From the medical device manufacturers in the Twin Cities to the sugar beet harvest in the Red River Valley, Minnesota is a diverse freight market. However, operating here means battling one of the harshest winters in the lower 48 states.
In Minnesota, you must navigate not only the FMCSA but also the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). MnDOT requires all intrastate for-hire carriers to register for authority and maintain active insurance filings. Additionally, Minnesota is a "No-Fault" state, requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on commercial policies, which adds a fixed cost to every premium.
In Minnesota, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $9,000 and $15,000 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your MnDOT authority active.
Key Takeaways: Minnesota Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $11,800 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record.
- Monthly Breakdown: A typical owner-operator pays roughly $950/month for Liability and $250/month for Physical Damage.
- The PIP Factor: Minnesota law requires $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) ($20k medical / $20k non-medical) per person. This is mandatory.
- MnDOT Authority: Intrastate carriers must obtain a certificate from MnDOT and file Form E.
- Winter Risk: "Comprehensive" and "Collision" rates are higher here due to frequent jackknife accidents on icy roads and deer collisions.
Real Numbers: Estimated Costs by Truck Type
Let's look at the hard data. The following estimates represent the average annual cost for Auto Liability ($1M Limit) for a driver with a clean record in Minnesota. While liability rates are moderate, the "Physical Damage" portion of your bill will be higher than states like Texas due to the winter accident frequency.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $7,200 | $9,500 | $10,800 |
| Box Truck | $5,800 | $7,800 | $9,200 |
| Dump Truck | $7,500 | $10,500 | $12,500 |
| Semi Truck | $9,200 | $12,800 | $14,500 |
| Grain Hauler | $6,800 | $9,500 | $11,200 |
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: If you are hauling grain or agricultural products seasonally, ask about "Lay-Up" credits. This allows you to suspend coverage (except Comprehensive) during the winter months when the truck is parked, saving you money.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Minnesota rules change depending on whether you cross state lines. We have broken this down into two tables to make it clear.
Table 1: Intrastate Requirements (MnDOT Only)
For trucks that never leave Minnesota (e.g., Duluth to Minneapolis).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs GVW | $300,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs GVW | $750,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (Form E) |
| Household Goods (Movers) | $300k - $750k + Cargo | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Passenger (STS) | $1,500,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "CSL" means Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must obtain a Minnesota Intrastate Credential via the MnDOT Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Minneapolis to Fargo, ND).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs | $300,000 CSL | No (Unless Hazmat) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs | $750,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil/Explosives) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (MCS-90) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
Minnesota Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to MnDOT.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate for-hire carriers. It proves to MnDOT that you have valid liability insurance. Without this, your STS or Motor Carrier authority is revoked.
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Mandatory in Minnesota. Your policy must include $40,000 in benefits ($20k medical / $20k non-medical) to cover your driver in case of injury, regardless of fault.
- STS (Special Transportation Service): If you transport elderly or disabled passengers (non-emergency), MnDOT requires very specific insurance filings and higher limits ($1.5M+).
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Yes. Minnesota requires all commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVW to obtain a USDOT number, even if they never cross state lines.
In Minnesota, the No-Fault (PIP) laws and the weather risk drive up base rates. Even good drivers are at risk of sliding on black ice or being hit by someone else (where your own insurance still has to pay out PIP benefits).
Minnesota offers some weight exemptions for logging trucks in the north woods during winter freeze (allowing heavier loads). Your insurance policy must not contain exclusions for these overweight operations if you utilize these permits.
The Logrock Difference: We Handle MnDOT
Minnesota's regulations are strict, especially regarding Form E and PIP compliance. If your agent forgets the PIP endorsement, your truck registration can be blocked at the DMV. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your Form E is filed instantly with MnDOT so your authority stays active. We also check for "Winter Lay-Up" options to help you save money during the slow season.
Conclusion & Get Your Minnesota Quote
Minnesota is a great state for trucking if you can handle the cold. Don't risk your business on a policy that leaves you non-compliant or without coverage on an icy road. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
