Purchasing auto insurance is an important decision that requires research and comparison shopping to find the right policy at the best price. This article provides an in-depth look at how to find the best auto insurance in Saint Paul, MN.
Understanding Minnesota Auto Insurance Requirements
In Minnesota, state law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of liability auto insurance coverage:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability
This coverage, often referred to as 30/60/10, helps pay for injuries or damage that you cause in an at-fault accident. It does not cover your own vehicle repairs or medical bills.
Optional coverages like collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and personal injury protection provide additional protection. However, they are not legally required in Minnesota.
When getting quotes for auto insurance in Saint Paul, make sure to compare rates for the same level of coverage. This allows you to accurately evaluate which insurer offers the best price.
Key Factors That Impact Auto Insurance Premiums
Auto insurance companies evaluate several risk factors when calculating your premiums. Be sure to discuss these with potential agents or use online quoting tools to see how adjustments impact your rates:
- Driving record: Expect significantly higher rates after accidents, traffic violations, or DUI convictions. Maintaining a clean record saves you money.
- Vehicle type: Insuring a new luxury car costs more than an older sedan. Sports cars also net higher rates due to performance capabilities.
- Daily commute: Driving long distances to work every day increases your risk compared to shorter commutes.
- Credit history: Insurers view lower credit scores as higher risk. Improving your credit can lower premiums.
- Coverage limits: Higher liability limits and lower deductibles mean higher premiums. Consider what coverage limits suit your needs and budget.
- Discount eligibility: Ask about discounts for safety features, good grades, multiple policies, and more.
Comparing quotes with the same variables allows you to truly evaluate which insurer offers the best rate.
Top Auto Insurance Companies in Saint Paul
Major national insurers along with local and regional companies provide policies to Saint Paul drivers. Here are some top options to consider:
- State Farm: With a strong local agent network and competitive pricing, State Farm insures over 18% of Minnesota drivers.
- American Family Insurance: Focusing on the Midwest, American Family offers a wide range of policies and discounts.
- Progressive: Known for innovative online tools and lower rates for good drivers.
- Allstate: National carrier with strong financial backing and many choices for discounts.
- Farm Bureau Financial Services: Specializes in auto insurance for rural and farm vehicle needs.
- Auto-Owners Insurance: Regional company with highly rated customer service.
In addition to these household names, smaller insurers like Donegal, Horace Mann, and Milwaukee Insurance cater to Saint Paul drivers.
How to Save on Saint Paul Auto Insurance
Finding the cheapest auto insurance in Saint Paul takes a bit of work, but pays off when you discover how much you can save. Here are some smart tips for reducing your costs:
- Ask about discounts: Don’t leave savings on the table by missing out on discounts you qualify for.
- Raise deductibles: Choosing higher deductibles lowers premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs in a claim.
- Limit teen drivers: Ask about discounts for teen drivers who complete driver’s ed. And avoid adding teens to performance cars.
- Bundle insurance policies: Combine auto with home, renters, or umbrella insurance for a multi-policy discount.
- Maintain good credit: Monitoring your credit reports and scores can help pinpoint ways to improve this rating factor.
- Buy a safe car: Cars with top safety ratings are cheaper to insure than less safe models.
- Enroll in telematics: Insurers provide discounts for sharing driving data that shows good driving habits.
Taking these steps improves your risk profile with insurers and pays off when they calculate your premium.
How to Get Saint Paul Auto Insurance Quotes
Now that you know what to look for in an auto policy, it’s time to get some rate estimates in Saint Paul. You can easily compare quotes and make an informed decision using these options:
- Online comparison sites: Answer a few questions to compare quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side.
- Insurer websites: Quickly get a free quote from popular companies like State Farm, Allstate, and GEICO.
- Independent agents: A local agent shops among their carrier partners to get you competitive quotes.
- MNsurance.org: This state-approved site provides quotes from insurers legally certified in Minnesota.
No matter where you get quotes, evaluate all available discounts and coverage options presented. Doing an apples-to-apples comparison allows you to make the right choice on cost and coverage.
Choosing the Best Auto Insurance Company in Saint Paul
With rate estimates in hand, you can focus on picking the right auto insurance company for your situation. Look closely at these key factors:
- Price: Make sure to compare all quotes for the same coverages, limits, and deductibles. Don’t just focus on the cheapest rate.
- Coverage options: Evaluate optional protections like roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement to customize your policy.
- Reputation and ratings: Check third-party ratings and reviews for companies you are considering. Look for consistently positive feedback.
- Local agent availability: For in-person policy servicing, see if the insurer has a strong agent presence in the Saint Paul area.
- Claims handling: Ask about the claims process and confirm the insurer pays out fairly to customers.
- Financial strength: Choose an established insurer that demonstrates solid long-term financial standing.
Weighing all of these aspects helps identify the provider that truly fits your auto insurance needs. Taking a little extra time upfront pays off in full confidence that you picked the right protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Paul Auto Insurance
Figuring out auto insurance can raise questions for many Saint Paul drivers. Here are some commonly asked questions with helpful answers:
How much is auto insurance in Saint Paul on average?
Average annual rates for basic liability coverage range from $600 – $850 depending on your age, vehicle type, and other factors. Full coverage costs around $1,400 per year on average.
Is auto insurance cheaper in Saint Paul suburbs?
Not necessarily. Auto insurance costs can vary dramatically by zip code. Compare quotes by your actual address to see if rates change between Saint Paul neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.
What auto insurance is required in Saint Paul?
At minimum, you must carry liability insurance that meets the 30/60/10 coverage level. This covers injuries or property damage after an at-fault accident. Collision and comprehensive are both optional.
What is the cheapest auto insurance company in Saint Paul?
The cheapest insurer really depends on your personal risk profile and which discounts you qualify for. Get quotes from several companies both large and small to find the best match.
How much does State Farm auto insurance cost in Saint Paul?
State Farm averages around $135 per month for a basic liability policy and $224 per month for full coverage. Compare your specific State Farm quote to other carriers to ensure you get the lowest rate.
Find Savings on Saint Paul Auto Insurance Today
As this guide outlines, researching auto insurance options for Saint Paul carefully leads to smart savings. Compare quotes from insurers that meet your needs. Evaluate all discounts and coverage inclusions in their policies. And pay attention to ratings from third-party experts and actual customers.
Investing a bit of time upfront to understand your Saint Paul auto insurance choices saves hundreds of dollars every year. Drivers who do their homework end up with a personalized policy at the best available rate.
Cheap Car Insurance St Paul MN
FAQ
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