows some of the most affordable car insurance quotes Gulfport MS has for drivers of different age groups. These costs are just estimates and don’t represent your actual car insurance rates because your insurer will calculate your rate based on your individual factors.
| Age of Driver | Insurance Cost |
| 17-19 | $4,165 |
| 20s | $1,671 |
| 30s | $1,453 |
| 40s | $1,292 |
| 50s | $1,135 |
| 60s | $1,149 |
| 70s | $1,379 |
Cheap Car Insurance In Gulfport MS After A Car Accident
A driver that has a recent car accident will spend more money on their insurance than the one who has a clean driving history. Individuals with an at-fault accident are more likely to have another driving ticket, and their rates will always be high. Also, Gulfport MS auto insurance companies will automatically increase your premiums even if you’re fully or partially responsible for the accident.
Shopping around and comparing rates is a good strategy to getting cheap car insurance in Gulfport, MS. Your insurer will increase your rates after an at-fault accident, and also, the cheapest insurer you previously had before the accident will not remain the cheapest afterward. So instead of sticking there and paying more, you should check what other companies are offering to ensure that you have the best deal there is in the market.
The following table shows rates and averages that a driver will pay after an accident. These are merely estimates, and you’re likely to pay more or less based on your individual factors.
| Company | Average Rate |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $1,965 |
| American National | $2,087 |
| Allstate | $2,143 |
| Erie | $2,189 |
| Nationwide | $2,265 |
| MetLife | $2,341 |
| Travelers | $2,389 |
| Progressive | $2,465 |
Cheap Car Insurance In Gulfport MS After A Speeding Ticket
Driving history with any form of moving violations will negatively affect your insurance premiums for a couple of years. In view of that, a driver with a clean driving history pays a lower premium compared to one with a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, and DUIs.
Speeding refers to driving at a higher mph or above the posted speed limit. Rarely will a driver get a speed violation for driving below the posted speed limit? A speeding ticket is relatively minor compared to other moving violations.
Based on the table below, Travelers and State Farm are the best car insurance companies in Gulfport, MS, for young drivers after an at-fault accident and speeding ticket.
After getting a speeding ticket, shopping around and comparing rates can help you cheap insurance car Gulfport MS companies. The figures on the table are estimates, so your rates will differ because of other factors that insurance companies use when calculating premiums.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| USAA | $2,241 |
| Travelers | $2,289 |
| State Farm | $2,365 |
| Nationwide | $2,432 |
| Erie | $2,487 |
| Progressive | $2,561 |
| MetLife | $3,187 |
| Allstate | $3,289 |
Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Gulfport MS For Drivers With Bad Credit Score
Insurance companies are interested in your credit history, and they use it to set your premiums. You will pay more premiums in Mississippi when your credit score is low compared to a driver with a good credit history. For instance, drivers with good scorers are charged $1,185 per annum compared to $1,571 for drivers with a bad credit score.
Still, it’s possible to get affordable car insurance quotes in Gulfport, MS, when you shop around and compare rates with multiple insurers. This will lower your insurance cost as you improve your credit score.
The table below shows the best car insurance companies in Gulfport, MS, for drivers with a bad credit score. These are estimates, and so you might pay more or less based on individual factors.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| USAA | $1,461 |
| GEICO | $1,571 |
| Erie | $1,642 |
| MetLife | $1,689 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,792 |
| Nationwide | $1,865 |
| Travelers | $2,174 |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $2,289 |
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Gulfport MS For Minimum Coverage
Your insurance cost varies based on the type of policy, coverage amount, your insurer, and more. The cheapest insurance policy in Gulfport, MS is the minimum coverage; however, it has a lower limit.
The best auto insurance companies in Gulfport, MS, recommend higher limits because medical bills and damaged property costs arising from an at-fault accident can leave you on a financial hook. So although the minimum coverage is better than driving without any insurance, having an insurance policy with higher coverage is advantageous. You can get affordable car insurance quotes in Gulfport, MS, when you shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance companies.
