St. Louis Park Car Insurance
Don't settle for impersonal online quotes.
Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career. He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.
The smartest way to get the lowest possible car insurance rates in Minnesota is to shop around. By simply checking with a few different insurance companies, you could save hundreds of dollars each year.
It can be tough to learn the rules in Minnesota and meet lender requirements. Plus, you'll need a policy from a trustworthy company with a reputation for paying claims. Minnesota imposes strict laws about the types and amounts of auto insurance you must carry. You'll also have to adhere to guidelines set forth by your lender unless you own your car outright.
You can get everything you need, plus one-on-one personalized service from an insurance expert that understands the local laws from an independent insurance agent. Find an agent in St. Louis Park today to get started.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in St. Louis Park, MN?
On average, Minnesota drivers pay less each year for auto insurance than drivers across the nation.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Minnesota average annual car insurance cost: $787
Your rates may not be the same as Minnesota's average auto premiums, though. Seventy-five percent of Minnesota's population lives in metro areas, so the rural areas are larger and much less populated. This reduces your chances of being in a car accident in St. Louis Park.
Unfortunately, if you have moving violations or at-fault accidents on your driving record, or you are a new driver, you could end up with higher-than-average car insurance rates, even though you live in a rural area of Minnesota.
How Can I Lower My Car Insurance Rates in MN?
Your rates may not match up with the average. Your age, occupation, marital status, gender, and the type of vehicle you own make a big difference when determining rates.
Increasing your deductible could save you money on car insurance, but it isn't the right move for everyone. Unless you have your deductible set aside in a savings account, you may be unable to afford to get your car fixed after an accident with a high deductible.
Bundling your auto insurance with your home insurance or renters insurance is another way to save money on your car insurance. You'll need a trustworthy insurance company if you want them to protect your car as well as your home.
Your agent can point out discounts that you could get that you may not know about. They can look at your individual situation and determine how to design a policy that gives you the coverage you need from a good company without blowing your budget. This level of service isn't available when you use an online search bot to find the lowest auto insurance rates.
When it's time to make a claim, you'll be glad you have access to a local agent that can walk you through the process, instead of having to call an 800 number and talk to someone in a call center. Your agent can help you with every aspect of the claims process.
What Does St. Louis Park Car Insurance Cover?
In Minnesota, you are legally required to carry liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. Each of these policies protects your finances after a car accident.
In addition to the state-mandated coverage, you may have to fulfill your lender's insurance requirement. Your agent understands the local rules about car insurance and can help you work with your lender to get them the required proof of coverage.
- Liability insurance (Required): This covers other people’s injuries and damage if you cause an accident. Your policy must include:
- Bodily injury liability coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. If you are at fault in a car accident, you are responsible for the other person's medical bills, which could easily exceed $30,000. The average bodily injury liability insurance claim after a covered accident in Minnesota is $22,948.
- Property damage liability coverage of at least $10,000 per accident.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) (Required): This pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision, no matter who caused the accident. In Minnesota, the average personal injury protection claim after a covered loss is $8,843, which is more than most people can afford to pay out of pocket.
- Uninsured motorist insurance (Required): This pays for injuries and medical costs if you are in a collision with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. The average bodily injury claim after an accident with an uninsured or uninsured motorist in Minnesota is $44,585.
- Collision insurance (Partially optional): This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive insurance (Partially optional): There are about 330,000 comprehensive insurance claims in Minnesota each year. This policy pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is lost or damaged in an incident other than a car accident, such as a fire, collision with an animal, or damage due to storms of falling objects.
- Roadside assistance and towing (Optional): This pays for necessary assistance if you get a flat tire or run out of gas.
- Rental reimbursement coverage (Optional): This pays for the cost of renting a replacement vehicle while repairs are being made to your car after a covered event.
Your agent can talk with you about how much coverage you can afford. They'll discuss your options while keeping Minnesota's laws about insurance and your lender's requirements in mind.
What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in St. Louis Park?
Driving without insurance is illegal in Minnesota. If caught, uninsured drivers can face the following:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Suspension of drivers license
- Fines up to $1,000
Plenty of Minnesota drivers choose to get behind the wheel without the right amounts of insurance. Luckily, there are fewer uninsured drivers on Minnesota roads than the national average.
- Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13%
- Percentage of Minnesota drivers who are uninsured: 11.5%
If you are in an accident with someone who is underinsured or uninsured, you could get stuck with the bill. You may have to take them to court to make them legally responsible to pay for your medical bills and property damage. If the at-fault driver has a low income or no money in the bank they may be "judgment proof," which means you won't be able to collect the money the court says you are owed.
With uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company handles your accident-related bills and can then choose whether to pursue the at-fault driver for the amount they owe.
How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in St. Louis Park?
The auto theft rate in Minnesota is lower than the national average.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.37%
- Minnesota auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 1.58%
If your car is stolen, you'll need comprehensive coverage to get your vehicle replaced. The risk is low in St. Louis Park, but if it happens, you'll be glad to have the right coverage. Auto theft is rare and filing a claim can be stressful and confusing. Your agent will be there for you even after they issue a policy to help you work with your insurance company.
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in St. Louis Park, MN?
Your St. Louis Park agent understands how car insurance works. They are ready to help you choose the right coverage and suggest ways to get discounts that you may never have of.
It isn't automatically more expensive to get the one-on-one service offered by an independent local insurance agent. In fact, contacting an agent in St. Louis Park today may be the most important money-saving move you could make.
Contact an insurance agent today and start designing your ideal auto insurance policy.
https://www.city-data.com/city/St.-Louis-Park-Minnesota.html
www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf