Auto insurance companies use different factors such as age, driving history, credit score, and the type of car you’re driving when calculating your insurance premiums. Still, each insurer in Minnesota weighs these factors in their own way, thus the different prices in the market. For instance, drivers with an excellent fico score have an easy time shopping for affordable car insurance quotes in Plymouth, MN.
The majority of drivers get quotations from various insurance providers, but they evaluate them based on the price rather than on the coverage limits and health of the insurance company. An insurer should be reliable and one that views you as a valuable customer.
There are many ways of lowering the cost of your car insurance, such as bundling auto insurance with other policies. This guide will give you more tips on reducing your insurance premiums and some of the cheap car insurance Plymouth MN companies you can work with. Continue reading for more information.
The Best Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Plymouth MN
Insurance companies reserve good rates for new customers or reward good drivers. So motorists without auto accidents or traffic violations on their driving history can get cheap car insurance in Plymouth, MN.
Still, drivers can get better insurance rates when they shop around and compare rates with multiple insurers.
The following table shows estimates of full coverage that comprise of state-required coverage, collision, and comprehensive insurance plus discount for male and female drivers with both good driving records and excellent credit scores.
Rank | Company | Annual Payment |
1 | Erie | $763 |
2 | USAA | $871 |
3 | Geico | $985 |
4 | Auto-Owners | $1,189 |
5 | State Farm | $1,275 |
6 | Esurance | $1,361 |
7 | Progressive | $1,432 |
8 | American Family | $1,487 |
9 | Allstate | $1,561 |
10 | MetLife | $1,684 |
11 | Nationwide | $1,736 |
12 | Farmers | $1,892 |
13 | Liberty Mutual | $2,164 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Plymouth MN
While the national average is higher than Minnesota and Plymouth, this state is ranked 39 in the list of the most expensive state for car insurance. The following are the estimates:
- National average car insurance cost per annum: $1,357
- Minnesota average car insurance cost per annum: $1,239
- Plymouth average car insurance cost per annum: $1,162
Since insurance companies calculate based premiums on a driver’s profile, the actual rates could be either higher or lower than the above averages. However, you can shop around and compare rates from multiple Plymouth car insurance companies.
Plymouth Auto Insurance Requirements
Vehicle owners must have state minimum liability insurance to drive in Minnesota. It’s also required even when storing your car. The following are the minimum amounts for this mandatory auto insurance policy.
- $40,000 per person per no-fault accident/PIP coverage ($20,000 covers medical expenses while $20,000 pays for non-medical costs such as replacement services and lost income)
- $30,000 liability coverage for bodily injuries per person (when you’re the at-fault driver or another covered under your policy)
- $60,000 liability coverage for bodily injuries per accident (when more than one person is injured in an accident where you’re the at-fault driver or another driver covered under your policy)
- $10,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident (when you’re the at-fault driver or another driver covered under your policy)
- $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage for injuries per person
- $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage for injuries per accident (when more than one person is injured)
- $25,000 in underinsured motorist coverage for injuries per person
- $50,000 in underinsured motorist coverage for injuries per accident (when more than one person is injured)
It’s important to purchase a liability insurance policy with a high coverage limit because in the event you’re involved in an expensive at-fault accident and the losses incurred by the other drivers and passengers exhaust your policy limits, then you have to pay the extra amount out of pocket.
Therefore shop around for cheap auto insurance Plymouth MN companies so that you can purchase a liability policy with higher limits.
How To Get Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes In Plymouth MN?
Generally, the best car insurance companies in Plymouth, MN, rewards drivers with good driving records with cheaper rates. These are drivers with crashes, speeding tickets, or DUIs on their driving history. Therefore, safe driving remains the most effective strategy to getting lower insurance rates. Others are:
Maintaining a Clean Driving Record for Several Consecutive Years
Being responsible when driving will help you avoid traffic infraction citations, DUI convictions, or a car crash. It will also lower your auto insurance budget because insurers want to work with good drivers.
The following are some tips on how you can maintain a clean driving record hence lower insurance premiums:
- Drive safely and follow all traffic laws
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drive less to minimize the risk of crashing, speeding, or other traffic offenses
- Keep your vehicle in good condition to reduce the risk of crashing
Increase Your Deductibles
A deductible is an amount you pay when you file an insurance claim after an accident. This out-of-pocket amount can lower your annual insurance premiums by a certain percentage because the higher the deductible, the lower the annual premium. The amount ranges between $250 and $1,000. So speak to your insurance agent and see by how many percentages points your insurance premium will reduce when you increase your deductible.
While increasing your deductible is an effective way of reducing your insurance premiums, not filing minor claims can still help to maintain your premium low.
Consider Switching Auto Insurance Providers
Insurance companies use factors such as age, location, marital status, credit score, driving history, and more when calculating insurance premiums. However, each insurer has a different approach to determining premiums, and that is why you get different rates when you shop around.
Therefore an insurance company that gave you cheaper car insurance for a certain situation may change in the future and start to charge you more. So, avoid the temptation to stick to one insurance company.
You may be surprised by the amount you will save when you renew your auto insurance with a different company or when you get a DUI conviction or an accident.
Drivers should shop around and compare rates with different Plymouth car insurance companies.
Ask about Discounts
Insurance companies offer different discounts that you can use to lower your insurance budget. They include:
- Bundling your auto insurance policy with a homeowner policy
- Insure more than one vehicle under the same policy
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Pay for your annual or six-month premium in lumpsum
- Install anti-theft and other safety features
- Accept to receive your documents online
- Join a professional organization or affiliate group
No matter how long the discount list will be, remember to shop and compare rates from various Plymouth auto insurance companies.
Purchase a Vehicle that is Cheapest to Insure
Your insurance premium will increase or reduce based on the year, make, and model of the vehicle you drive. Still, some cars have a higher risk of being stolen or getting into a crash than others. Therefore switch from a car that is more of a liability to one that is cheaper to insure, such as one with less horsepower. You’re less likely to get into speed-related collisions with such a car and thus rare accidents and claims.
Opt for Less Car Insurance Coverage
This is applicable only when you’re planning to store your vehicle or when you adopt usage-based car insurance. Otherwise, lowering your car insurance coverage will leave you with overwhelming debts in the event of getting involved in a serious car crash.
So if you’re not lowering your insurance coverage because of the two reasons and you don’t have enough money to pay for extract losses out of pocket when you get into an at-fault accident that can exhaust your limits, then you should consider increasing your liability insurance limits and add underinsured motorist coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. The enhanced policy will protect your finances and assets when you get into an expensive at-fault auto accident.
Plymouth MN Car Insurance For Drivers With A Good Record
Careful and courteous drivers pay a lower premium because insurance companies consider them less risky compared to those with speeding tickets or at-fault accidents on their driving record.
Good drivers can purchase any of the following insurance coverage:
- State minimum insurance: This is the Minnesota state minimum required to drive on its road. It has a lower coverage limit hence cheaper premiums.
- Standard Coverage: The basic insurance coverage covers the bodily injury and property damage expenses resulting from an auto accident. Generally, this policy cover’s the other driver but not the policyholder.
- Full Coverage: The coverage offers additional protection because it comprises collision and comprehensive insurance. The collision insurance covers damages resulting from an actual car collision. Comprehensive coverage takes care of any other damages aside from collision with another vehicle. This includes damages caused by tornadoes, fire, vandalism, animals, and more.
The following are the best auto insurance companies Plymouth MN offering full coverage insurance for drivers with a good record.
Insurance Company | Full Coverage |
Allstate | $2,185 |
MetLife | $2,241 |
Geico | $2,287 |
Travelers | $2,351 |
Safeco | $2,398 |
American Family | $2,472 |
Progressive | $2,536 |
State Farm | $2,582 |
Nationwide | $2,641 |
Erie | $2,782 |
Plymouth MN Cheap Car Insurance Quotes For Young Drivers
Young drivers pay more premium than drivers in other age groups. On average, a young driver in Plymouth, MN, can pay $2,511 a year, which is more expensive than older drivers.
