Key TakeawaysIf you drive in Minnesota, you are legally required to carry auto insurance.But what do the actual laws say? What does no-fault mean? How soon do you need coverage after buying a car?Minnesota auto insurance laws can be hard to understand at first, but they are ultimately designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.Below is a clear, straightforward breakdown of what you need to know.Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in MinnesotaAccording to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, as of 2026, every policy must include the following coverages:Liability CoverageLiability insurance pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in a crash.

Minnesota’s minimum limits are:These limits are often written as and referred to as 30/60/10.While these limits meet the legal minimum, serious crashes can easily exceed those amounts.For example, if you cause a wreck and someone’s medical bills total $100,000, the minimum coverage won’t be enough to cover the full cost.No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection — PIP)Minnesota is a no-fault state.

That means your own insurance pays for certain injuries after a crash, no matter who caused it.Every policy must include at least:PIP can cover:For lost wages, PIP typically covers 85% of your gross income, but it is capped at a maximum of $500 per week.Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist CoverageMinnesota auto insurance laws also require drivers to carry uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) to protect you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.The minimum required limits are:Note: These limits apply to both Uninsured and Underinsured coverages separately.How Minnesota’s No-Fault System WorksSince Minnesota is a no-fault state, your PIP coverage pays first after a crash.

This applies even if another driver caused it.However, you may step outside the no-fault system to sue for “pain and suffering” only if you meet one of the following legal thresholds:This structure is designed to keep minor injury claims out of court while still allowing legal action for serious cases.When Do You Have to Buy Insurance After Purchasing a Vehicle?Under Minnesota law, every vehicle on the road must be insured.If you do not currently have an auto policy, you must purchase one before driving a new vehicle home.However, if you already have an active policy, most insurers provide a grace period (typically 7 to 30 days) during which your current coverage automatically extends to the new vehicle.

You should still notify your agent as soon as possible to ensure the specific vehicle is added to your policy.Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in MinnesotaDriving without insurance in Minnesota can lead to serious consequences, including:A lapse in coverage can also lead to higher insurance rates in the future.Staying continuously insured is far less expensive than dealing with the penalties.Optional Coverages to ConsiderBroader coverage helps protect your vehicles and finances.While not required by Minnesota auto insurance laws, many drivers choose to add:Final ThoughtsEvery driver in Minnesota must carry specific types of coverage to stay legal.

But meeting the minimum requirements and being fully protected are not the same thing.If you are unsure about whether your current policy meets state requirements or is strong enough, reviewing your coverage with a licensed insurance professional is a smart next step.Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Auto Insurance Laws1.Is Minnesota a no-fault state?Yes.

Your own PIP coverage pays for injuries first, regardless of who caused the accident.2.Do I need insurance before registering my car?Yes.Proof of insurance is required to register a vehicle in Minnesota.3.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse?You may face fines, license suspension, and registration revocation.4.Is minimum coverage enough?It satisfies Minnesota auto insurance laws, but it may not fully protect you in a serious accident.5.Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Minnesota?Yes.

Both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are mandatory.