Getting into a hit-and-run is an alarming and emotional experience. While it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Minnesota, it does still happen. It may be helpful to understand how to respond to a hit-and-run before it happens to you, so that you are prepared with a course of action. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team researched Minnesota hit-and-run law and can help you have an action plan in place just in case you are the victim of a hit and run.

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Hit-and-runs in Minnesota

A hit-and-run is when the at-fault driver in an accident does not pull over after a crash, and instead flees the scene. In 2021, Minnesota recorded 7,532 hit-and-run accidents, roughly 12 percent of the total number of crashes in the state in that year. Nationwide, hit-and-run accidents are surprisingly common. The AAA Foundation found that in 2015, there was one hit-and-run every 43 seconds in the United States.

Hit-and-run accidents may be more common in states with a high number of uninsured drivers. Fortunately, Minnesota has one of the lowest numbers of uninsured drivers in the country. Fewer than 10 percent of drivers in Minnesota are estimated to be uninsured.

Minnesota hit-and-run laws

Minnesota hit-and-run laws state that it is illegal to flee after a collision. If a driver or any of their passengers are injured, the at-fault driver is also responsible for rendering reasonable aid and contacting emergency services. The same laws apply for a driver who hits an unattended vehicle.

The Minnesota hit-and-run statute also states that an at-fault driver must provide their personal information and vehicle registration information to the other drivers involved. The at-fault driver is given 72 hours to provide their insurance information if they do not provide it at the scene.

Hit-and-run drivers who cause property damage are typically charged with a misdemeanor. If the accident results in death or severe injuries, the driver may be charged with a felony, could face a fine between $3,000 and $5,000, and may spend up to three years in jail. There is also the potential for license suspension depending on the circumstances.

How hit-and-runs impact car insurance rates in Minnesota

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, filing a claim shouldn’t result in a surcharge against your policy. However, you could still see an increase in premium. If, for example, you had a claim-free discount, even a not-at-fault claim could remove those savings.

If you were at-fault for a hit-and-run, were found and then filed a claim, the accident could have a dramatic impact on your car insurance premium in Minnesota. Drivers who have their license suspended following a hit-and-run are not required to purchase SR-22 insurance in Minnesota, but it is possible that their insurance company could decline to renew their policy.

4 things to do after a hit-and-run in Minnesota

Getting into a hit-and-run can be frightening. Here are the steps may want to follow:

  1. Call for medical care if necessary: The first step you should take after any accident is to assess the safety of yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved in the accident. If you feel that anyone needs medical attention, call emergency services right away.
  2. Call the police: If you’ve called for medical aid, police may already be on their way. Otherwise, you can call to report the crash. An officer will arrive on scene, assess the situation and write a report. They will also ask you to recount any information you remember, like the color or make of the vehicle that hit you.
  3. Take photos of the damage: Before you leave the scene, take detailed photos of the damage to your vehicle, if it’s safe to do so. If your car is getting towed, make sure to get the information about where your car will be taken. If you or any of your passengers were treated by paramedics or hospital staff, hold onto those medical records, and keep a record of future medical costs associated with the hit-and-run.
  4. Call your insurance company: Calling your insurance company is the final thing you should do after a hit-and-run, if you want to file a claim on your own policy. An agent can help you understand what your policy may cover and how to file a claim. You may be asked to provide the photos you took and the police report to help expedite the claim process.

Will insurance cover a hit-and-run?

If the at-fault driver is found and has insurance, their liability coverage should take care of your vehicle damages and injury costs, up to their policy limit.

In Minnesota, your own car insurance policy may cover the damages resulting from a hit-and-run. Every driver is required to carry both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which could pay for your medical expenses if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your injuries. If the other party flees the scene, though, there’s no way to tell if they were insured or not. Fortunately, Minnesota drivers are also required to carry personal injury protection (PIP), which is designed to cover your medical costs, at least initially, and other qualifying expenses if you get injured in a crash, regardless of who caused it.

If you have a full coverage policy, your collision coverage could help pay for the damage to your vehicle. However, keep in mind that there is often a deductible on collision coverage.

Frequently asked questions

    • In Minnesota, the average cost of car insurance in 2022 is $1,692 per year for a full coverage policy and $600 per year for a minimum coverage policy. However, car insurance rates are personalized based on unique factors like the type of car you drive, age, driving record, and the coverage types and levels you choose.
    • The best car insurance company is different for every driver. For example, a driver looking for the cheapest rates might choose a different carrier than a driver looking for the best customer service. To find the best provider for you, you may want to shop around and compare companies based on your personal criteria.
    • Unfortunately, it is possible that the driver will never be found. Having proper insurance coverage can help take some of the financial stress off when you are the victim of a hit-and-run, as your own policy could step in to help pay for some of the expenses.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2020 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.