Minnesota Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re heading to Minneapolis to watch the Twins at Target Field or the Vikings at the Metrodome, driving to Two Harbors to sail on Lake Superior, doing business in St. Paul or fishing for walleye in Upper Red Lake, there’s plenty to see and do in the North Star State. From International Falls to Albert Lea, Moorhead to Duluth and all points in between, sightseeing or commuting, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Minnesota driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for MN State Residents

As of 2010, there were nearly 3.9 million licensed drivers in the North Star State and 4.8 million registered vehicles. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 12% of Minnesota drivers are uninsured. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Planning reported a total of 79,095 vehicle crashes in 2008; 33,379 resulted in injuries, with 455 deaths. In 46% of the fatalities, the victims were not wearing seat belts. Alcohol was responsible in 163 of the fatalities. Speed, driver inattention and chemical impairment were among the leading causes in both single and multi-vehicle crashes. Uninsured, reckless and alcohol-impaired drivers are good reasons to be sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

 

Minnesota State Minimum Car Insurance

Minnesota state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. Minnesota is one of just 12 no-fault states, meaning your insurance will pay your injury claims up to a specified limit, regardless of who caused the accident. Under a no-fault system, you lose some of your rights to sue. While Minnesota does not require that you carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive coverage, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requirements shown below:

• $30,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $60,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability
• $25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
• $40,000 personal injury protection

 

Minnesota Car Insurance Laws

Minnesota requires that you carry proof of Minnesota auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. The penalty for driving without insurance in Minnesota will depend on whether or not it is a first offense. For first offenders, it’s a misdemeanor, which can carry fines between $200 and $1,000. You might also have to serve up to 90 days of jail time. You may also have your license and vehicle registration suspended or revoked.

If you are caught without insurance again within 10 years of a first offense, it is a gross misdemeanor, which can carry fines up to $3,000 and/or jail time up to 1 year.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Minnesota Department of Commerce/Insurance & Insurance Fraud
This is agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Minnesota. For more information, visit their website at www.state.mn.us/

Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Driver and Vehicle Services Division
This agency is responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Minnesota auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

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