Minnesota’s Insurance Rules Are About to Get a Big Shake-Up. Here’s How
Insurance discounts are great, right? But who actually qualifies for them in Minnesota? Currently, drivers 55 and older can save at least 10% on their car insurance premiums if they complete a state-certified accident prevention course. It’s all thanks to Minnesota Statutes §65B.28, which ensures older drivers who actively work on their road safety skills get rewarded.
But what about everyone else?
That’s what House File 3290, a new bill in the Minnesota legislature, is trying to address. If passed, this bill would make these discounts available to every insured driver in the state—not just those over 55. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the current rule, exactly?
Simple. If you’re 55 or older and you complete a certified four-hour safety course, your insurance company must knock at least 10% off your premium. You’ve got to retake the course every three years to keep the discount. Fair? Sure, if you’re over 55. Less so if you’re, say, 35.
What would change under HF3290?
This bill blows the age restriction out of the water. Instead of limiting the discount to older drivers, HF3290 would make it available to anyone with private passenger vehicle insurance. Younger drivers, families, multi-driver households—everyone could qualify.
The rules for the courses themselves won’t change. They’d still be four hours long, state-certified, and overseen by the Department of Public Safety. And you’d still get a completion certificate as proof for your insurer.
Can younger drivers really benefit from this?
Absolutely. Younger drivers often pay the highest premiums because insurers see them as riskier. A 10% discount might not seem huge, but for younger Minnesotans already paying steep rates, any savings matter.
What about drivers who’ve lost the discount?
Here’s the kicker. Under the current rules, only older drivers can retake the course and regain their discount if they’ve lapsed. HF3290 would open this door to all drivers. Haven’t claimed the discount in years? No problem. Take the course again, get certified, and you’re back in business.
How would insurers adjust to this?
That’s where it gets tricky. Insurance companies would need to rework their systems to account for a larger pool of eligible drivers. Customer outreach, processing course certificates, reviewing policies—all of this adds extra steps. And when under-30s start flooding in to claim discounts? Big changes for underwriting models.
Why is Minnesota doing this?
The goal is simple but impactful. By making accident prevention courses more accessible to all, the state hopes to promote safer driving habits across all age groups. After all, safety behind the wheel isn’t just an older-driver thing.
When will lawmakers decide?
The bill’s already been introduced and sent to the House Committee on Commerce Finance and Policy. When they’ll review it? That’s still up in the air. But if you’re watching this space, keep an eye on legislative updates.
The bottom line?
House File 3290 could shake up Minnesota’s insurance landscape in a big way. More drivers could save money, insurance companies would need to adapt, and safety education might just become the norm for everyone—not just a select age group. Now we wait to see if lawmakers agree.