Property insurance in MN covers a home and its contents. It also provides protection against liability for any injuries or property damage you or any members of your family, including household pets, cause. Property insurance also pays temporary living expenses while living away from home because of a natural disaster.

A Minnesota homeowner's insurance policy covers most types of natural disasters including fire, hail and lightning and other events specified in the policy. Earthquake and flood coverage typically will require separate policies. MN property insurance does not protect against problems caused by poor maintenance.

Consider these three points when choosing property insurance in MN:

1. The location of the property may require additional property insurance in Minnesota. For example, properties in the northern United States should have coverage for ice, sleet and snow.
2. Effective loss-control measures can control the premium for property insurance in Minnesota. This can include installing an alarm system for theft.
3. The replacement of detached structures. Home insurance should allow you to rebuild your house including structures like a garage, gazebo or tool shed. Detached structures are typically covered for about 10% of the value of the house.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Collect quotes for a variety of Minnesota homeowner insurance plans

Obtaining multiple quotes from different sources can be an effective method of identifying the general terms of these policies and the premiums you can expect to pay.

I recommend: The search function at Respond allows you to specify a city within Minnesota. Complete the form for your home at Insure.com to get quotes for home insurance.

Find MN property insurance brokers who represent major carriers

You may want to obtain Minnesota property insurance coverage through an agent who represents a major carrier in the state and who can make a recommendation based on the specific needs of your situation.

I recommend: State Farm sells homeowner's insurance and provides a list of agents within a specified area. Nationwide has agents throughout the country and has an agent search capability by name or location.

Get a Minnesota home insurance policy from a local agent

You may wish to contact local independent property insurance companies in Minnesota rather than dealing with different national insurers. Often, a local agent can write a more customized plan for you.

I recommend: Insuring Minnesota.com is an authorized AAA agent and represents many other major insurance carriers in Minnesota. The McAlpin Agency, Inc., provides a wide range of both personal and business insurance in Minnesota including homeowner’s insurance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Conduct a home inventory to determine the replacement cost for the contents of your home. Minnesota property insurance will cover the contents of your house up to a specified percentage of the value of your home. You should consider off-premises coverage if you have a substantial amount of number of belongings outside of your home immediately after a disaster.
• •  Property insurance companies in Minnesota typically cover expensive items such as furs, jewelry and silverware up to a fixed amount. You will need a special property endorsement to replace these items if their value exceeds the amount the primary policy covers. A property endorsement covers items that are lost or stolen.