MS HB898

Effective July 1, 2017, uninsured motorist coverage limits must automatically equal bodily injury liability coverage limits unless the named insured specifically selects lower limits in writing.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage limits must automatically equal property damage liability coverage limits unless the insured selects lower limits in writing, but cannot be less than minimum limits required by Mississippi Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law.

Once an insured selects lower uninsured motorist coverage limits in writing, those lower limits may continue on renewal policies from the same insurer unless the insured requests higher coverage in writing.

New applications submitted for renewal, reinstatement, or replacement transactions must follow the same automatic equal limits rules as newly issued policies.

The bill removes previous language allowing insureds to increase uninsured motorist coverage up to liability limits "at the option of the insured" and instead makes equal coverage the default requirement.