Rising Crime Rate and Its Impact on Insurance in Mississippi

According to reporting by WLBT, Jackson closed out 2020 as the deadliest year on record. The 128 killings last year eclipse the former record of 92 deaths in 1995. With one killing every three days in the state capital, business owners in Jackson may have a harder time getting business insurance they can afford. Let’s take a look at the latest stats and discuss where companies can turn for cost-effective business insurance in Mississippi.

Crime stats in Mississippi compare favorably to national averages. However, Jackson, MS, has double the violent and property crime rates compared to the U.S. average, as follows:

On a scale of 1 to 100 (high crime), here’s how Jackson compares to Mississippi and U.S. averages:

• Jackson violent crime average is 45.8
• Mississippi violent crime average is 17.9
• US violent crime average is 22.7<.li>
• Jackson property crime average is 71.8
• Mississippi property crime average is 40.2
• US property crime average is 35.4

One popular crime stats review site lists the following as the most dangerous cities in the Magnolia State:

1. Biloxi
2. Laurel
3. Meridian
4. Batesville
5. Gulfport
6. Brookhaven
7. Pascagoula
8. West Point
9. Hattiesburg
10. Pass Christian

If you own a business in the state’s capital or one of the cities above, you may find that the cost of business insurance has continued to creep up. So, how can you keep your insurance rates reasonable without putting your business at risk or accepting a huge deductible. Working with an experienced agent can help you receive the best rates on insurance in Mississippi.

Tips for Avoiding Rate Hikes for Insurance in Mississippi

Although some Mississippians find the recent upward tick in crime concerning, you can do several things to help keep your business secure. The more secure you make your business, the more luck you may have getting lower premiums from your insurance in Mississippi.

Take these precautions for a safer, more secure, business:

• Lock cash register and empty drawer frequently.
• Check the store to make sure there are no customers or anyone else remaining on the premises before locking up.
• Keep exterior lights on all night.
• Secure valuable equipment and inventory to deter burglars.

Additionally, when you improve your home or business security, you can get up to 5% off your insurance premiums. In some cases, you may get up to 20% off for installing simple devices such as burglar alarms, smoke detectors, deadbolt locks, and sprinkler systems.

Are you still concerned about the crime rate in Jackson and other cities across the state? Let us help you brainstorm ways to make your business more secure. Set up an appointment at one of our offices in Jackson, Madison, or Southaven, MS. You can also request a free online quote for insurance in Mississippi today.