The rates shown on the following table are estimates, and you’re likely to pay more or less based on your profile.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $845 |
| Travelers | $892 |
| Nationwide | $954 |
| MetLife | $1,078 |
| Allstate | $1,143 |
| Geico | $1,187 |
| Progressive | $1,265 |
| State Farm | $1,371 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Gulfport MS For Seniors
Usually, Gulfport MS auto insurance companies charge senior drives a higher premium than middle-aged drivers because of their increased likelihood of causing an auto accident. A senior driver should visit their doctor first before shopping around for car insurance quotes. The doctor should assess their capabilities and limitations of driving to minimize the likelihood of getting involved in an auto accident.
It’s important for seniors to shop around and compare rates with multiple Gulfport MS car insurance companies to ensure that they are getting the best possible deal in the market.
Insurance companies have age-based discounts, so seniors should ask their agents about them because they can greatly lower their insurance costs. The following are some of the discounts that the best auto insurance companies Gulfport MS offers to senior drivers.
- Accident-free driving history
- Insuring multiple vehicles with the same insurer
- Driving infrequently
- Bundling auto policy with homeowner and renter insurances
- Completing driver safety courses
- Installing safety features
- Pay the entire or six-month premium at once
The table below shows some of the cheap auto insurance Gulfport MS companies for seniors. These are average rates for purchasing a full coverage policy.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| USAA | $965 |
| Mississippi Farm Bureau | $1,089 |
| MetLife | $1,145 |
| Erie | $1,189 |
| Progressive | $1,284 |
| State Farm | $1,346 |
| Geico | $1,372 |
| Travelers | $1,489 |
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Gulfport MS After A DUI
Gulfport MS auto insurance companies prefer working with drivers with a clean driving record because they are not a liability. However, a driver with an at-fault accident, DUIs, and speeding tickets are a greater liability, and that is why they pay higher insurance premiums. These post-incident insurance premiums correspond to the national averages.
At times, your insurer might decline to cover you or even cancel your insurance policy after a DUI conviction. In such a case, you can explore state-sponsored auto insurance programs created purposely for high-risk drivers. The program will offer you coverage and share the risk with several other providers.
The following shows cheap auto insurance Gulfport MS companies for a driver with DUI. The rates and averages indicated on the table are estimates and what you will pay because your premium will be calculated based on your individual factors.
Further, it’s important to understand that even these insurance companies can deny you coverage after a DUI.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Farm Bureau | $1,145 |
| Progressive | $1,189 |
| MetLife | $1,281 |
| Erie | $1,365 |
| Nationwide | $1,472 |
| Travelers | $1,589 |
| Geico | $1,671 |
| State Farm | $1,785 |
What Are The Different Types Of Gulfport MS Auto Insurance Coverage?
As discussed above, a driver can find cheap car insurance in Gulfport MS companies based on their personal situation when they shop around and compare rates. However, it’s also important to understand different insurance coverage in the market, what they cover and how they work. The insight will help you purchase the right policy for your needs.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
This insurance policy covers the injuries and property damages stemming from an auto accident where the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage. While it’s a crime to drive without auto insurance, it’s possible to be hit by an irresponsible driver.
Classic Car Insurance
You can’t cover an antique or classic car using a standard liability insurance coverage because it pays actual cash value, which is lower due to deprecation; thus, it doesn’t cover the full value of such a car. Classic cars comprise luxury or exotic vehicles, hot rods, vintage military vehicles, and muscle cars. Antique vehicles are aged between 25 and 30 years. In the event of an accident, the insurer pays the amount they agreed with the vehicle owner but not the actual cash value.
Comprehensive Insurance
This is an optional coverage that pays for damages that arise from sources other than collisions. These are damages like vandalism, fire, theft, earthquakes, riots, trees, animals, explosions, and more.
