Minnesota is a beautiful state. From its many lakes to its beautiful landscapes, there is much to see both on and off the beaten path. Unfortunately, there are also many hazards associated with driving in Minnesota. For example, it is not uncommon for locals to drive over frozen lakes during the winter, but what happens if you misjudge the ice? Whether you are driving in treacherous weather conditions or simply battling traffic in the Twin Cities, having the right insurance can give you peace of mind knowing you, your passengers, your vehicle, and your assets are protected.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Minnesota?
The Minnesota minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Minnesota, drivers need a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage, along with $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The minimum for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage it $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection or medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Insurance Requirements in Minnesota
Every state has its own insurance laws that apply to all drivers. While they are a good start, they typically do very little to protect drivers from the risks that threaten their financial well-being. For example, drivers in Minnesota are required to carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage, yet that is not enough to replace a new mid-size sedan after it is totaled in an accident. In fact, having only minimum coverage could leave you on the hook for thousands of dollars in property or bodily injury liability claims long after the limits on your insurance policy are exhausted.
At Pentagon Insurance, we recommend carrying several types of coverage on your car insurance policy to ensure you are protected against all of the ‘what-ifs’ in life. Examples include:
Liability Insurance
When you are at-fault for an accident, all of the victim’s medical bills and property damages fall on your shoulders. Not to mention, you could be sued for lost wages and pain and suffering as a result of the accident. Having the right liability insurance is not only important; it is essential for protecting your current assets and future income from seizure and garnishment.
Collision
No one wants to be in an accident but helps to know you are covered when the unexpected happens. Collision insurance helps pay to repair or replace your own vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in an accident for which you are at-fault.
Comprehensive
Not all vehicle-related losses are caused by accidents. Comprehensive protection kicks in when your vehicle is damaged by other covered events, such as bad weather or vandalism.
Uninsured Motorist
Despite laws that require all Minnesota drivers to be insured, there are always a few bad apples in the bunch. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when you are hit by a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured for the damages caused.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection helps pay medical bills and lost wages if you or the passengers in your own vehicle are injured in an accident.
Other Coverage
In addition to the primary types of Minnesota car insurance, there are additional protections you can add to your policy, such as coverage for towing expenses or roadside assistance. You can also add reimbursement for your rental car fees if you need replacement transportation while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced due to a covered incident.
Shop and Compare Car Insurance in the Twin Cities
Remember the good old days? You know, the ones when you could walk into a business to experience one-on-one attention from a person you could trust? At Pentagon Insurance, we still believe you cannot put a price on high-quality customer service. That is why at our office, you can expect to work with one person from start to finish. Your agent will work with you directly — not pass you off to someone else. Together, you can explore your coverage options and compare rates from several of the state’s leading insurers until you find the policy that fits your needs.
If you are in the market for Minnesota car insurance, come enjoy the benefits of working with an independent agent. Call us today or swing by our office for a free quote. We look forward to serving you soon.
