Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Bill would put teeth in law on auto insurance

The state House is expected to vote as early as today on a bill that would allow random computer checks to verify people have insurance for their vehicles. It’s intended to help enforce the state’s law requiring insurance.

Mississippi has one of the highest rates in the nation of uninsured motorists -- an estimated 28 percent, compared with the national average of 16 percent. State law has for decades said motorists must carry at least minimum liability coverage, but for most of that time the law had no teeth and was unenforceable.

Lawmakers strengthened the law in 2000, requiring motorists to show proof of insurance if stopped for other violations, at roadblocks and after accidents. A citation for no insurance carries a $500 fine.

Read more: SH

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