Collision coverage is different from comprehensive in that it only pays for damages that occur when driving your cars, such as hitting a tree, fence, or another vehicle. However, when you swerve and hit a deer or the animal damages your windscreen, then comprehensive insurance takes care of such costs.
New Car Replacement
This is an optional car coverage that pays the owner of a totaled or stolen car with a brand new vehicle of a similar make and model minus the deductible. This insurance policy doesn’t use the depreciated value commonly used in a standard liability policy. The new car replacement is only available when you pay for collision and comprehensive insurance coverage. Also, your vehicle must meet certain requirements in terms of age and mileage.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical bills can be expensive, particularly those stemming from a costly auto accident. Unlike a traditional health insurance policy, MedPay covers most accident-related medical expenses for you, the policyholder, your family member driving the car at the time of the accident, as well as passengers in the vehicle.
Roadside Assistance
The add-on coverage assists policyholders in the event of a breakdown or an accident. So you just call the provider’s assistance hotline when you can breaks down or get a roadside emergency. The insurer will then evaluate the need and send either a technician to perform a minor repair such as jumpstart your battery or change a flat tire or a tow truck to move your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
The roadside assistance services comprise:
- Vehicle Removal Using a Crane and Towing: The roadside assistance helps retrieve a vehicle that has overturned or fallen a slope.
- Tire Replacement: Your punctured tire is professionally replaced with a spare one, even if you know how to do it.
- Towing: A tow truck is dispatched to move a vehicle with a mechanical breakdown to the nearest repair shop.
- Battery Jumpstart: The service is helpful when the car can’t start because of a dead battery, and so the assistance helps you drive to the nearest battery dealer for your old one to be replaced.
- Fuel Delivery: It helps when running low on fuel while driving. This enables you to drive to the nearest gas station to refuel. This coverage doesn’t cover the cost of fuel.
- Lockout Service: The roadside service helps you when your car is locked or lost its keys. So the insurance provider will send a locksmith to help you unlock your car door. It’s important to ask your insurer who will cover the travel cost of the locksmith.
Underinsured Motorist Insurance
An underinsured motorist is a driver with insufficient insurance coverage, which results from purchasing a liability policy with low limits, possibly the state minimum liability policy. Since the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage pays up to the policy limit, the underinsured motorist insurance covers the difference or the extra amounts.
Original Parts Replacement
This is an add-on coverage that allows you to repair your car with original parts manufactured by your car maker but not reconditioned or aftermarket parts. However, comparable parts can be used when the original manufacturer’s parts are no longer in production.
Collision Insurance
The coverage takes care of damages stemming from a collision or when you hit a fence, a tree, or lamppost when driving. Any other damages are covered under comprehensive coverage.
Further, it’s a requirement to have collision and comprehensive insurance coverage when your car is financed or leased.
Towing and Labor Insurance
Generally, towing and labor insurance covers the cost of towing the car that can’t be driven to the nearest repair shop, as well as the labor costs at the breakdown scene. It’s important to discuss with your insurer the services offered under towing and labor coverage as well as its limits because they vary from one company to the other. For instance, some insurance companies offer towing and labor insurance when the vehicle owner has other coverages such as collision and/or comprehensive as part of their policy.
Some of the common items covered under the towing and labor coverage include:
- Towing
- Battery services
- Tire changing
- Lockout services
- Gas, water, and oil delivery
Gap Insurance
This is optional insurance coverage that covers the difference between the actual cash value and the loan amount when your car is stolen or totaled. It’s an important coverage when driving a financed or rental car because the payout you received from your insurer after an accident may be extremely low than the loan amount, thus leaving you with a huge difference that you have to pay out of pocket.
Major Parts Replacement Coverage
The add-on coverage allows you to replace major parts of your car after an accident irrespective of their wear and tear condition or depreciation value. These parts include tires, brakes, and batteries.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
The insurance covers medical expenses resulting from an auto accident regardless of the driver at fault. It also covers certain family members living with you ad passengers.
