The hours you spend behind the wheel are not without risk. There are other drivers to contend with, as well as unexpected hazards like inclement weather or wildlife in the road. Even the safest of drivers can succumb to collisions and other damaging events. Would you be covered in the event of a loss? With auto insurance from Great Lakes Insurance, you can safeguard your car, your assets, and yourself against the dangers of owning and operating a motor vehicle.
We believe that quality and affordability can go hand-in-hand. We take the guesswork out of shopping for coverage, offering support, and assistance every step of the way. As an independent agency, we help Cloquet & Duluth area drivers find quality auto insurance protection at competitive rates. We intend to serve your best interests by developing a long-term relationship that lasts for years to come. We can help you assess your coverage needs based on a wide range of factors, from the value of your car to the time you spend on the road. We work hard to minimize your risk vulnerability by getting you’re the quality coverage you need and deserve.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Minnesota?
The Minnesota minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Minnesota, drivers need a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage, along with $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The minimum for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage it $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection or medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. Car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Know Your Policy
Do you know what’s in your car insurance? Waiting until it’s time to file a claim is too late to find out you are underinsured. At Great Lakes Insurance, we want you to be educated about your coverage options and how your policy can benefit you in the event of an accident or other covered event. Every part of your car insurance policy is critically important. Each plays a significant role in protecting you against the possibility of loss – sometimes tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential damages. With a better understanding of your policy components, we believe you can make more informed decisions about your coverage and better protect yourself against expensive loss.
Your policy may include coverage for:
Collision and Comprehensive Damages
Today’s new and used cars average $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Replacing your current vehicle with another one could prove very costly without the right insurance coverage. Collision insurance helps protect the value of your vehicle against accident-related damages, and comprehensive covers nearly everything else, from hail and fire to hitting a deer on the highway. Claims are subject to your deductible, but the insurance company pays for remaining damages up to the limits of your policy. This may include the cost of repairing damages or compensating you for the total loss of your car.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
You play it safe on the road, always double-checking before you cross a busy highway. Sometimes accidents happen, though, and if you are at fault, you could face expensive litigation. Your car insurance liability coverage helps pay for legal bills, victim medical expenses, property damages, and more when you are sued other parties involved in an accident.
Note that liability insurance is mandatory in the State of Minnesota, but the minimum coverage requirements may not be enough to protect you against loss. Talk to an agent about your insurance limits and how much you may need to protect your income and assets against financial liability better.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Like liability insurance, personal injury protection is mandatory for all Minnesota drivers. This is a no-fault coverage that pays for a wide range of expenses related to injuries you sustain in an accident. PIP pays for your own injuries regardless of who caused the accident. It does not, however, cover pain and suffering, which is the responsibility of the at-fault driver.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist insurance covers you when an at-fault driver does not have insurance. It pays the damages an at-fault driver’s insurance would have been responsible for paying instead. This can include excess medical expenses, suffering, disfigurement, pain, loss of income, and more. Underinsured motorist insurance can also fill in gaps when an at-fault driver is insured but has too little coverage to pay for your losses.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
Calling a locksmith or roadside assistance can be costly. Some insurers offer coverage that helps pay for these services when you are stranded or locked out of your car. Your coverage can also include coverage for the cost of towing your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Rental Car Coverage
How will you commute to work or run errands without the use of your vehicle? With rental car coverage, your insurance can help pay for temporary transportation while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
Greenlight Your Car Insurance Today
While the price is an important part of shopping for insurance, the right coverage is essential. Instead of cutting your coverage to save on premiums, get affordable Minnesota car insurance through an independent insurance agent instead. At Great Lakes Insurance, we shop and compare coverage from leading providers so you can get the quality protection you need at competitive rates. We also look for lucrative discounts that help lower the cost of your insurance without sacrificing the quality of your coverage. Savings may be available for policy-holders who:
- Remain claims-free
- Have a clean driving record
- Have teen drivers with good grades
- Purchase other lines of coverage from the same insurer
- Pay premiums in full
- Complete and pass a defensive driving course
- And more
To find out more about Minnesota car insurance options or to request your free quotes, contact Great Lakes Insurance today.
