Car Insurance In Minnesota 2026: Laws, Costs, Requirements & Companies

Driving in Minnesota can be unpredictable, with busy highways, changing road conditions, and sudden weather shifts that increase the risk of accidents and vehicle damage. From city traffic to rural roads, the right car insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs and keeps you prepared for whatever the road brings.

With 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, I know how to find coverage that truly fits Minnesota drivers. I can help you choose a simple, reliable car insurance plan that offers real protection and peace of mind.

Does Minnesota Require Car Insurance?

Minnesota requires car insurance for all drivers. If you own or operate a vehicle in the state, you must carry active insurance to legally drive and register your car. Proof of insurance may be required during traffic stops, accidents, or vehicle registration.

Minnesota follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance helps cover medical expenses and certain losses after an accident, no matter who caused it. Having the required coverage helps protect you financially and ensures compliance with state law.

How Much Insurance Should You Get In Minnesota?

When choosing car insurance in Minnesota, it’s important to think beyond just meeting the legal requirements. While the minimum coverage is enough to drive legally, many drivers choose more coverage to better protect themselves, their vehicle, and their finances in case of a serious accident.

Minnesota’s minimum required coverage includes $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, $10,000 for property damage liability, $40,000 for personal injury protection (PIP), and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These are the lowest limits allowed, and higher coverage may offer better protection.

How Much Is Car Insurance In Minnesota?

Car insurance costs in Minnesota depend on things like your age, driving history, where you live, and the type of car you drive. Plans with more coverage usually cost more than basic plans. Your final cost depends on your personal situation and the choices you make.

Here’s a breakdown of average annual car insurance costs in Minnesota for different driver profiles:

• Low-Income Drivers: Affordable options for low-income drivers in Minnesota are available, with average monthly minimum coverage policies starting at approximately $60 per month.
• Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: Drivers in Minnesota who have a speeding ticket usually pay higher insurance rates. Even short-term policies, such as one-month coverage, can become more expensive. The average cost of minimum coverage is $55 per month.
• Senior Drivers: Drivers in Minnesota aged 65 and older may pay around $125 monthly for full coverage and about $60 per month for minimum coverage.
• Young Drivers: Young Minnesota drivers may pay around $230 monthly for full coverage and about $95 per month for minimum coverage.
• Drivers With Old Cars: Drivers in Minnesota who own old cars often pay less for insurance because their vehicles usually cost less to repair or replace. The average monthly full coverage cost is $90.

These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurer and your personal driving profile.

Which Car Insurance Companies Operate In Minnesota?

Here are some of the major car insurance companies that operate in Minnesota:

• State Farm
• Progressive
• American Family Insurance
• Allstate
• Farmers Insurance
• GEICO
• Liberty Mutual
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• Nationwide
• Travelers
• USAA
• North Star Mutual Insurance
• Western National Insurance

These insurance companies provide different types of coverage and discounts for drivers in Minnesota. It’s a good idea to compare prices and what each policy includes so you can choose the one that works best for you.

How To Get Lower Insurance Premiums In Minnesota

Here are some simple strategies to lower your car insurance premiums in Minnesota:

• Compare quotes from different companies: Insurance prices can vary a lot between companies. Shopping around helps you find a better deal for the same coverage. Even switching once a year can save money.
• Keep a clean driving record: Avoid speeding tickets and accidents whenever possible. Safe drivers usually pay less for insurance. Many companies give discounts for good driving.
• Choose a higher deductible: A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium. This means you pay more out of pocket after an accident. It works well if you don’t file claims often.
• Bundle your insurance policies: Getting car and home or renters insurance from the same company can lower costs. Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts. This is an easy way to save on premiums.
• Ask about discounts: You may qualify for discounts for safe driving, low mileage, good grades, or vehicle safety features. Some discounts are not automatic. Always ask your insurer what’s available.

Minnesota State Driving Laws

In Minnesota, there are rules all drivers must follow to stay safe. These laws include speed limits, wearing seat belts, obeying traffic signals, and not driving under the influence. Following them helps prevent accidents and keeps you and others safe on the road.

Seat Belt Law

Everyone in a car must wear a seat belt, no matter where they sit. Drivers can be ticketed if anyone in the car isn’t buckled up. Seat belts save lives in crashes.

Speed Limits

You must follow posted speed limits. Driving too fast or too slow can be dangerous. Speeding tickets can also increase your insurance costs.

No DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Minnesota has strict penalties for DUI, including fines, license suspension, and sometimes jail.

Stop For School Buses

You must stop when a school bus has its stop sign out or lights flashing. This protects children getting on or off the bus. Not stopping can lead to big fines.

Use Of Mobile Phones

Drivers under 18 cannot use a phone while driving, and all drivers are discouraged from texting. Using a phone while driving increases the risk of accidents.

Minnesota Car Insurance Contact Information

Knowing where to go for car insurance or vehicle problems in Minnesota can make things much easier. Here’s a list of important state agencies and what they can help you with.

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Phone: 651-539-1600

Website: mn.gov/commerce/insurance/

Use this if you have questions about your auto insurance policy, need help understanding your coverage, or want to file a complaint or dispute against your insurance company.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Service (DVS)

Phone: 651-297-3298

Website: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs

Contact DVS for driver’s licences, vehicle registration, title transfers, renewals, and other vehicle-related services.

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Consumer Protection Division

Phone: 1-800-657-3787

Website: ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Complaint.asp

Use this office if you want broader consumer protection help, including issues related to unfair practices by insurers.

Minnesota Department of Commerce – Fraud Bureau

Phone: 1-888-372-8366

Website: mn.gov/commerce/consumers/file-a-complaint/cfb

Contact the fraud bureau to report suspected insurance fraud or deceptive practices.

Minnesota Department of Commerce – Consumer Protection Center

Email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us

Use this email to ask questions about auto insurance, file complaints online, or follow up on an existing issue with your insurance company.

Common Minnesota Car-Related Crimes And Fatalities

Minnesota drivers need to be aware of the car-related crimes that happen most often on the state’s roads. Below is a clear overview of the common car-related crimes and accident risks you should know about.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

This happens when someone drives after drinking alcohol or using drugs. It makes it much harder to control a car and increases the chance of deadly crashes. Minnesota treats DUI as a serious crime with big penalties.

Reckless Or Aggressive Driving

This includes speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals. These dangerous behaviors can easily lead to crashes that cause injuries or deaths. Officers can charge a driver with reckless driving if they act without concern for others’ safety.

Hit-And-Run

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver crashes into a person, another vehicle, or property and leaves without stopping. Failing to stop and help is illegal and can make a bad situation much worse. Victims can be seriously hurt, and the driver faces criminal charges.

Uninsured Or Underinsured Driving

Some drivers don’t have enough insurance or any at all. If they cause a crash, victims may face serious financial loss and injuries. Minnesota law requires drivers to carry minimum insurance to prevent this.

Failure To Yield / Ignoring Traffic Signs

Many crashes happen when drivers fail to stop, yield, or follow traffic signals. These mistakes can cause serious accidents, especially at intersections or pedestrian crossings.