PIP coverage rules vary from state to state because they determine the required limits and who is covered. This coverage pays for medical bills, replacement services, lost wages, funeral services, and more.
The difference between PIP and medical payment coverage is that the latter pays for injuries resulting from an accident as well as funeral expenses. On the other hand, PIP goes beyond medical treatment and pays for the cost of services performed by another person because you can’t do them due to your injuries as well as lost wages.
It’s mandatory to have PIP in some states while it’s optional in others, allowing you to customize your limits and deductibles.
Rental Reimbursement Insurance
The add-on insurance coverage helps you move while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident. That means the insurance pays for a rental car or refunds you the amount you spend on public transportation as you wait for your vehicle to get back on the road. The coverage will pay for these costs even if you’re the at-fault driver.
Liability Coverage
You must have auto insurance before driving in any state in the US. Liability is the minimum state insurance coverage that you need to comply with, and it covers the bodily injuries and damaged property stemming from an auto accident that you caused. This policy covers other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians as well as their damaged properties and not the policyholder.
Does Motorcycle Insurance In Gulfport MS Have The Same Coverage As Car Insurance?
Both motorcycles and vehicles have similar insurance needs, although they’re vastly different. Their insurance policy types are set to protect the drivers, passengers, everyone else on the road, the vehicle, or the motorcycle.
The following are shared coverages between car and motorcycle insurance policies:
Comprehensive Coverage: The policy covers the vehicle or bike against damages caused by hailstorms, fire, lightning, theft, explosions, and vandalism, among others.
Collision Coverage: The insurance covers damages caused by collision with another vehicle, bike, fence, lamppost, or tree.
Liability: The insurance coverage takes care of bodily injury and property damage costs that may stem from an accident while operating an insured vehicle or motorcycle.
Medical Payments Coverage: The insurance coverage pays for medical expenses experienced by the drivers and their passengers regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: The insurance coverage provides protection against accidents involving drivers with inadequate or no insurance coverage.
Required Coverages
Each state sets its car and motorcycle insurance requirements, and some states have not established minimum motorcycle insurance requirements while others have similar requirements. The following are required coverages for both drivers and motorcyclists
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
Differences in Coverages
Insurers have designed motorcycle policies differently from auto policies. For instance, a motorcycle has sidecars and safety equipment such as helmets, and insurers offer additional coverages to help motorcyclists upgrade and buy gear as a result of loss or damage because of vandalism, wind, theft, rain, fire, etc.
Guest passenger liability covers recreational vehicles like motorcycles. This policy covers medical expenses when your passenger is injured in a motorcycle accident where you’re at fault. However, the guest passenger liability is different from personal injury protection and medical payments because it only covers the injured passenger’s medical expenses when you’re the at-fault motorcyclist, while the latter two provide compensation for injuries regardless of who caused the auto accident.
Is Motorcycle Insurance In Gulfport more Expensive than Car Insurance?
Motorcycles have a bad reputation for being dangerous. However, despite this, their insurance policies are less costly compared to average vans or cars. This is because of their size as well as other factors.
Is Gulfport MS Auto Insurance A No-fault?
Gulfport MS follows a traditional “fault-based system. That means that the at-fault driver takes financial responsibility for injuries, vehicle damages, lost income, and other costs stemming from a car accident. Actually, the at-fault’s insurance carrier absorbs these losses, but it must be within limits.
A claimant may proceed in any of the following three ways.
- File a claim to their insurer, which in turn pursues a subrogation claim against the at-fault insurance company.
- File a third-party claim directly with the at-fault insurer
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court
These options are only available for drivers in an at-fault state; however, a driver in a no-fault state turns to their own car insurance policy’s personal injury protection coverage for the payment of their medical expenses and other losses irrespective of who was responsible for the crash.
The good news is that Gulfport MS drivers shouldn’t worry about no-fault requirements because all in-state accidents follow the fault-based system.
What Is An SR-22 Form?
