Comparing auto insurance in Minnesota can really help you save money—and honestly, it’s the only way to make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage you don’t need.
The average cost for insurance swings a lot depending on your driving record and which company you go with. Some companies reward clean records, while others still give decent rates even if you’ve had a ticket or two.
Knowing where to look and what to compare? That’s how you snag the best deals.
Insurance companies like Geico, State Farm, Auto-Owners, and Farm Bureau are pretty well-known in Minnesota.
If you compare quotes from these and maybe a few others, you’ll get a sense of which plan actually fits your budget and driving habits.
Online tools make it a breeze to get several quotes at once—no need to call around.
Understanding what each policy covers and what it’ll cost is key.
That way, you’re not stuck paying too much or missing out on coverage you really need.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance costs change based on your driving history and the provider you pick.
- Comparing quotes from top insurers can lead to better prices.
- Knowing your coverage options makes sure you actually get what you need.
Key Factors When Comparing Auto Insurance in Minnesota
When you’re picking auto insurance in Minnesota, look at the types of coverage, the state’s legal minimums, and how much rates can actually vary.
Getting into the details helps you find a sweet spot between price and protection.
Coverage Options in Minnesota
Most auto insurance plans in Minnesota include liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.
Liability covers damage or injuries you cause to others.
Collision pays for your car after a crash, while comprehensive is for non-crash stuff like theft or hail.
Personal Injury Protection is a big deal in Minnesota—it covers medical bills and lost wages, no matter who’s at fault.
Uninsured motorist protection steps in if you get hit by someone without insurance.
Compare policies based on what’s actually included and the limits.
Some insurers throw in extras like rental car reimbursement or roadside help—worth checking out if you want more peace of mind.
State Minimum Insurance Requirements
Minnesota law says you need at least:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $10,000 per accident
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $40,000 per person
These minimums cover basic risks, but a big accident can get expensive fast.
A lot of folks choose higher limits just in case.
Driving without the required insurance? That’s a quick way to rack up fines or even get your license suspended.
It’s smart to double-check your policy meets the Minnesota minimums.
Comparison of Premium Rates
Full coverage auto insurance in Minnesota averages about $2,600 a year.
But premiums can swing a lot depending on your ZIP code, driving record, age, and what you drive.
If you just want the minimum, you’re looking at around $624 per year, but that’s pretty bare-bones.
Rates also shift based on your credit, how long you’ve been driving, and your claim history.
You might save a chunk by bundling policies or keeping your driving record clean.
Online tools help you stack up quotes and see what’s actually included for the price.
That makes it easier to spot what fits your budget and your needs.
Top Auto Insurance Providers in Minnesota
There are a lot of options for car insurance in Minnesota.
Some companies are big national names with lots of choices, while others are smaller and focus more on local drivers.
Major National Insurers
Companies like State Farm, Geico, and Auto-Owners are popular in Minnesota.
State Farm is known for low average rates—around $1,048 a year.
Geico’s got competitive pricing and a quoting process that’s honestly pretty painless.
Auto-Owners stands out for affordable liability coverage and decent customer service.
These companies usually have big networks for claims and repairs, and plenty of coverage options.
Managing your policy online is usually easy with them.
If you want reliable coverage and a company that’s not going anywhere, these are solid choices.
Regional and Local Insurance Companies
Minnesota has some strong regional players too, like Westfield and Travelers.
Westfield is known for the cheapest liability coverage in the state—about $294 a year.
Travelers often has affordable full coverage picks.
Regional insurers sometimes give you more personal service since they know the Minnesota market.
They might offer discounts that make sense for local drivers.
If you’re after good rates and a local feel, these are worth a look.
| Provider | Type | Notable for | Average Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | National | Affordable premiums | $1,048 per year |
| Geico | National | User-friendly quotes | Competitive |
| Auto-Owners | National | Cheap liability coverage | Low |
| Westfield | Regional/Local | Cheapest liability rates | $294 per year |
| Travelers | Regional/Local | Affordable full coverage | Competitive |
How to Effectively Compare Auto Insurance Policies
To really find the best auto insurance, you’ve got to look at rates, services, and discounts.
It helps to have clear info on prices and coverage, know how claims are handled, and look for any savings that fit your situation.
Using Online Comparison Tools
Online tools let you see quotes from a bunch of insurers at once.
Just enter your car and driver info, and you’ll get several price options in minutes.
It’s a huge time-saver and gives you a better shot at finding the best deal.
Make sure you’re comparing the same coverage levels across quotes.
Some sites are easier to use than others—look for ones that update prices regularly and maybe even show customer ratings.
That extra info can help you weigh price versus experience.
Evaluating Customer Service and Claims Process
Customer service matters a lot, especially when you actually need help.
Look for insurers with good phone or online support—agents who don’t make you wait forever or dodge your questions.
The claims process should be smooth, not a nightmare.
Check out how fast they settle claims and whether customers say the payments are fair.
Reading reviews from other Minnesota drivers can give you a sense of what you’re in for if you ever need to file a claim.
Discounts and Savings Opportunities
Take a look at which discounts you might actually qualify for. Stuff like safe driver, multi-car, good student, and bundling your home and auto insurance are pretty common, but every company seems to have their own spin.
Ask if there are accident or violation surcharges, too. Knowing about those ahead of time can save you from a nasty surprise.
Sometimes just having a clean driving record or adding anti-theft devices helps you save a bit. Make sure you jot down all your discounts when you’re comparing rates.