The following are ways of getting cheap auto insurance in Plymouth, MN:
Drive Safely
Today there are many in-car distractions that can contribute to an at-fault accident. Getting involved in an auto accident increases your already high premiums. So be responsible when behind the wheel.
Defensive Driving Course
Taking a defensive driving course that will helps reduce the number of points on your license. It can also help you get discounts from the best auto insurance companies in Plymouth, MN, which can significantly lower your insurance premiums.
Downsize Your Vehicle
Switch to a car that is not a greater liability to insure. There are discounts for alternative fuel vehicles. Also, getting a car with less horsepower means a lesser risk of getting speed-related incidents and fewer claims hence lower insurance premiums.
Increase Your Deductible
The higher the deductible, the higher the out-of-pocket but the lower insurance premiums. Based on your car insurance policy, you can pay between $250 and $1,000.
Install Anti-Theft Devices
Installing anti-theft devices, car alarms, and anti-lock brakes can lower premiums and help you get several discounts from insurers in the Minnesota area.
Shop Around for Affordable Insurance Rates
Compare rates with competing rates, especially when your situation changes, such as when you get a DUI, speeding ticket, or accident. Look for cheaper rates from creditworthy insurers.
The following table shows what Plymouth car insurance companies are young drivers.
Company | Annual Payment |
State Farm | $1,782 |
Auto-Owners | $2,349 |
Geico | $2,462 |
Travelers | $2,538 |
Nationwide | $2,587 |
American Family | $2,691 |
Progressive | $2,784 |
Erie | $2,892 |
Allstate | $2,965 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage For Young Good Drivers In Plymouth MN
Generally, young drivers in their 20-somethings pay more than older drivers. They are considered inexperienced and more likely to be distracted when driving, thus making them more likely to get into an at-fault accident.
On the other hand, their insurance premiums reduce as they gain experience on the road or take a defensive driving course.
Because good young drivers can find cheap auto insurance companies in Plymouth, MN, for minimum coverage, it’s advisable to shop around and compare rates with multiple insurers.
Further, it’s also advisable to increase their insurance coverage limits because it’s a moment of distraction to cause an auto accident. Alternatively, young drivers can drive less to minimize the likelihood of getting into a car crash or cited for a traffic offense.
The following are Plymouth auto insurance companies offering cheap minimum coverage for good young drivers.
Company | Annual Payment |
Allstate | $1,165 |
Erie | $1,231 |
Nationwide | $1,287 |
AAA | $1,352 |
Safeco | $1,398 |
Progressive | $1,452 |
Geico | $1,489 |
State Farm | $1,563 |
Travelers | $1,648 |
Cheap Car Insurance In Plymouth MN After A Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket has a negative impact on insurance premiums because insurers consider such a driver a high risk. So your need for a higher mph will raise your insurance rate and can contribute to an at-fault car crash.
Drivers with distracted or speeding driving tickets pay on average $1,559 per annum, while those without a ticket pay $1,199. However, it’s possible to get better rates from the best car insurance companies in Plymouth, MN, when you shop around and compare rates.
Company | Annual Payment |
USAA | $939 |
State Farm | $1,057 |
Esurance | $1,189 |
Travelers | $1,271 |
Allstate | $1,389 |
MetLife | $1,463 |
Geico | $1,537 |
Nationwide | $1,589 |
Farmers | $1,674 |
Cheap Car Insurance In Plymouth MN After A Car Accident
Drivers with an at-fault car accident on their driving history pay more premium than those who have maintained a clean driving history. On average, the insurance premium for at-fault drivers can increase by $1,148 per year.
According to CBS News, a single small accident can increase the insurance premium by 41 percent even if there are no injuries or property damages.
However, an at-fault driver can pay for accident forgiveness to avoid pay extremely high premium rates. Also, such drivers can shop around and compare rates in order to find cheap car insurance in Plymouth, MN.
The below table shows some of the affordable car insurance quotes Plymouth, MN has, and State Farm has the best insurance rates for drivers with a car accident.
This insurance company charges nearly 54% lower than the statewide average.
Company | Average Rate |
State Farm | $1,871 |
MetLife | $1,965 |
Travelers | $2,172 |
Allstate | $2,289 |
Travelers | $2,365 |
American Family | $2,471 |
Nationwide | $2,538 |
Geico | $2,589 |
Esurance | $2,658 |
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Plymouth MN After A DUI
A DUI or DWI has a negative effect on your auto insurance budget because it increases the insurance premium. Your insurance premium can rise by 78% after a DUI citation because Plymouth auto insurance companies consider you a greater risk.
Further, insurers can either cancel your policy after a DUI or increase the premiums. However, shopping around and comparing rates can help a driver with a DUI get affordable car insurance quotes from Plymouth, MN.
Company | Annual Payment |
State Farm | $1,584 |
MetLife | $1,671 |
Allstate | $1,735 |
Esurance | $1,789 |
Travelers | $1,862 |
Nationwide | $1,986 |
Progressive | $2,278 |
Geico | $2,341 |
American Fmaily | $2,487 |
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Plymouth MN For Minimum Coverage
Minimum car insurance coverage allows you to drive in Minnesota. The policy has a lower limit; thus, you pay a lower premium. However, the coverage limit can be easily depleted when you’re involved in a costly car accident.
On average, the best auto insurance companies in Plymouth, MN, charge $1,043 per annum or $87 per month for the minimum coverage.
Although adding a collision and comprehensive coverage to your minimum coverage can be costly, it increases its limit, which is needed when you’re involved in an auto accident.
The following are cheap auto insurance in Plymouth, MN, for minimum coverage.
Company | Annual Payment |
State Farm | $495 |
American Family | $564 |
Geico | $641 |
Travelers | $689 |
Esurance | $735 |
Auto-Owners | $786 |
Nationwide | $879 |
Allstate | $953 |
Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Plymouth MN For Drivers With Bad Credit Score
Plymouth auto insurance companies consider the insured person’s credit score when calculating their insurance premium. A higher credit score is good for your insurance because it means a lower premium since the insurer considers you a valuable customer. The average credit score in Minnesota is 733, and a driver with a score of 700 or higher is a good driver.
A driver with a bad score pays $2,338 per annum on average, while one with a good credit record pays $1,199.
The following table shows affordable car insurance quotes Plymouth, MN, for full coverage for drivers with a poor credit score.
State Farm charges such drivers $1,631 per annum, while MetLife charges $1,737 per year.
Company | Annual Payment |
State Farm | $1,631 |
MetLife | $1,737 |
USAA | $1,895 |
Travelers | $2,189 |
Esurance | $2,271 |
Nationwide | $2,385 |
Geico | $2,472 |
Travelers | $2,589 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Plymouth MN For Seniors
Senior drivers pay more because they become high-risk as they age as a result of their declining mental health faculties and physical health. Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety says that in 2018, approximately 20.4% of licensed drivers were aged 65 years and above. Also, in 2017 senior drivers caused 22.1% of all fatal crashes in Minnesota.
On average, seniors pay $1,212 per annum, while average drivers pay $1,199. Shopping around before renewing their policy can help drivers aged 65 years and above to find cheap auto insurance in Plymouth, MN.
Based on the below table, American Family charges senior drivers $895 per annum. State Farm charges them $1,167 per annum.
Company | Annual Payment |
American Family | $895 |
State Farm | $1,167 |
USAA | $1,289 |
Auto-Owners | $1,351 |
Nationwide | $1,398 |
Travelers | $1,475 |
Erie | $1,532 |
Geico | $1,587 |
Who Offers A Cheap Car Insurance In Plymouth MN For Married Couples?
Married couples generally pay more because of factors such as:
- Their policy has more than one driver
- The couple is likely to have more than one vehicle
- Their policy is likely to have some teen drivers
As a result of these facts, married couples pay $150 on average per month while single drivers pay $125 a month.
The table below shows some of the cheap car insurance Plymouth MN companies. Farmers Insurance Group is the cheapest insurer for married couples in the Plymouth, Minnesota area. The estimates are for married couples with two cars.
Company | Married Couple Rates |
Farmers Insurance Group | $1,835 |
Allstate | $2,187 |
Travelers | $2,263 |
Nationwide | $2,341 |
American Family | $2,387 |
Progressive | $2,472 |
Auto-Owners | $2,586 |
State Farm | $2,691 |
What Are The Different Types Of Plymouth Auto Insurance Coverage?
You now know how to get cheap car insurance from Plymouth MN companies when your situation changes, such as when your credit score drops, get an at-fault accident, DUI, or speeding ticket.
Still, you need to know different insurance coverage in the Plymouth, MN, area so that you can purchase the right one for your needs. The following are basic car insurance types, what they cover and how they work.
Original Parts Replacement
The coverage helps you repair your car with genuine parts or parts manufactured by your vehicle’s maker. These are parts specifically designed for the make of your car and not aftermarket or reconditioned parts.
Towing and Labor Insurance
While towing and labor coverage is optional, it typically protects from common roadside breakdowns such as flat tires, dead batteries, and embarrassing lockout. The following are expected services under this insurance coverage:
- Tire changes
- Oil, water, and gas delivery
- Jump starts
- Towing
- Lockout assistance
The coverage also pays for the labor costs incurred at the breakdown scene as the mechanic tries to get your vehicle up and running. However, this cost doesn’t include the cost of a new part, such as a new tire.
Liability Coverage
This is the state minimum insurance requirement that you must carry before getting behind the wheel. It covers the medical bills of other injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians when you cause an accident, as well as the cost of their damaged properties. So if you’re found at fault, your insurer will absorb these costs up to your policy limit. However, you will have to pay the extra amount when you exhaust the liability coverage policy limit out of pocket. Further, liability coverage doesn’t cover the policyholder.
Collision Insurance
This is optional insurance coverage covering the cost of repairing your vehicle after a collision or when you hit a lamppost, fence, or tree when driving. You need this coverage when your car is financed or leased. Full coverage insurance offers optimal protection because it comprises liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
Underinsured Motorist Insurance
The insurance coverage protects you when you are hit by a driver with insufficient insurance of their own. Basically, the driver at fault is supposed to compensate the other driver when an accident occurs. However, when the at-fault driver has a lower limit than the cost of the damages that stems from an auto accident, the underinsured motorist’s insurance coverage steps in and pays for the extra amounts.
Roadside Assistance
This is an add-on car insurance coverage that offers professional services to drivers when their vehicle breaks down. So the car insurance company evaluates the need when you call them and may decide to send a technician to repair the car if it involves minor issues such as jumpstarting the battery or changing a flat tire. It can also send a tow truck to move the vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Comprehensive Insurance
The insurance coverage pays for car damage costs caused by anything other than a collision with another vehicle. These incur vandalism, theft, riots, explosions, fire, damages caused by weather, falling trees, rocks, earthquakes, animals, and more.
However, in the event you hit a tree or another car when driving as you swerve to avoid hitting an animal, then comprehensive insurance will not take effect, but collision insurance will take care of such damages.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
The auto insurance coverage protects a policyholder against an irresponsible driver or someone without insurance. So the uninsured motorist insurance pays for injuries and property damages of the policyholder and their passengers when they get involved in an auto accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Major Parts Replacement Coverage
This is an optional auto coverage that allows you to replace major parts of your vehicle such as brakes, tires, and batteries without charge and regardless of their depreciation value or wear and tear condition at the time of the accident.