While most people consider SR-22 insurance, it’s actually a certificate obtained from an insurance company that proves that you have insurance coverage. In most cases, a judge might order an SR-22 when you have a bad driving record, such as when you have multiple DUI or other forms of moving violations.
You have to pay a filing fee of about $25 when obtaining an SR-22, and you have to keep it around for three years.
Who Needs SR-22 Insurance?
You must have SR-22 insurance if you’re convicted of a serious moving violation such as DUI, OWI, reckless endangerment, excessive speeding, and anything else based on your state’s law.
Insurance companies consider such a driver a greater liability because of engaging in major violations that could have led to costly injuries and damages. For that reason, such a driver is put under close supervision even as they meet their car insurance requirements.
Therefore the judge might require you to purchase a higher coverage instead of the standard state minimum liability insurance and demand proof of insurance coverage before getting your license back. So, having the right insurance coverage is important before getting behind the wheel.
How Long Do I Need An SR-22?
You might be required to have the SR-22 on your insurance for 1-3 years, and after the end of this duration, the insurer doesn’t need to submit the financial responsibility certificate to validate your driver’s license.
Although you will have an SR-22, you must pay your insurance premiums because if your car insurance policy is canceled within that period, then your SR-22 will not be applicable. That means that your driver’s license will be suspended if you fail to pay your insurance premiums and will only be active when you start paying for your insurance again and the insurance company files an SR-22 again.
Further, you have to get an SR-22 form when you commit another traffic violation during this period if you want to keep your driving privileges.
Also, you have to fill the form a few days earlier when renewing your SR-22 as required by the laws of your state.
What Is A Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?
You need non-owner car insurance when driving someone else’s car or, in short, a vehicle that you don’t own. However, you need non-owner SR-22 insurance or an “operator’s certificate when your license is suspended until the suspension is lifted.
Non-owner insurance is a limited car insurance policy, and so it offers liability-only coverage or a policy that only covers third parties’ injuries and property damages but not your own medical expenses or those of your passengers after an accident. That means you need your own insurance policy to specifically take care of your car. In view of that, non-owner insurance is less expensive compared to other car insurance types with more robust coverage.
Every state requires its drivers to have some insurance coverage whether they own a vehicle or not. Getting behind the wheel with insurance coverage can lead to hefty fines and jail time.
Ways To Lower Gulfport MS Car Insurance Costs
Drivers in the Gulfport MS area are looking for cheap insurance coverage. Although maintaining a clean driving history is the best strategy to lower insurance costs, there are other additional ways that can reduce the premiums. Here are ways to lower insurance costs.
Consider Switching Auto Insurance Providers
Each insurance company calculates its car premiums differently. This is because there are different factors that insurers consider when determining your car insurance premiums.
Therefore, it’s necessary to change your auto insurance every one or more years when your situation changes, especially after a DUI conviction or accident, so that you can take advantage of favorable quotes in the market.
Opt for Less Car Insurance Coverage
The lower the insurance coverage, the cheaper the rates. However, lowering your coverage limit should be done with a lot of caution because if you get involved in a severe auto accident or get hit by an uninsured motorist, your insurance coverage will not sufficiently cover you; hence you are more likely to get into debt. So go for higher insurance coverage and use other tips to lower your insurance premium.
You can drive less or switch to the cheapest car to insure. Only opt for less car insurance coverage when storing your vehicle and a higher one when you regularly use it.
Increase Your Deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you pay when you get into an accident and your car gets damaged or stolen before your insurer picks up the tab. This amount ranges from $250 to $1,000 based on your policy.
Paying a higher deductible will lower your insurance premium. Therefore, you should ask your agent how your annual premium will be affected when you raise the deductible.
Another way of lowering your insurance premium is not filing minor claims but raising your deductibles is a sensible move of attracting affordable car insurance quotes Gulfport MS companies have.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record for Several Consecutive Years
Maintaining clean driving is the best policy for reducing your insurance premium in the Gulfport MS area. Drivers with traffic infraction citations, DUIs convictions involved in auto accidents are viewed as a greater liability and are charged a higher premium for misbehaving behind the wheel.
