The Minnesota Department of Commerce frequently receives reports regarding auto insurance fraud committed by Minnesota consumers. Since 2015, Commerce has received more than 700 reports of non-criminal insurance fraud, with hundreds of those specific to auto insurance. In the long-term, insurance fraud negatively affects the affordability of insurance premiums for all Minnesotans. Commerce wants to educate Minnesotans about the importance of purchasing auto insurance and submitting accurate information when filing a claim.

Some Minnesota consumers may not be aware of Minnesota’s state requirements for auto insurance or may underestimate the consequences of not fulfilling those requirements. Minnesota drivers should know:

• Auto insurance is required by Minnesota law. Driving without a proper form of insurance is a citable offense – currently marked at $500.
• If you are involved in an auto accident and do not have insurance, you should not purchase insurance online and file a claim in an attempt to obtain retroactive coverage for the damage caused by the accident.
• If you are involved in an auto accident while uninsured, purchase insurance online, file a claim and misrepresent information about the accident, it constitutes insurance fraud, whether the insurance company pays your claim or not.

“I encourage Minnesotans to be prepared for life’s unfortunate moments before they strike. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” said Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley.

Commerce is available to help Minnesotans make the most of insurance – from buying the right amount of coverage to, in the case of an accident, settling a claim and getting you back on the road.

If you have questions regarding the purchase, use or requirements of insurance in the state of Minnesota, you are encouraged to contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Services Center by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota).

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Contact: Emma Bauer
Communications Director
O: 651-539-1463
C: 651-358-5155
emma.bauer@state.mn.us