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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Minnesota

Across the North Star State, there are 283,828 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Minnesota is $1,310 per year — 14% less than the U.S. average. However, car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates are comprised of many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Minnesota car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Minnesota based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive customized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Minnesota

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Minnesota .

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 897 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the central region.

2nd place medal
Shelter Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Shelter Insurance scored an 856 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Farmers

Farmers Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 848 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.2 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Minnesota drivers pay about 14% less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company is State Farm

The cheapest car insurance companies in Minnesota

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

State Farm logo
Cheapest full coverage insurance: State Farm

The cheapest rates are from State Farm at $1,092 annually, or $91 per month.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for teen drivers: American Family

For teen drivers seeking coverage in Minnesota, American Family is the cheapest on average.

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: State Farm

If you have a DUI on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,092
Nationwide $1,245
American Family $1,288
USAA $1,486
Allstate $1,794
GEICO $2,074

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Minnesota auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Minnesota. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Minnesota, expect to pay an average of $493 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 9%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Minnesota, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

Liability

  • Bodily Injury $30,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $60,000 per accident
  • Property Damage $10,000 per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

  • Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

  • $20,000 Medical Expense per person
  • $20,000 Economic Loss per person

Optional coverage in Minnesota (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Minnesota, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,150, 133% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 172% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Minnesota car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Minnesota with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Minnesota.

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Minnesota car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Minnesota.

 

Cheap auto insurance in Minnesota for minimum coverage

Minimum coverage is the cheapest coverage that you can get and remain legal. However, with the cheap price tag — $493 per year in Minnesota — comes a tradeoff: lack of robust coverage. Getting only the minimum amount of liability coverage leaves you and your vehicle exposed to risk. If you are still interested in liability-only coverage, check out the rates for popular carriers below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $436
State Farm $510
Nationwide $540
American Family $582
GEICO $607
Allstate $640

Cheap auto insurance in Minnesota with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Minnesota drivers with poor credit pay 162% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Nationwide $1,822
American Family $2,422
State Farm $2,562
GEICO $2,968
Allstate $3,342
USAA $3,697

Cheap auto insurance in Minnesota with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates climb to an average of $1,880.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,391
American Family $1,771
Nationwide $1,778
USAA $2,054
Allstate $2,881
GEICO $2,936

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Minnesota

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Minnesota, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $3,390 per year — 159% more than the typical Minnesota driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
American Family $2,663
State Farm $2,987
Nationwide $3,732
USAA $3,887
GEICO $4,879
Allstate $5,093

Minnesota auto insurance rate by violation

In Minnesota, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

See below average auto insurance rates in Minnesota after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,707 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,716 1% $10
Not-at-fault accident $1,750 3% $43
One comp claim $1,797 5% $90
Two Med/PIP claims $1,797 5% $90
Two comp claims $1,883 10% $176
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,932 13% $225
Failure to show documents $1,934 13% $227
Driving without lights $1,954 14% $247
Child safety restraint $1,954 14% $247
Driving with expired registration $1,969 15% $262
Cell phone violation $2,083 22% $376
Texting while driving $2,083 22% $376
Following too closely $2,084 22% $377
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,092 23% $385
Illegal turn $2,095 23% $388
Failure to stop at a red light $2,098 23% $391
Improper passing $2,103 23% $396
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,105 23% $398
Driving too slowly $2,105 23% $398
Speeding in school zone $2,108 23% $401
Failure to yield $2,109 24% $403
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,119 24% $412
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,144 26% $437
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,153 26% $447
Passing school bus $2,181 28% $474
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,230 31% $524
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,273 33% $566
In 65 MPH zone $2,275 33% $568
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,390 40% $683
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,461 44% $754
Open container $2,505 47% $799
Racing $2,988 75% $1,281
Reckless driving $3,046 78% $1,339
Driving with a suspended license $3,445 102% $1,738
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,458 103% $1,752
DUI $3,533 107% $1,826
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,679 116% $1,972

Minnesota DUI laws

In Minnesota, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,826. That’s 93% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Minnesota

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Minnesota, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Minnesota State Farm averages annual rates that are 54% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Minnesota is American Family, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 13% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,635
American Family $1,661
Nationwide $2,106
USAA $2,734
Allstate $3,075
GEICO $3,980

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Minnesota SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Minnesota to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Minnesota might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Minnesota

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Minnesota in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Among the cities in Minnesota with the highest populations, the cheapest car insurance is found in Rochester, Minnesota, and the most expensive in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Minnesota's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Rochester $1,541
Duluth $1,629
Saint Paul $1,732
Bloomington $1,739
Minneapolis $1,949

Car insurance price trends in Minnesota

In Minnesota, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by $88 in the past year. A typical Minnesota driver pays an average of $1,310 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Minnesota leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs and remains lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

MINNESOTA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Minnesota Yearly Change — Minnesota Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,310 -$88 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,398 $39 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,359 -$2 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,361 -$405 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Minnesota car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Minnesota auto insurance.

Our data indicate State Farm offers the cheapest insurance premiums in Minnesota. You can find policies for as low as $546 per six-month period from State Farm.

Minnesota is actually 14% cheaper than the national average for car insurance. If you're paying too much for insurance, use our comparison calculator to see rates from local and national providers in Minnesota.

Car insurance sets Minnesotans back $91 per month, on average.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.