Gap Insurance
This is an add-on that covers the difference between the balance of your car’s loan or lease and its value when it is either stolen or stalled. So this coverage supplements the payout you receive from the collision and comprehensive coverage as well as covers your deductible. Therefore, must have collision and comprehensive insurance before getting gap insurance.
Rental Reimbursement Insurance
The insurance coverage helps to keep you moving as your car is being repaired after an auto accident. So rental reimbursement insurance pays for the costs of getting a rental car or public transportation expenses as the mechanics work to repair your vehicle regardless of who was at fault during the car accident.
Medical Payments Coverage
The insurance coverage pays for you as the policyholder, your family members driving your car, and passengers’ medical and funeral expenses stemming from a car accident. So, the medical payment coverage pays even for costs that are excluded by a traditional health insurance policy, such as accident-related expenses, thus giving you peace of mind after an accident.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
The coverage pays for the injuries stemming from a car crash regardless of who was at fault. The policyholder has to pay a deductible before getting the benefits such as medical expenses, lost income, cost of replacement services that you can longer perform as a result of sustained injuries such as child care and housecleaning, funeral costs, and death benefit in the form of cash payout.
Classic Car Insurance
The insurance coverage covers antique or classic cars. These are the vehicles that are at least 25 to 30 years old. The policy pays the agreed amount between the insurer and the vehicle owner, unlike the standard insurance that pays actual cash value, which factors in depreciation. Some of the vehicles you can insure through classic car insurance are exotic or luxury vehicles, vintage military vehicles, hot rods, and muscle cars.
New Car Replacement
This is optional auto insurance that pays the value of a brand new car minus the deductible. Under this insurance policy, the vehicle owner gets the same make and model of their stolen or totaled.
Is Plymouth MN Auto Insurance A No-Fault?
Plymouth MN applies a no-fault system when determining the person responsible for the accident. That means in the event of an auto accident, and each driver turns to their own insurance coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage covers the policyholder’s medical treatment costs and any other non-medical out-of-pocket expenses regardless of who is at fault and up to the policy limits.
The PIP coverage applies to:
- The policyholder (You)
- The family, i.e., the spouse and children
- A relative living with you and has no separate car insurance policy
- Any other authorized driver and without a separate car insurance policy
The PIP coverage covers:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Replacement services such as child care, housecleaning
- Funeral expenses of up to $2,000 as a result of an auto accident that leads to the death of a covered person.
Pip/no-fault claim does compensate for non-monetary damages like pain and suffering arising from the auto accident.
A claimant can step outside of the no-fault system and proceed with a third-party insurance lawsuit or claim against the driver responsible for the accident. This is only possible when:
- Your medical expenses as a result of the injuries sustained in an auto accident are at least $4,000 and/or
- You became disabled, permanently injured, or permanently disfigured for at least 60 days because of the injuries sustained in an auto accident.
These two conditions can help you get compensation for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Still, even when you meet either or both of the two thresholds, your liability claim against the at-fault driver can only take care of the amounts that PIP coverage doesn’t cover.
You can still pursue the at-fault driver by filing a third-party car insurance claim and, worse still, file a personal injury lawsuit. This will help you claim compensation for non-economic damages that you couldn’t get in the no-fault claim.
Further, the no-fault car insurance system used in Minnesota applies only to injuries sustained due to car accidents. It doesn’t apply to vehicle damage claims. The car damage type of claim can be made against the at-fault driver without any limitations. Also, motorcyclist’s injuries that arise from an accident can’t apply the No-fault/PIP.
The no-fault/PIP claim should be filed within six months, and according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, your claim should be accompanied by a filled application for benefits, proof of expenses, and the injured person should submit a medical examination in the event it’s needed. Further, the injured person should submit their bills to the insurance company when they receive them.
Ways to Reduced Rates In Plymouth MN Car Insurance
Every driver wants to be insured by one of the best car insurance companies in Plymouth, MN, offering the best coverage and affordable rate. No one wants to compromise their insurance coverage by sacrificing quality for the sake of saving a few dollars.
