Mississippi Insurance Department

Office address: 501 N. West Street, 1001 Woolfolk State Office Building, Jackson, MS 39201
Website: www.mid.ms.gov
Year established: 1902
Employees: 129+
Key people: Mike Chaney (commissioner of insurance); David Browning (deputy commissioner); Kelly Elliott (executive director); Alison Vowell, Ryan Blakeney, Chad Bridges, and John Morris (directors)
Operating budget: $16 million (FY 2025)

The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) oversees thousands of insurance companies and licensed professionals operating across the state. It helps consumers recover millions through complaints, investigations, and policy-related refunds each year.

History of Mississippi Insurance Department

The MID was created in 1902 by the Mississippi Legislature by establishing a separate insurance department. W.Q. Cole, then state auditor, drafted and championed the legislation and became the first Commissioner of Insurance in 1903.

He opened the official premises in 1904, after modeling it on the best practices of other state insurance departments. Here are key events that molded the Mississippi Insurance Department:

• 1903: Commissioner of Insurance added to the general election
• 1904: 126 companies licensed by March under the new law
• 1916: Resident Agents’ Law required agent countersignatures on policies
• 1924: Fire and Rating Bureau formed under the Insurance Commission Board
• 1928: burial insurance brought under department supervision
• 1946: law passed regulating casualty rates and rating organizations
• 1948: Fire and Casualty Agent’s Qualification Law enacted
• 1960: written exams required for life, health, and accident agents
• 1988: Insurance Commission Board repealed under Act effective January 1

Since the 1902 Insurance Department Act, each legislative session has expanded the commissioner’s powers and duties. These additions allowed the agency to grow alongside the insurance industry in Mississippi.

The MID now operates under modern statutes but remains rooted in its early mission to protect consumers and promote fair insurance practices.

Mississippi Insurance Department mandate

The MID enforces insurance laws and protects policyholders through fair and legal oversight. Its authority under Mississippi Code Title 83 also covers fire codes and public safety rules.

Several divisions support the Mississippi Insurance Department through regulation, daily operations, and more:

• Life and Health Actuarial Division
• Public Relations Division
• State Fire Marshal’s Office
• Licensing Division
• Information Technology Division
• Property and Casualty Rating Division
• Office of the Commissioner
• Administrative Services Division
• Consumer Services Division
• Mississippi State Fire Academy
• Legal Division
• Office of the Deputy Commissioner
• Investigations and Consumer Protection Division
• Financial and Market Regulation Division

The department is led by an elected insurance commissioner who also serves as state fire marshal. The current commissioner is Mike Chaney, first elected in 2007 and serving consecutive four-year terms since 2008.

Key responsibilities

The Mississippi Insurance Department manages many services and takes charge of:

• regulating insurance companies and professionals
• licensing agents, adjusters, and brokers
• monitoring company financial strength and solvency
• reviewing insurance rates and policy forms
• handling consumer complaints and inquiries
• investigating fraud and enforcing penalties
• managing state fire prevention and inspections
• overseeing elevator and building safety rules
• administering liquefied compressed gas regulations
• running firefighter training through the state fire academy

These responsibilities help ensure a fair, safe, and trusted insurance system. The department works year-round to enforce laws and protect Mississippi residents.

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus

The Mississippi Insurance Department, led by Commissioner Mike Chaney, advised consumers in 2024 to be cautious about upfront cash offers tied to higher deductibles. The department emphasized its consumer protection role by encouraging policyholders to review coverage terms carefully before accepting reduced premiums.

The MID was at the center of a proposal that would change the commissioner’s role from elected to appointed. The bill failed in committee, keeping the position elected and continuing the debate over regulatory independence and accountability.

In July 2025, the Mississippi Insurance Department launched the “Protect Your Home. Protect Your Life.” campaign to promote hurricane readiness statewide. It uses radio, TV, and digital ads to highlight flood insurance and disaster claims guidance.

Consumer protection and outreach

The Mississippi Insurance Department supports the public through direct help, education, and statewide outreach. Key services include:

• Consumer Services Division: assists with complaints against insurers, agents, and adjusters
• disaster preparedness page: offers storm prep tips and claims guidance
• consumer alerts: shares warnings on scams, fraud, and suspicious marketing
• educational guides: covers auto, health, life, and homeowners insurance basics

The MID also shares alerts and offers tools to guide insurance decisions. These programs seek to inform and prepare residents when dealing with insurance.