Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students in Minnesota 2026
Nationwide is one of the best car insurance companies for college students in Minnesota. Nationwide is also the cheapest provider, with an average annual rate of $2,196.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
For drivers under 25, car insurance premiums are often the highest of any age group. This reality makes it especially tough for college students in Minnesota, who are already managing tuition, housing, and everyday expenses, to find affordable coverage.
After reviewing the top providers in the state, Nationwide emerged as the most budget‑friendly option for student drivers, with average annual rates around $2,196. For those who prefer the added protection of full coverage, State Farm offers the lowest rates, averaging $2,148 per year. Together, these insurers provide strong choices for Minnesota college students looking to balance cost with reliable protection.
Key Takeaways
Student drivers in Minnesota must have car insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Nationwide offers the cheapest insurance policy for students in Minnesota, at an average annual rate of $2,196.
There are multiple ways to reduce the cost of car insurance for students in Minnesota.
Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In Minnesota
When selecting car insurance for college students in Minnesota, you need to consider your priorities and pick a policy that matches your needs, whether that is low rates or comprehensive coverage.
Use the table below to see our picks for the best auto insurers for students in Minnesota.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| State Farm | $2,412 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,580 |
| Travelers | $2,484 |
| GEICO | $2,820 |
| Nationwide | $2,196 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance For College Students In Minnesota
Minimum coverage policies are often an effective way to decrease overall costs, but can leave you vulnerable in an accident. These low-cost plans will only cover the state minimum insurance needed to operate a vehicle, which means paying expenses out of pocket.
Minimum coverage policies are great options for college students as they provide the insurance needed to drive legally while keeping costs low.
As you can see from the table below, State Farm is the cheapest average option at $588 per year.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Nationwide | $636 |
| GEICO | $720 |
| State Farm | $588 |
| Auto-Owners | $696 |
| Travelers | $660 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance For College Students In Minnesota
College students who commute to campus or routinely drive for work should consider a full coverage policy over minimum coverage. These plans offer additional protection, often including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
While the full coverage policies offer more protection, they come at a higher cost. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of the additional insurance against the extra monthly cost.
State Farm is the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy for students in Minnesota, at an average annual rate of $2,148.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Travelers | $2,400 |
| Nationwide | $2,388 |
| Allstate | $2,736 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,484 |
| State Farm | $2,148 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Low-Mileage In Minnesota
If you’re a college student who doesn’t plan on driving much throughout the school year, there’s no reason to pay for insurance you don’t need. While you’ll still need to maintain the state minimum auto insurance, most low-mileage policies offer discounted rates if you stay below a certain number of miles yearly.
The limit will vary between insurance companies but is usually around 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually.
Use the table below to view the cheapest low-mileage rates for college drivers in Minnesota.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Nationwide | $684 |
| Progressive | $744 |
| Allstate | $600 |
| GEICO | $720 |
| State Farm | $660 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Driving Violations In Minnesota
Driving violations can significantly increase the amount a driver pays for monthly coverage, regardless of age. College students will likely experience an even more significant rate increase after an accident or ticket due to their already high-risk rating.
One way to mitigate the damage of a driving violation is to work with a company like Progressive that specializes in insuring motorists with a history of tickets or accidents.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| GEICO | $1,092 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,248 |
| Allstate | $1,260 |
| State Farm | $1,152 |
| Progressive | $1,020 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Minnesota – By City
Where you live in Minnesota can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums.
Use the table below to view average rates for different cities in Minnesota.
| City | Average Monthly Cost |
| Saint Paul | $165 |
| Mankato | $120 |
| Minneapolis | $168 |
| Duluth | $130 |
| Rochester | $140 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
Nationwide offers the cheapest rates for 18-year-old college drivers in Minnesota, at an average monthly cost of $300.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Nationwide | $300 |
| GEICO | $343 |
| State Farm | $331 |
| Travelers | $317 |
| Auto-Owners | $325 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
Nationwide provides the cheapest policy for 19-year-old college students in Minnesota, averaging $280 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Auto-Owners | $302 |
| Travelers | $290 |
| State Farm | $311 |
| GEICO | $325 |
| Nationwide | $280 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 20-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
The cheapest auto insurance rates for a 20-year-old college driver can be found with Nationwide, averaging $265 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Nationwide | $265 |
| GEICO | $306 |
| Travelers | $271 |
| State Farm | $290 |
| Auto-Owners | $288 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 21-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
The most affordable college student car insurance policy for a 21-year-old can be found at Nationwide, with an average monthly cost of $242.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Auto-Owners | $263 |
| Nationwide | $242 |
| State Farm | $270 |
| GEICO | $285 |
| Travelers | $250 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 22-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
22-year-old student car insurance can be found from $228 per month, with a Nationwide auto policy.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Travelers | $237 |
| Auto-Owners | $241 |
| GEICO | $260 |
| Nationwide | $228 |
| State Farm | $255 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
23-year-old college drivers can find affordable insurance from Nationwide at an average monthly cost of $205.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Auto-Owners | $220 |
| GEICO | $241 |
| Nationwide | $205 |
| Travelers | $215 |
| State Farm | $233 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 24-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
The cheapest car insurance policy for a 24-year-old college student is $185 per month, which can be found with Nationwide.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Nationwide | $185 |
| Auto-Owners | $201 |
| GEICO | $226 |
| State Farm | $210 |
| Travelers | $194 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 25-Year-Old College Students In Minnesota
Nationwide offers the cheapest auto policies for 25-year-old college students in Minnesota at $164 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $200 |
| Auto-Owners | $182 |
| Nationwide | $164 |
| State Farm | $193 |
| Travelers | $170 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy Vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Family Policy | Individual Student Policy |
| GEICO | $160 | $250 |
| Nationwide | $140 | $230 |
| State Farm | $150 | $250 |
| Travelers | $145 | $235 |
| Auto-Owners | $150 | $240 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Minnesota
Car insurance in Minnesota can be a significant financial challenge for college students. Premiums are often higher for younger drivers compared to those in their late 20s, which makes affordability a concern. If staying on a parent’s policy isn’t an option, there are several strategies that can help reduce monthly payments.
Used vs. New Vehicles
Although a new car may seem appealing, it usually comes with higher insurance costs. Since newer models are more expensive to repair or replace, insurers raise premiums to reflect the added risk. Opting for a reliable used vehicle can save hundreds of dollars annually. For instance, insuring a modest used sedan may cost far less than covering a brand-new SUV.
Student Discounts
Minnesota insurers often reward students who demonstrate responsibility. Discounts may include:
- Good student discounts for maintaining strong grades
- Distant student discounts if you attend college far from home and rarely drive
- Safe driver discounts for keeping a clean record
- Driver’s education discounts for completing certified training
These savings can reduce premiums by $50–$100 per year depending on the provider.
Security And Safety Improvements
Adding safety features to your vehicle can directly lower your insurance bill. Anti-theft devices such as alarms or steering wheel locks may reduce premiums by up to $5%. Insurers view these upgrades as lowering the likelihood of claims, which makes them more willing to cut costs.
Affiliation Discounts
Campus involvement can also pay off financially. Membership in fraternities, sororities, honor societies, or alumni associations may unlock exclusive discounts with certain insurers. These affiliation-based savings can trim premiums by $25–$75 annually, depending on the carrier.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Minnesota
For many Minnesota college students, buying car insurance for the first time can feel overwhelming. Premiums are already higher for younger drivers, and understanding the state’s coverage requirements adds extra complexity. Fortunately, comparison platforms like Insuranceopedia make the process easier by letting you review multiple quotes in minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to simplify the experience:
Step 1: Compare Multiple Quotes
Start by reviewing at least three different quotes from insurers. Even small differences in coverage or discounts can save you $100–$300 annually. This ensures you’re not overpaying for the same level of protection.
