Minnesota Auto Insurance
From Rochester and the “Twin Cities” all the way up to the Canada border, Minnesota residents have plenty to see and do. But whether you’re driving to your favorite park or commuting to work in Minneapolis, affordable auto insurance can help protect you, your loved ones, and your vehicle on every adventure. So, take a few minutes to learn about cheap car insurance in Minnesota. Find out which coverages are mandatory, which ones are optional, and how a Direct Auto Insurance policy could be your cheap Minnesota car insurance solution. Get a free quote to see how much money you can save.
Minnesota Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in Minnesota?
Minnesota law requires all drivers to have proof of financial responsibility, which is most commonly satisfied with a car insurance policy. Minnesota auto insurance policies must at least meet the state’s minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For example, the liability limits in Minnesota are 30/60/10, as shown below under Minnesota Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
In addition to liability coverage, Minnesota is a no-fault state that requires insurance policies to include personal injury protection (PIP coverage). Drivers must also carry uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
What is a no-fault state?
When people say, “Minnesota is a no-fault state,” what do they mean? Well, in a no-fault state, each person injured in a car accident files a claim with their own insurance company and relies on their own coverage to pay for their medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. If an injured party does not have their own auto insurance, they would file a claim under the policy insuring the vehicle they were occupying at the time of the accident.
In an at-fault state, however, the at-fault driver would be liable for 100% of the injured person’s medical expenses. In this scenario, the at-fault driver's insurance would help cover the accident victim's expenses.
No-fault coverage only applies to personal injuries. In both no-fault states and at-fault states, drivers file property damage claims with the at-fault party’s insurer.
Minnesota Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to fulfill Minnesota’s insurance requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $30,000 bodily injury per person/$60,000 bodily injury per accident. |
|
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $10,000 property damage per accident. |
|
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can’t be identified due to hit and run. |
Yes. $25,000 of both UM & UIM bodily injury per person. $50,000 of both UM & UIM bodily injury per accident. |
|
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Yes. $40,000 aggregate PIP coverage. |
|
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing state-mandated coverage ensures you satisfy Minnesota’s laws, it doesn’t protect you and your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage, like comprehensive and collision, to be better protected.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, there may be add-on services and other insurance products available to Minnesota drivers:
Minnesota Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet Minnesota’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Minnesota takes a strict stance on vehicle owners who don’t meet insurance requirements. The penalties for driving without insurance vary depending on the nature of the violation. However, they typically get more severe for subsequent offenses, according to Value Penguin. Potential penalties include fines, community service, jail time, license suspension, and registration suspension.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Minnesota
Driving without a valid license can lead to harsh penalties, including fines or potential jail time, for Minnesota drivers. Therefore, if your license is ever suspended, it’s important to follow the necessary steps to get it reinstated before getting behind the wheel again.
SR-22 Insurance in Minnesota
Some states require high-risk drivers to keep an SR-22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. In Minnesota, this is called an insurance certification (also known as FR4) to get a license reinstated following certain convictions.
It’s also worth noting you may be required to file an SR-22 (or insurance certification) if you move to a new state and:
- You have committed serious driving violations.
- You have failed to maintain proper liability coverage or have broken state insurance laws.
- You were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
If you have any questions about SR-22 (or insurance certification) filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history.
High-Risk Auto Insurance in Minnesota
Many individuals do not have a perfect driving record, and after a certain number of violations or a serious enough violation, drivers can be considered a major risk to insure. While some companies try to steer clear of these individuals, other insurance companies offer non-standard insurance (another name for high-risk auto insurance) to provide financial protection for these drivers.
We believe your driving history shouldn't define you forever, and we work hard to find quality, affordable coverage for every driver, regardless of their past.
Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in Minnesota?
Car insurance costs vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The amount & type of coverage you choose
- The year, make and model of the vehicle you drive
- How much you drive, where you drive and where you live
- Your demographics
- Your driving record
- Your credit history
Other Minnesota Auto Insurance Resources
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Minnesota with Direct Auto!
Looking for affordable car insurance in Minnesota? Get a free car insurance quote today that meets your state’s requirements, fits your needs, and includes any discounts you’re entitled to receive so your premium is the lowest price possible.
*Emergency Protection Plans (EPP) and Roadside Assistance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states.
** The “Direct Auto Insurance” brand is used by insurers in the National General Group, Winston-Salem, NC to describe their direct-to-consumer auto insurance programs. Direct Auto Insurance branded policies are produced by Direct General Insurance Agency, Inc. dba “Direct Auto Insurance” and by National General Insurance Marketing Inc.