If you're shopping for car insurance in Edina, you're probably wondering why the requirements feel more complicated than in other states. That's because Minnesota uses a no-fault insurance system, which changes how coverage works after an accident. But here's the good news: Edina drivers typically pay less than the national average for auto insurance, and understanding your options can help you save even more while staying properly protected.
As home to Southdale Center—the nation's first fully enclosed shopping mall—and some of the Twin Cities' most desirable neighborhoods, Edina has its own unique insurance considerations. Whether you're commuting to Minneapolis, navigating snowy winters, or protecting a valuable vehicle, this guide will help you understand exactly what coverage you need and how to get the best rates.
Understanding Minnesota's No-Fault Insurance Requirements
Minnesota law requires every driver to carry five types of coverage. Here's what you absolutely must have before you can legally drive in Edina:
Bodily injury liability provides $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident to cover injuries you cause to others. Property damage liability gives you $10,000 to pay for damage to someone else's car or property. Then comes the no-fault piece: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) at $40,000 covers your own medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs after an accident—regardless of who was at fault. Finally, uninsured motorist coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident protects you if you're hit by someone without insurance.
The no-fault system means that after most accidents, you'll file a claim with your own insurance company through your PIP coverage rather than going after the other driver's insurance. This gets you paid faster and reduces the need for lawsuits over minor accidents. However, if injuries are serious or meet certain thresholds, you can still sue the at-fault driver.
What Makes Edina Different from Other Twin Cities Communities
Edina isn't just any suburb. With a median household income exceeding $115,000 and some of the most expensive homes in Minnesota, this Hennepin County city has insurance considerations you won't find in every community. The good news? These factors often work in your favor when it comes to auto insurance rates.
Edina drivers pay an average of $139 per month for car insurance, compared to the national average of $170. That's about $372 less per year just for living in a community with lower crime rates, well-maintained roads, and responsible drivers. Insurance companies love Edina because accident rates tend to be lower in affluent suburbs with good infrastructure.
However, there's a flip side. If you own a luxury vehicle or drive a newer car—both common in Edina—you'll want comprehensive and collision coverage to protect that investment. The state minimums won't replace your vehicle if it's totaled, and given Edina's property values, you should seriously consider higher liability limits. If you cause an accident and injure someone who lives in one of Edina's million-dollar homes, that person might have substantial lost income to claim. The minimum $30,000 per person in bodily injury coverage could leave you personally liable for the difference.
Beyond the Minimum: Coverage You Should Actually Consider
Let's be honest about Minnesota's minimum requirements: they're designed to keep the most basic, oldest cars on the road legally. They're not designed to protect you adequately if you have assets worth protecting—and in Edina, most people do.
Start by increasing your liability limits to at least 100/300/100. This costs surprisingly little extra but could save your financial life if you cause a serious accident. Next, add comprehensive and collision coverage if your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars. Comprehensive covers things like theft, vandalism, and storm damage—important when your car sits in the Southdale Center parking lot or on your driveway during Minnesota winters. Collision pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, regardless of fault.
Consider increasing your PIP coverage beyond the $40,000 minimum if you have a high income or limited health insurance. PIP covers lost wages, and if you earn a six-figure salary, $40,000 might not cover you for long during recovery from serious injuries. Also look at underinsured motorist coverage, which kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages. This is separate from uninsured motorist coverage and costs only a small additional premium.
If you have significant assets—like a home valued at $500,000 or more—talk to your agent about an umbrella policy. This provides an additional $1 million to $5 million in liability coverage across all your policies for just $200 to $400 per year. Given Edina's affluence, it's one of the smartest insurance purchases you can make.
How to Get the Best Rates in Edina
Even though Edina drivers already pay less than the national average, you can reduce your costs even further with a few strategic moves. The biggest opportunity? Bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with the same company. Most insurers offer 15% to 25% discounts for bundling, and given Edina's high home values, your homeowners premium is probably substantial. That discount adds up fast.
Ask about safe driver discounts if you have a clean record. Many companies offer usage-based insurance programs where you install a device or app that monitors your driving. If you drive safely—no hard braking, no speeding, no late-night driving—you can save up to 30%. Given that Edina residents tend to have shorter, safer commutes than urban drivers, these programs often work well here.
Shop around every two to three years. Rates for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars between companies. According to recent data, AAA offers some of the lowest rates in Edina at around $36 per month for minimum coverage, while Farm Bureau Mutual averages about $98 per month and State Farm comes in around $99 per month. However, your personal rate depends on your age, driving record, credit score, and vehicle, so get quotes from at least three companies.
Finally, increase your deductibles if you can afford to pay more out of pocket after an accident. Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles from $250 to $1,000 could cut those coverage costs by 30% or more. For many Edina residents with emergency funds and stable incomes, this is an easy way to reduce premiums without sacrificing meaningful protection.
Getting Started with Your Edina Auto Insurance
The best time to review your auto insurance is right now. Start by gathering your current policy documents and making a list of your vehicles, drivers, and annual mileage. Then request quotes from at least three insurers—make sure you're comparing identical coverage limits so you can see true price differences.
When you talk to agents or fill out online forms, be honest about your driving record and annual mileage. Lowballing these numbers to get cheaper quotes will only cause problems when you file a claim. Ask specifically about discounts for bundling, safe driving, vehicle safety features, and paid-in-full annual policies.
Remember that cheap isn't always best. You want an insurer that will answer the phone when you have a claim and process payments quickly. Read reviews, ask neighbors for recommendations, and don't be afraid to pay slightly more for an insurer with a reputation for excellent customer service. When you're dealing with a totaled car or injuries from an accident, that customer service makes all the difference.
