Minnesota gap insurance: Everything you need to know

How much is gap insurance in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, gap insurance costs an average of $2,442 per year, but prices vary by company. Your car's value also affects the cost of gap insurance. Expensive or luxury cars depreciate faster than standard vehicles, so gap coverage may have to pay more, leading to higher rates.

Cheapest gap insurance companies in Minnesota

The cheapest gap insurance in Minnesota is offered by Nationwide, with an average yearly cost of $1,625. Not all car insurance companies provide gap coverage, and rates can vary significantly among carriers.

Take a look at the table below to see the cheapest Minnesota insurance companies for gap coverage.

Company	Auto insurance rates with gap premium	Gap premium
Nationwide	$1,625	$37
Travelers	$1,867	$52
Auto-Owners	$2,050	$67
Farmers	$4,227	$194

Data updated in 2024

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Average gap insurance cost in Minnesota by city

Gap insurance costs the most in Minneapolis, with an average rate of $2,615, while Tonka Bay has the lowest rate at $1,705. Where you live in Minnesota can impact your insurance costs. Cities with higher crime and theft rates have higher auto insurance rates since the risk of damage or theft is higher.

Here are the average gap insurance rates by city in Minnesota

City	Auto insurance rates with gap premium	Gap premium
Tonka Bay	$1,705	$59
Carlton	$1,771	$68
Apple Valley	$1,813	$61
Dumont	$1,839	$72
Frazee	$1,850	$73
Lanesboro	$1,880	$72
Bovey	$1,981	$78
Foley	$2,030	$76
Champlin	$2,076	$74
St. Paul	$2,542	$89

Data updated in 2024

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How much is gap insurance in Minnesota by age group?

Gap insurance rates are higher for younger drivers because they have less experience and are more likely to take risks while driving, increasing the odds of a total loss. As drivers get older, their rates go down. For example, an 18-year-old pays an average of $7,616 per year, while a 25-year-old pays around $2,981 annually.

The table below lists the average gap insurance rates in Minnesota based on age.

Age group	Auto insurance rates with gap premium	Gap premium
Teen	$7,616	$285
Young adult	$2,981	$111
Adult	$2,442	$87
Senior	$2,079	$71

Data updated in 2024

Read our methodology

How does gap insurance work in Minnesota?

When you buy or lease a new car, it depreciates quickly resulting in you owing more than it's worth. If your car is totaled, your insurance company will only pay its actual cash value, which might not cover your full loan balance. That's where gap insurance helps. If your car is totaled or stolen, gap insurance covers the difference between your car's value and what you still owe on the loan.

"Gap is designed for people that take long-term loans and/or roll taxes, service plans, or warranties into their loan," said Zack Pope, agency manager at David Pope Insurance in Missouri. "Most gap coverages only go a certain percent over market value to pay off a loan for a totaled vehicle (typically 25%). It costs significantly less money to get gap through your insurance than to purchase it from the dealership."

For example, let's say you have a $40,000 car loan, but your vehicle's actual cash value is only $35,000. If the car is stolen, your insurance company will reimburse you $35,000, minus your deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim.. Gap insurance would cover the remaining $5,000 that you still owe on your loan. Without gap insurance, you'd be responsible for paying this difference out of pocket.

Once your loan is less than the value of your car, you can drop gap coverage. While you can always cancel gap insurance, you may be unable to add it anytime. Most insurers want you to add the coverage quickly after buying a car.

Additionally, many lenders require gap insurance when getting your loan. Although you can get gap coverage through your lender or car dealership, adding it to your current auto policy is usually cheaper.

Where to buy gap insurance in Minnesota

Many insurance companies, including major carriers, offer gap insurance in Minnesota. It's relatively easy to add coverage to your current auto insurance policy.

Adding gap coverage to your auto insurance policy is usually the most cost-effective option. While you can purchase gap coverage from most car dealers and lenders, those policies tend to be more expensive, making it a less attractive option.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned gap insurance rates from Quadrant Data Services in late 2023 at a variety of ages in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Base rates use a 40-year-old driver with a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Rates were gathered from 138 insurance companies in 1,468 ZIP codes.

Minnesota gap insurance: FAQs

Is gap insurance required in Minnesota?

Gap insurance isn't required by Minnesota law. However, your lender may require the coverage.

Who should buy gap insurance in Minnesota?

You may need gap insurance if you have a car loan or lease in Minnesota. Drivers who make a small down payment typically owe more than the vehicle is worth since cars depreciate faster than the loan is paid down, making gap insurance a good idea.

You don't need gap insurance if you own your vehicle or make a large down payment so that you owe less than the car's value from the start of your loan.

What is standalone gap insurance in Minnesota?

Standalone gap insurance is a policy of its own, not connected with your car insurance. Gap insurance is available from your lender or a private company as a separate policy.

Does gap insurance cover leased cars in Minnesota?

Minnesota gap insurance covers leased cars when the driver owes more than the car's current market value. You can remove gap coverage once your vehicle is worth more than what you still owe.