SR-22 Auto Coverage in Minnesota
SR-22 Auto Insurance in Minnesota
If you drive in Minnesota, you must have certain levels of auto insurance. Minnesota requires that all motor vehicles maintain liability insurance. Under state auto insurance laws, this includes Liability, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Uninsured Motorist, and Underinsured Motorist coverage. These laws are strictly enforced and – to put it simply – it is illegal to drive in Minnesota without this type of auto insurance coverage. The good news is that in Minnesota, an insurance company is required to accept, deny, or give a reason why it cannot accept a claim within 30 business days of receiving your application.
Minnesota SR-22 basics
Some drivers in Minnesota may be required to get SR-22 certification before they are allowed to drive. Normally, those who have lost their driving privileges for some reason are required to get this rider on their auto insurance.
An SR-22 is a certification from your auto insurance company that states that you have the proper levels of insurance on your vehicle. It is also a promise by the insurance company that they will notify the DMV if the insurance lapses for any reason. This is one way that the DMV ensures that high risk drivers keep insurance on their vehicles. Lapse of insurance will result in loss of license.
Minnesota auto insurance "point system" rules
As you look into your auto insurance rates, you'll also want to consider how your record will affect your premium. Chapter 2770 of Minnesota State Law allows the following point system:
Four points are assigned for…
- Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it.
- Any felony involving a motor vehicle, including manslaughter, criminal negligence, or assault due to the use of a motor vehicle
- Theft of a vehicle
- Any violation that results in the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, such as Driving While Intoxicated, and unlawful driving after your license has been suspended or revoked.
Two and one-half points for…
- Reckless driving.
One and one-half points for…
- Careless driving.
One point for…
- A "chargeable" accident in which the insurer pays more than
- $500, not including payment made under uninsured or underinsured coverage. A chargeable accident is defined as an accident in which the insurer makes payment under bodily injury, property damage, or collision coverage, but there are several exceptions.
- An open bottle violation.
While this may sound confusing to some, auto insurance companies licensed to do business in the state of Minnesota are set up to deliver this type of coverage.