Minnesota Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Minnesota"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of Minnesota.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Minnesota?

Minnesota has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In Minnesota, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and your restricted license at sixteen, with a full license at eighteen.

To adhere to Minnesota's auto insurance rules, you must...

In Minnesota, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. Minnesota requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In Minnesota, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $30,000.00, up to maximum of $60,000.00, as well as an additional $10,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In Minnesota, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in Minnesota:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in Minnesota.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Minnesota

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: When a Texas resident has an auto accident in Minnesota- a no fault insurance state?
A Texas resident has an accident in Minnesota- a no fault insurance state, and the Minnesotan is the one who is at fault, How does insurance companies handle this when Texas law are different than Minnesotas. There were no bodily injuries.

Answer: In every state except Michigan the term "No-Fault" refers only to how and who pays the medical of an injured person. It means that no matter who is at-fault your own insurance company pays your medical bills. Who pays for car damages in MN are still based on negligence. The accident will be handled under the laws of MN as that is where the accident happened. So if the other driver is at-fault you will get paid for your car damages by their insurance company. In MN the have comparative negligence laws so depending on the accident facts you might not be owed 100% of your damages. If you contributed 15% of the negligence to the accident, the amount you can collect is reduced by that 15%. Good Luck

Question: Does every Minnesota license holder have to have auto insurance, even if they don't have a registered vehicle?
If someone has a drivers license, but the don't own their own vehicle, do they have to have auto insurance in their name? I just want to know if every licensed driver has to have auto insurance whether or not they even drive!! Seriously!!

Answer: If you just have a drivers license but no car, no you do not need car insurance. But...If you live in a house with your parents they have to put you on their insurance because you live in their house and have a license. Most insurance companies only allow the person listed on the insurance company to drive the vehicle insured.

Question: Is there a legal time limit in which an auto insurance claim needs to be made in the state of Minnesota?

Answer: Car damages = 6 years Bodily Injury = 6 years

Question: In Minnesota, would a new teen driver be covered even if not specifically listed on an auto insurance policy?
Minnesota, newly licensed driver

Answer: Your new driver would have coverage automaticaly according to state law, however you do need to let your agent know as soon as they get their license with the number on it, this could take the state a couple of weeks. The state's Insurance brochure states "You are covered by the policy in your name. Any relative living in your home, who does not have a policy of his or her own, is covered by YOUR policy. This includes a spouse, children, or a minor in your custody or the custody of a relative. A driver using your car with your permission, who is not covered by another policy, will be covered by your policy." The reason that they do not state licensed driver or an age of children is because there are quite a few accidents that involve young children that manage to get a car out of park and roll out of driveways and accorss the streets. I have had more than one of these claims over the years. You can see the MN Commissioner of Insurance's auto insurance brochure at... http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Commerce/What_You_Need_to_Know_about_Auto_Insurance_013003105358_Auto%20Insurance3-00.pdf If you have any further questions please call your agent directly and they should be able to help you. Hope this helps.

Question: Is there a way for me to get cheap auto insurance?
I am 16 years old and from st.cloud minnesota. I don't have a car yet but I want to get one from around $3000-$4000. I have to go with State Farm because my parents have it. I am a safe driver and I get good grades. Is there a way to get cheap auto insurance through state farm through any special deals? Thanks

Answer: See this http://gsx1.com/Car-Insurance/100.php take the quote, they'll come back with prices from different insurers in your area. It's very quick and free of charge. But to find a cheap price you should get several quotes, do some legwork till something really cheap will come along. Here's more from my bookmarks http://finance.ebookorama.com/ukusa-selected-resources.php http://gsx1.com/InsuranceComparison.html If you buy an oldish Corolla, they are cheap to insure and fair on gas, get liability only and that's the cheapest type of cover you may get. But get several quotes, try them all, they are free so find the cheapest one, it's out there.

Question: I was a week late with my auto insurance payment so progressive?
cancelled my policy. Does anyone know of a good one to get in Minnesota?

Answer: If it was your renewal, the policy expires on the renewal date, this would have been written clearly on your bill. You may still be able to pay the renewal & Progressive will renew with a lapse (will start again on the day after they get the payment). If your policy was midterm, by law in every state, they must send you a cancellation notice that gives you at least 10 more days to pay (minimum in every state, some states give 15 or 20 days). If you were a week past your CANCELLATION date, then you would have to start a new policy with them. You are more than a week late. So, if you were midterm, the bill was sent about 3 weeks before it was due, they didn't get your payment so they sent a cancellation notice, so you knew your premium was due at least a month or more ago. Call a local independent agent & get a new policy TODAY!!!

Question: Are you supposed to get reimbursed for mileage from your auto insurance after an accident to go to the doctor?
I have Allstate, I live in Minnesota and am wondering if you are supposed to get reimbursed for mileage from work going to the Dr. appointments? They are reimbursing me for time missed from work and thought I read somewhere that you are supposed to get mileage too?

Answer: There are lots of sites where you can get a free insurance quote. http://www.goodinternetdeals.com/Auto-Insurance.html It only takes about 5 minutes to do.

Question: What actions can a consumer take against his insurance company if they knowingly lie to him?
An auto insurance company in Minnesota claimed that they cannot pay full damage on an auto accident because they claim there is a law which states that "if an accident occurs at an intersection both parties are at least 15% responsible". I checked with the Minnesota State police and they say no such law exists. What action can I take against my insurance company?

Answer: At this point, you don't have proof that there is or is not a Minnesota law that says this. Keep in mind that the police are only familiar with the laws they enforce. It is highly probable this is an insurance law, so they wouldn't be aware of it. Give the Minnesota Insurance Commissioner's Office a call and ask to speak with someone there. If the company mislead you and reduced your payment, the Commissioner can order the company to pay the remainder, PLUS state-mandated interest (if permissable under the law). You can then file a civil suit for breach of contract, if you like.

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