Every driver in Jackson, Mississippi, is required to carry auto insurance, but not everyone follows the law—or carries enough coverage to fully pay for the damages they cause. That’s why uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most important forms of protection you can have. These policies can make the difference between financial hardship and full recovery after a serious accident.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage applies when you’re injured by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance at all.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance exists but isn’t enough to cover all of your damages.
In both cases, your own insurance company steps in to pay what the at-fault driver cannot. Mississippi insurers are required by Miss. Code Ann. § 83-11-101 to include UM coverage in every auto policy unless the policyholder explicitly rejects it in writing.
Why UM/UIM Coverage Is So Important in Jackson
Jackson drivers face a high risk of encountering uninsured motorists. According to insurance industry data, Mississippi consistently ranks among the top states for uninsured drivers—estimated at over 25% of motorists statewide.
That means one in four drivers on I-55, I-20, or County Line Road could hit you and have no insurance to pay for your injuries or vehicle repairs. Without UM/UIM coverage, victims are often left paying out of pocket or facing financial ruin.
How UM/UIM Claims Work in Mississippi
If you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurer under your UM/UIM policy. This process involves:
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Proving fault – You must show that the other driver caused the crash.
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Demonstrating damages – Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering must be documented.
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Establishing insurance limits – In a UIM claim, you must first exhaust the at-fault driver’s coverage before pursuing your own policy benefits.
Even though you’re filing a claim with your own insurance company, these cases can become adversarial. Insurers often treat UM/UIM claims as if they’re defending the at-fault driver, disputing fault, or undervaluing damages to minimize payouts.
Common Disputes in UM/UIM Cases
Insurance companies frequently challenge UM/UIM claims by:
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Arguing that the accident wasn’t caused by an uninsured driver.
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Disputing the extent of your injuries or treatment costs.
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Claiming you already received “enough” compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
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Refusing to honor policy limits due to technical policy language.
An attorney experienced in Mississippi insurance law can push back on these tactics, ensuring you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under your policy.
How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should You Have?
While Mississippi’s minimum liability coverage is low ($25,000 per person for bodily injury), serious accidents often exceed that amount easily. For true protection, many Jackson drivers choose to match their UM/UIM limits to their liability coverage—or even purchase higher limits for greater peace of mind.
Call Kellum Law Firm For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Jackson, Mississippi, Kellum Law Firm, P.C. can help you file your claim, challenge bad-faith insurance denials, and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t let an uninsured driver or uncooperative insurance company leave you unprotected.
Call our Jackson office at (601) 969-2709 or our Port Gibson office at (601) 590-9000 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover after a serious accident.
