When it comes to renewing your auto policy in Brainerd, Minnesota, you may not be required to obtain an emissions inspection. Since your insurer may allow you to renew a policy every six months rather than one year, they may allow you to renew your policy without getting a new inspection. Furthermore, some insurance providers may not require any proof that you have obtained an inspection on your vehicle.

State Laws

Although it may be wise to have a safety inspection of the vehicle on a regular basis, the state of Minnesota does not require an emissions inspection unless the vehicle is a commercial truck or car that weighs 26,000 pounds or transports hazardous materials.

While the state laws may not require an inspection, your insurer may ask that you have the vehicle checked for emissions and safety before providing insurance the first time you purchase the policy.

Policy Requirements

The policy requirements on your vehicle may vary based on the insurer rather than the state laws. Some insurers may have requirements regarding regular inspections and similar programs, but other companies may not require that you have the vehicle checked before providing coverage.

When it comes to renewing a policy, most insurers do not ask for a new inspection. If it has been a full year or more since you first obtained the policy, your insurance provider may ask for a safety review to ensure that the vehicle is still safe for the road.

It is not always necessary to have your car inspected before you renew a policy, but every insurer is different and you may be asked to have the vehicle checked for safety purposes. Contact Hanneken Insurance to talk to an independent agent for more information about your options.

Minnesota is a no-fault state, and all drivers within the state must have personal injury protection, or basic economic loss benefit insurance coverage. This means if you’re injured in an auto accident in Pine River, Minnesota, the PIP portion of your automobile policy will likely pay for your medical expenses.

What is PIP?

PIP extends your auto insurance and pays for medical expenses, as well as lost wages and replacement services. Your PIP coverage pays for your injuries no matter which driver is at fault for the accident. It also pays the medical expenses of family members and anyone in your car when the accident occurred.

Minimum Requirements

The state’s minimum PIP requirement is $40,000, and $20,000 of this amount goes toward medical expenses. If your medical expenses go beyond the minimum amount, you might have to pay for your medical care out of pocket. If the other driver is liable, you can pursue a claim against his liability coverage.

Driving Someone Else’s Car

If you borrow a friend’s car, you’re still covered, so your insurance policy continues to cover your medical bills — up to your coverage limits. If you don’t have insurance, but someone in your home, such as a spouse or a parent, has a policy, their insurance policy might pay for your medical expenses. If no one in your home has automobile insurance, the friend’s policy might pay the basic economic loss benefit.

Considering the cost of medical care, you don’t want to get caught with insufficient insurance coverage. At Hanneken Insurance, we’re an independent agency. We work for you, not the insurance company, and because of this, we can work out a policy that suits your budget. You can visit our site to compare quotes from competing insurance companies, or you can call us and speak with an experienced independent agent. Either way, our goal is to make sure you get the best coverage at the best price.

If you’re the parent of a newly-minted teen driver in Little Falls, Minnesota, chances are you’re probably wondering if it’s cheaper for your teen to have his or her own auto insurance policy. After all, there’s a good chance that adding a teen driver to your policy could result in a sharp increase in your monthly premiums.

However, helping teen drivers obtain separate coverage might not bring any significant savings, for the following reasons:

Teen drivers usually have very little experience behind the wheel, no driving history and no credit history to speak of. These are factors that most insurance providers look for when it comes to assessing risk and, consequently, insurance premiums. That means the costs of insurance may still be steep even if your teen has their own policy.

Even if your teen has a separate auto insurance policy, there’s a good chance that you’re still footing the bill. Considering the potential expense of a teen’s own auto coverage, you may be better off keeping them on your own insurance policy.

Even with a separate policy, you’re still legally responsible for your teen in the event of an accident as long as they’re still a minor. For instance, an injured party could sue you personally if your teen’s policy isn’t enough to cover the damages of an accident.

At Hanneken Insurance, we understand how tough it can be to find affordable insurance for teen drivers. As your dedicated independent agent, we can help you find the best solutions for your auto insurance needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about coverage for your teen, spouse or other family members.