What is Optional Minnesota Auto Insurance?

Since 1974, resident vehicle owners have been required to purchase Minnesota auto insurance that includes personal injury protection (PIP), bodily injury liability (BIL), property damage liability (PDL) and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM). These the required types of coverage were designed to provide motorists with basic economic loss benefits in the event of an accident, and hold people responsible for injuries or property damage that they may be liable for. Policies must meet the following amounts as a minimum:
- $40,000 PIP
- $30,000/$60,000 BIL
- $10,000 PDL
- $25,000/$50,000 UM/UIM

Buying optional coverage can also provide residents with a broader range of protection that goes beyond the basic state requirements. For example, many motorists in the North Star State choose to include comprehensive and collision coverage. The "collision" portion of this option covers damage caused to the insured vehicle as the result of colliding with another car. The "comprehensive" portion pays for repairs that are the result of a broader range of damages that do not involve collisions. This generally includes damage from fire, flooding, hail, falling objects, animals, vandalism or theft.
Because various insurers across the state typically offer forms of optional coverage at different prices, residents can make multiple Minnesota car insurance comparisons over the Internet before purchasing a policy. Shopping around can often allow residents to explore their options and choose a policy that includes an adequate level of protection at a reasonable price, and researching this information online generally comes with no obligation to make a purchase.