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HB 381

Motor vehicle liability insurance policy; require to include medical payment coverage.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Percy Watson

Mississippi HB 381 mandates medical payment coverage be included in all motor vehicle liability insurance policies, increasing consumer costs while ensuring accident victims have automatic access to medical expense reimbursement.

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Bill Summary · HB 381

Legislative bill overview

HB 381 would mandate that all motor vehicle liability insurance policies issued in Mississippi include medical payment coverage as a required component. This means insurers could not offer a liability-only policy; medical payments coverage would become a compulsory add-on to standard auto insurance policies sold in the state.

Why is this important

Medical payments coverage helps pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from vehicle accidents, regardless of fault. Currently optional in Mississippi, making it mandatory could increase insurance costs for all drivers but would ensure accident victims have immediate access to medical expense reimbursement without waiting for liability determinations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost impact: Mandatory coverage will increase premiums for all drivers, particularly affecting low-income individuals and those in rural areas with higher accident risks
  • Market choice restriction: Eliminates consumer ability to purchase only liability coverage, reducing insurance options and forcing consumers to pay for coverage they may deem unnecessary
  • Liability vs. medical coverage distinction: Medical payments coverage and liability coverage serve different purposes; some argue this conflates the two and shifts responsibility frameworks

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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