Many drivers have maintained a clean driving record by applying the following tips:
- Comply with all traffic laws. This will help you avoid moving violations like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUIs.
- Never get behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Driving less reduces the risk of getting into an accident or traffic offense citation.
- Always maintain your vehicle in good condition to minimize the risk of crashing due to failing brakes or more.
Reduce Your Annual Mileage
Annual mileage is another factor that your insurer will ask you when determining your auto insurance premium. Drivers who spend more time on the road pay more premium because of their increased risk of crashing than low-mileage drivers.
Since insurance providers consider high-mileage drivers a greater liability, you can drive less, thus reduce your annual mileage and insurance budget.
Ask about Discounts
Ask your potential insurer the type of discounts they have for you and take advantage of them to lower your premiums. Some of the common insurance discounts are:
- Bundling the auto insurance policy with homeowners or renters insurance
- Multiple cars policy
- Clean driving record
- Pay your entire premium annually instead of quarterly or six months instead of monthly.
- Install anti-theft or safety features in your car
- Accept to receive documents online.
- Join a professional organization, club, or affiliate group
- Shop around and compare rates
Purchase a Vehicle that is cheap to insure
Auto insurance rates vary from car to car because of factors such as the year, model, and make of the vehicle. This is because some vehicles have a higher chance of being stolen or involved in accidents or claims than others.
Therefore switch to a car that is not a big liability to insure, one that rarely gets involved in accidents such as a vehicle with less horsepower because it is less likely to get into a speed-related collision.
Improve Your Credit Score
Maintaining a high credit score will not only help you get loans but will also lower your insurance rates. Therefore it’s important to check your credit report and begin to resolve any inaccuracies or issues because your credit history has a huge impact on your annual insurance premium.
You can also gradually improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and other financial practices.
What Is The Best Gulfport MS Car Insurance For New Vehicles?
A driver with a new car purchased through a loan or leased should invest in additional auto insurance coverages. A policy with these coverages minimizes the number of risks that your new is exposed to as much as possible. The following are some of the additional coverages that you should add to your regular insurance policy.
Collision Insurance: The coverage takes care of damages that result from colliding with another vehicle or objects when driving.
Comprehensive Insurance: The coverage offers protection against unavoidable vehicle damages like flooding, storm damage, theft, or vandalism.
Liability Insurance: This is the state minimum coverage requirement that each driver must have before getting behind the wheel in any state in the US. It’s recommended that drivers should purchase more coverage.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Insurance: The coverage minimize the risks when hit by a driver with less or no coverage necessary for it.
Gap insurance is an optional coverage that you can consider because it covers the difference between what you owe and the value of your car at the time of the accident. This is a perfect choice for drivers with new vehicles because their value depreciates very fast in the first 12-18 months.
Additional Factors to Keep in Mind
Other aspects of buying a new car insurance policy are:
- Your insurance coverage should sufficiently cover the value of your car.
- You should consider adding your new car to the existing insurance policy to reduce your insurance cost because insurers will give you discounts for insuring multiple vehicles under the same insurance company.
- You might consider purchasing additional coverage if your car has high-end equipment or special features to protect them.
Car Insurance Gulfport MS Questions And Answers
What is uninsured motorist property damage coverage?
The coverage takes care of the cost of repairing your car when you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. That means that your damaged vehicle will be repaired under your own insurance policy in the event you’re hit by uninsured motorists. You can enquire about this coverage the next time you’re renewing your auto insurance policy.
Why did my car insurance rates go up?
Your insurance cost will go up after an at-fault accident, your policy has more than one driver, or you filed a claim. Further, changes in the industry might cause your rates to spike. So shop around and compare rates with multiple insurance companies if you’re not happy with current rates.
Is full coverage car insurance worth it?
Minimum insurance coverage takes care of third-parties damaged cars but not that of the policyholder and up to the limit. However, the full coverage takes care of the policyholder’s car as well. Otherwise, without this coverage, you will be stuck with your damaged car costs, which can be overwhelming. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay for extra coverage, especially if you live in territories with extreme weather conditions, have a high-traffic commute, or won an expensive vehicle.
What is Liability Only Coverage?
This is the minimum coverage that you need to drive in any state. The liability-only coverage covers the cost of damages that others incur when you cause a car accident. These include the medical cost of those injured when you cause an accident, as well as the repair costs of their vehicles.
Generally, the liability coverage has three elements, namely;
- The injury coverage per person
- Coverage for total injury per accident
- Property damage coverage per accident
Each state has its own car insurance minimum requirements. So a state whose minimum coverage is 15/30/25 means that $15,000 covers each injured person after an accident, $30,000 is the total or maximum bodily injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Does my Gulfport MS auto policy cover a rental vehicle?
Yes. However, this will only depend on whether the rental car and your vehicle have similar value. If so, then your auto policy will sufficiently cover the rental vehicle.
- Liability is the minimum coverage that you need to drive on the Gulfport MS area and covers third-party vehicle damages.
- PIP coverage pays your medical bills as well as those of other parties involved in an auto accident.
- Renters or homeowners insurance covers your property against theft.
- You should add both collision and comprehensive coverages to your regular auto policy; however, if you have them, you can consider other rental car add-ons, such as a loss damage waiver. This is coverage that waives your financial responsibility when the car is either stolen or damaged in an accident. Further, this coverage will take care of loss-of-use charges when the vehicle is in a mechanic shop undergoing repair.
Therefore, it’s crucial to talk to your agent before declining different add-ons on the rental car coverage because they will come in handy when an accident occurs.
Does the policy include towing and roadside assistance, and is it available on a 24/7 basis?
Towing services are only available when your vehicle develops a mechanical breakdown or gets involved in an accident while driving. These are unplanned episodes and can happen anytime and without any warning.
Roadside assistance comes in handy when you have a dead battery or flat tire. Thus, the coverage will assist you in fixing these mechanical issues without spending a lot of money than you would do when you call a local mechanic.
You should ensure that these services are available on a 24/7 basis when purchasing these coverages because accidents can happen at any time, or your car can develop mechanical issues during late-night hours or weekends. You need to speed a lot out of pocket when you get an emergency because the coverage will kick in immediately. So when shopping for your car insurance policy, ask your agent these questions because having any of these coverages will save you a lot of money in premiums.
What is required for Gulfport MS drivers?
Each Gulfport MS driver should have some form of insurance coverage that takes care of their injuries and damaged property expenses stemming from an auto accident. So the state laws ensure that your medical bills and repair damages are covered when someone hits your car and vice versa. Thus each driver should have a minimum insurance coverage policy before getting behind the wheel.
On the other hand, liability insurance coverage is not sufficient, and so you have to pay for your vehicle’s repair or replacement out of pocket if you’re the at-fault driver. The bank or lender requires you to carry extra coverage such as collision and comprehensive insurance coverage to help you pay for damages regardless of who is at fault.
Do I still need car insurance if I don’t drive my car or I’ve sold it?
It looks weird to purchase car insurance when you have stored or sold your car. However, before canceling your car insurance policy, you should consider certain options like changing your coverage when storing your vehicles, such as having only liability and comprehensive insurance. Switching to this will lower your insurance premiums.
Second, you may switch to non-owner car insurance when you sell your car because it offers you bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. The coverage will cover you when using a rental car with a lower liability limit.
How do insurance companies assess my risk?
Insurers use Risk Assessment Indicator to assess your risk. This is a numerical score that is determined by credit report information and is highly predictive of how your claim activities are likely to be in the future. Now the insurance companies calculate the appropriate premium based on the information and because it gives them your risk profile.
