If you are a resident of the state of Mississippi here are the few things that you must know about auto insurance premiums and how they are impacted by driving under the influence (DUI). It is a well-known fact that insurance premiums shoot up if you have a history of DUI, or if your car has been involved in one or more accidents. Insurance premiums differ from zip code to zip code, which means that your premium will witness a meteoric rise if you live in a high auto insurance zone.
Auto insurance is mandatory in Mississippi. If you have a vehicle you must establish financial responsibility by purchasing auto insurance that meets the minimum criteria. The average insurance premium of a vehicle will be influenced by several factors such as age, gender and the city of residence. For example, in Mississippi, the average insurance premium is high in Gulfport and Biloxi, when compared to Tupelo, Jackson and Horn Lake. So how does your driving record change the average insurance premium in these cities?
The average annual insurance rate in Mississippi is $1345. If you live in Mississippi and your car is involved in an accident, your average insurance premium with shoot up to $1657 per year. After two accidents the amount will be close to double, with you having to pay $2471. In case you are charged with DUI your insurance premium will increase more than it would have even after two accidents. In Mississippi you will have to pay $2502 as insurance premium after your first DUI conviction.
So, how do you bring your average insurance premium rate down if you’re convicted of a DUI charge? Take a defensive driving course in your state. That can bring down the average insurance premium to $2127. You cannot escape paying more on auto insurance premiums in case of DUI charges. So, the best bet is to have the proof of insurance and financial responsibility and avoid drinking and driving. Fail to do the former and you will have to pay up to $1000 in fine and in case of DUI charges you will have to pay higher insurance premiums for up to 3 years.