What is Optional Minnesota Auto Insurance?
In Minnesota the different types of automobile coverage are typically divided between required and optional. There are numerous forms of vehicle protection that are compulsory to be legally allowed to drive, but sometimes individuals want to be better prepared for a wider range of damages or injuries. In this situation, residents have the option of including optional coverages at an additional cost. If possible, vehicle owners in the North Star State are encouraged to obtain the greatest level of coverage possible while still remaining within their own personal budgets. To do this in a timely and cost effective manner, drivers can research the many different options that are commonly available by completing an online search.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
If these minimum limits are exceeded after an accident, it is typically the policyholder's responsibility to pay the difference themselves. Residents seeking greater levels of protection have the option of increasing these limits for an extra premium.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.