Still, there are other ways of lowering your insurance premium. They include:
- Bundling your auto insurance policy with other policies such as homeowner
- Raising your deductibles
- Pay your entire car insurance premium at once
- Opt for pay per usage
- Monitor how your insurance rates change, especially after an accident or traffic offense citation
- Shopping around and comparing rates from multiple insurance companies
Good Drivers Car Insurance Discounts In Plymouth MN
Good drivers can easily get affordable car insurance quotes from Plymouth, MN, which lowers their auto insurance budget. They can also get discounts to maintain a clean driving history. So you should drive responsibly and safely in the Plymouth, MN area because it will help you get the following discounts, thus substantially reduce your auto insurance cost.
- Accident-free
- Anti-lock brake
- Anti-theft device
- Alternative fuel
- Claims-free
- Defensive driver
- Distant student
- Good student
- Homeowner
- Multiple cars policy
- Multiple lines
- Teen driver
- Vehicle safety
Car Insurance Plymouth MN Questions And Answers
Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Minnesota?
Yes. Auto Insurance companies will look at your credit history when calculating your insurance rates. Also, insurers consider people with a lower credit score as greater lability hence higher insurance premium. However, you can get better insurance rates as your credit score improves in the future.
Should I have just the minimum amount of car insurance required by my state?
The state-required liability insurance offers minimum insurance coverage because it has lower limits hence relatively affordable. If you are involved in a serious car accident, these minimums will not be enough to cover the medical payments and property damage costs. So you will be required to pay out of pocket when you deplete the liability coverage limit, which is likely to leave you with overwhelming debts.
Therefore, it’s important to increase your insurance coverage and include additional coverages such as underinsured motorist insurance, uninsured motorist insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance.
How does Auto insurance work?
You need liability insurance with state minimums before driving in any state in the US. No-fault states require more coverage, such as PIP insurance which covers injuries and property damages stemming from an auto accident regardless of the person responsible for it.
In the at-fault states, the liability insurance covers medical expenses and property damage costs of the other driver, passengers, and pedestrians.
Since the liability insurance coverage doesn’t protect the policyholder, it’s important to increase your coverage by purchasing additional coverage like collision and comprehensive insurance to protect you in the event of an at-fault accident.
What are the major differences between full coverage and liability?
Liability coverage is the minimum coverage that you need to drive in any state. It has lower premiums and limits. On the other hand, full coverage comprises liability insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance. The insurer takes a greater risk when covering a policyholder with full insurance coverage because the comprehensive policy takes additional damage costs outside traffic accidents.
What if my pets are traveling with me and we are in an accident, are they also covered?
Most insurers cover pets injuries when the policyholder is not the at-fault driver. So the property damage liability (PD) of the at-fault driver will pay for your pet’s injuries because bodily injuries are for humans while your pet injuries are covered under property damage.
How does a car insurance deductible work?
A deductible is the number of money you pay out of pocket when you file a claim after an accident. You pick your coverage limits and deductible when purchasing a car insurance policy. The deductible amounts range between $250 and $1,000.
Increasing your deductible will lower your premium rates by a certain percentage point, but it increases the cost you will pay out of pocket. On the other hand, a lower deductible reduces the amount you pay out of pocket but increases your insurance rates.
Should I accept the settlement offer from my auto insurance company?
At times insurance companies offer policyholders lowball settlements or settlements that are not enough to cover their accident-related expenses. They hope that you will desperately accept the offer and go.
Since they know that with the help of an attorney, you can negotiate upfront for more money, so you shouldn’t accept any offer from your insurer but instead review any settlement offer with the help of an attorney because you can get significantly more than what they are offering.
What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?
In Minnesota, a person that is arrested four times for DWI and within ten years can be charged with a felony or if they had a prior felony conviction for vehicular manslaughter or a DWI-related criminal injury.
The DWI penalties depend on how serious were the injuries or whether a person died or if you previously had another conviction due to impaired driving.
So you may get your driver’s license suspended, ten years in prison, and a fine of $20,000.