Living in Edina means you're in one of Minnesota's most desirable suburbs—home to the nation's first enclosed shopping mall, top-rated schools, and tree-lined streets just minutes from Minneapolis. But this first-ring suburb in Hennepin County also sits in the second-most extreme weather state in the country. That reality is reshaping the insurance landscape in ways every Edina resident needs to understand.
Between severe hailstorms, brutal winter freezes, and insurers pulling out of Hennepin County entirely, getting the right coverage at a reasonable price has become more challenging. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about auto, home, and other insurance in Edina—from mandatory requirements to local risks to finding an agent who can actually help.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Edina
Minnesota is a no-fault state with specific coverage mandates that go beyond basic liability. Here's what you're legally required to carry:
Liability coverage follows the 30/60/10 rule: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage. But that's just the starting point. Minnesota also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) at $40,000, which covers your own medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. And you'll need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Here's the thing though—those minimums are probably too low for Edina. With median home values well above the state average and high-earning households throughout the community, you're at greater risk in a lawsuit. If you cause a serious accident, your assets could be on the line. Most insurance professionals recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage, and strongly suggest adding umbrella liability coverage if your net worth exceeds $500,000.
Winter driving conditions also make comprehensive and collision coverage more valuable here. A February ice storm can mean dozens of fender-benders in a single morning. And with Minnesota recording 190 hail events in 2024, comprehensive coverage protects against expensive windshield and body damage from storms that roll through with little warning.
Home Insurance Challenges in Edina and Hennepin County
Let's address the elephant in the room: home insurance in Hennepin County has become significantly more difficult to obtain. Some major carriers have stopped writing new policies here entirely. Why? Minnesota suffered $6.3 billion in property damage from extreme weather in 2022 alone, making it the costliest storm year on record. Between 2017 and 2023, average premiums jumped 39.1%, largely due to hail damage.
As of 2025, Minnesota homeowners are paying an average of $2,852 per year for coverage—18% higher than the national average. And premiums are projected to rise another 15% in 2025. If you're shopping for coverage or facing a non-renewal notice, know that you're not alone. Many Edina families are seeing sudden jumps in their premiums or struggling to find coverage at all.
The specific risks that drive these costs? Hail and wind damage top the list, but winter brings its own expensive problems. Frozen pipe claims average $18,000 per incident in Minnesota. When temperatures drop below zero for days at a time, even well-maintained homes can suffer burst pipes. Your policy should include water damage coverage, and you should know where your main water shutoff is located.
Roof collapse from snow accumulation is another concern insurers evaluate carefully. A heavy, wet snow can add enormous weight to your roof structure. Insurers will ask about the age and condition of your roof, and older roofs may face higher premiums or coverage restrictions. Many carriers now require roof inspections and limit coverage based on the roof's age.
Given Edina's higher home values, replacement cost coverage is essential. Don't settle for actual cash value, which depreciates your belongings. And seriously consider increasing your liability limits—especially if you have a pool, trampoline, or regularly host guests. With Edina's proximity to Southdale Center and active community life, the risk of someone getting injured on your property is real.
Working with Local Insurance Agencies in Edina
In a market where major carriers are pulling back, working with a local independent agent becomes even more valuable. Edina is home to several established independent agencies that represent multiple insurance companies. Unlike captive agents who work for a single insurer, independent agents can shop your coverage across dozens of carriers to find one that's still writing policies in Hennepin County.
Local agencies like Robertson Ryan Insurance, Corporate Four Insurance, Insurance Advantage Agency, and Central Lakes Insurance Brokers all maintain offices in Edina and work with over 40 different carriers. That breadth of options matters tremendously right now. If one carrier declines your application or quotes an unreasonable premium, your agent can immediately pivot to alternatives.
These agents also understand the specific risks and requirements of the Edina market. They know which carriers are still competitive here, which ones have tightened underwriting standards, and how to position your application to get approved. When you're dealing with a home insurance crisis, that local expertise is worth its weight in gold.
Other Insurance Considerations for Edina Residents
Beyond auto and home coverage, Edina's demographic profile suggests several other insurance types worth considering. With top-ranked schools (Edina Public Schools rank #3 in the state, and Edina Senior High ranks #3 among Minnesota public schools), many families are investing heavily in their children's futures. Life insurance and disability insurance become crucial to protect those educational plans if something happens to a primary earner.
Umbrella liability insurance is another coverage that makes particular sense here. For roughly $200-300 per year, you can add $1-2 million in additional liability protection that sits on top of your auto and home policies. Given Edina's affluent population and higher home values, you're more likely to be targeted in a lawsuit after an accident. Umbrella coverage protects your assets and future earnings if you're found liable for damages that exceed your underlying policy limits.
For homeowners with rental properties or those who rent out rooms through Airbnb, standard homeowners insurance won't cover you. You'll need landlord insurance or a specialized short-term rental policy. And if you have college-age kids driving, adding them to your auto policy (or getting them their own) is required—Minnesota law mandates coverage for all household members of driving age.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
Start by reviewing your current coverage. Pull out your auto and home insurance declarations pages—those summary documents that show your coverage limits and deductibles. Compare them against Minnesota's requirements and the risks we've discussed. Are your liability limits sufficient given your assets? Do you have adequate coverage for water damage and weather-related losses?
If you're facing a premium increase or non-renewal, don't panic—but do act quickly. Contact multiple independent agents in Edina who can shop your coverage across their carrier networks. Be prepared to provide details about your home's age, roof condition, and any recent claims. The more information you can provide upfront, the faster an agent can find you options.
Consider bundling your policies with one carrier. Most insurers offer significant discounts—often 15-25%—when you combine auto and home coverage. And take advantage of other available discounts: good student discounts for kids with strong grades, safe driver discounts if you have no recent accidents or violations, and home security system discounts if you have monitored burglar or fire alarms.
Finally, make winterization a priority. Have your home's heating system serviced annually, insulate pipes in unheated areas, and know how to shut off your water main. These simple steps can prevent that $18,000 frozen pipe claim—and keep your premiums from climbing even higher. Living in Edina means embracing Minnesota weather in all its extremes. The right insurance coverage means you can do that with confidence, knowing you're protected when the next hailstorm or polar vortex rolls through.
