In most cases, yes—but it depends. Many policies include "Permissive Use," meaning drivers you give permission to are typically covered, as long as they aren't excluded. That said, if a licensed driver lives with you or regularly uses your vehicle, we recommend adding them to your policy. Not sure? Give us a call—we'll help you understand your specific coverage.

Medical Payments (Med-Pay) covers medical expenses for you and your passengers—regardless of who is at fault. Unlike Bodily Injury Liability, which covers third parties when you're at fault, Med-Pay pays quickly without adjuster approval. It's optional, but it can help cover deductibles and out-of-pocket costs while preventing lawsuits.

Yes, you can cancel personal policies like Auto, Home, or Boat at any time—typically without penalty. Most preferred carriers in Minnesota do not charge cancellation fees. Policies are cancelled pro-rata, meaning you only pay for the coverage you've used.

In most cases, yes—if you carry Comprehensive and Collision (full coverage) on your current auto policy, that coverage generally extends to a rental vehicle. Essentially, whatever coverage you have on your personal vehicle will transfer to the rental.

However, there's an important caveat. If you're renting from an agency and they charge you or your insurance company a daily rate while your car is being repaired after a claim, you could be responsible for that daily charge. For longer rentals or when you're in an unfamiliar area, we recommend purchasing the rental agency's insurance agreement to ensure those daily fees are covered.

The most reliable way to keep your rates competitive is to work with an independent insurance agency, like Nepa Insurance Agency. However, it's important to remember that the price you pay is not as important as having the right coverage in place.

Here's a simple 3-step approach:

1. Find 3–5 independent insurance agencies in your area.

2. Interview them—ask questions like, "What makes you different from other agencies?" and "What value and services do you offer?"

3. Choose someone you're comfortable with, schedule an appointment, and request a thorough needs analysis to identify the policies and coverages that best protect you.

It depends on your policy. Most plans offer "Permissive Use" coverage for drivers you allow to use your vehicle—unless they're specifically excluded. For household members or frequent drivers, it's safer to list them on the policy. Contact us or review your policy to confirm your coverage.

Filing a claim is never fun, but that's exactly why you have insurance. Before you pick up the phone, take these two important steps:

1. Ensure safety first. If you're in an auto accident, get to a safe location before worrying about the claim. If your home is damaged, stop further damage immediately—for example, turn off the water if pipes have burst.

2. Weigh the cost vs. the risk. Ask yourself: "Is it worth filing a claim and potentially seeing my rates increase for 3–5 years, or should I pay out of pocket?"

For example: if you're at fault in an accident and repairs cost $850, but your deductible is $500, you're only saving $350 by filing—but you could face years of higher premiums. Sometimes, paying the difference out of pocket is the smarter financial move.

Yes, most states require drivers to carry insurance—but not everyone follows the law. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you and your passengers if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits.

Many drivers with low liability limits don't have many assets, so suing them often isn't worth it. UM/UIM allows you to file a claim under your own policy instead. It's relatively inexpensive—and extremely important.

There are several practical ways to reduce your premiums. Here are five of the most common:

1. Bundle your policies – If you only have one line of insurance with us (e.g., auto without home or renters), you're likely overpaying. Combining multiple policies in one place is one of the easiest ways to save on each.

2. Good student discount – If you have young drivers in the household, they may qualify for a discount if they maintain a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

3. Multi-car discount – Insuring household vehicles on separate policies? You could be paying too much. Keeping all your cars together unlocks a multi-car discount.

4. Occupational discounts – Your profession matters. Careers like police officers, firefighters, teachers, registered nurses, scientists, and those with a four-year college degree may qualify for special rates.

5. Active alarms – Security systems in your home or vehicle can also reduce your premiums.