Step 2: Confirm Minnesota Coverage Requirements
Minnesota law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage along with personal injury protection (PIP) under its no-fault system. Make sure your policy meets these standards, and consider adding collision or comprehensive coverage if you want extra protection.
Step 3: Decide How You’ll Purchase
Students can buy policies online for speed and convenience or through a local agent for personalized guidance. Online platforms are transparent and quick, while agents may help uncover discounts you didn’t know existed.
Step 4: Gather Essential Information
Before applying, collect all necessary details such as your vehicle’s make and model, driver’s license number, personal information for anyone on the policy, and your driving history. Having this ready will streamline the process.
Step 5: Finalize And Notify Your Previous Insurer
Once you’ve chosen the best option, complete the purchase and inform your old insurance company about the switch. This prevents billing overlaps and ensures your new policy is active without gaps.
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, Or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
For Minnesota college students, whether you need your own auto insurance or can remain on a parent’s policy depends on your living situation and how your vehicle is registered.
When Students Need Their Own Policy
A student generally has to purchase individual coverage once they establish a permanent address different from their parents. If you register your car at that new address or live off-campus full-time, insurers require you to carry your own policy. This ensures your coverage reflects your actual driving environment and risk profile.
Staying On A Family Policy
Unlike health insurance, auto insurance doesn’t impose an age cutoff. As long as you live at home or continue to use your parents’ permanent address while attending college, you can remain on their plan. This arrangement often saves money since family policies spread risk across multiple drivers and may qualify for bundle discounts.
Minnesota Car Insurance Laws
Minnesota is one of the many states requiring motorists to carry auto insurance if they plan on operating a vehicle. While most of the required coverages are similar to other places in the United States, Minnesota drivers must also obtain Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
Minnesota auto insurance requirements include:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
- $40,000 personal injury protection
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per accident
Compare College Student Rates To Other U.S. States
| State | Average Annual Premium |
| Alabama | $3,460 |
| Alaska | $3,276 |
| Arizona | $3,412 |
| Arkansas | $3,557 |
| California | $4,016 |
| Colorado | $3,937 |
| Connecticut | $3,325 |
| Delaware | $3,663 |
| Florida | $4,294 |
| Georgia | $3,570 |
| Hawaii | $3,117 |
| Idaho | $3,028 |
| Illinois | $3,132 |
| Indiana | $3,115 |
| Iowa | $3,230 |
| Kansas | $3,500 |
| Kentucky | $3,828 |
| Louisiana | $4,483 |
| Maine | $2,775 |
| Maryland | $3,346 |
| Massachusetts | $3,326 |
| Michigan | $3,952 |
| Minnesota | $3,511 |
| Mississippi | $3,608 |
| Missouri | $3,582 |
| Montana | $3,793 |
| Nebraska | $3,502 |
| Nevada | $3,660 |
| New Hampshire | $2,865 |
| New Jersey | $3,502 |
| New Mexico | $3,649 |
| New York | $3,470 |
| North Carolina | $3,341 |
| North Dakota | $3,265 |
| Ohio | $3,017 |
| Oklahoma | $3,738 |
| Oregon | $3,278 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,472 |
| Rhode Island | $3,661 |
| South Carolina | $3,422 |
| South Dakota | $3,880 |
| Tennessee | $3,277 |
| Texas | $3,643 |
| Utah | $3,425 |
| Vermont | $2,919 |
| Virginia | $3,069 |
| Washington | $3,208 |
| West Virginia | $3,605 |
| Wisconsin | $3,264 |
| Wyoming | $3,358 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Our Methodology
To find the cheapest car insurance rates for college students in Minnesota, we analyzed findings from numerous car insurance rating sites, some of which analyzed rates from public filings obtained by Quadrant Information Services. We also utilize the combined twenty-five years of experience from our team of insurance experts to evaluate each carrier.
It’s important to note that even though the rates listed in this guide are accurate, premiums shift daily and can fluctuate based on each driver.
About Doug Schaffer
