Uninsured Motorist Statute of Limitations in Minnesota

Uninsured motorist protection is required under Minnesota law.

Minnesota law requires your automobile insurance policy to include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage pays you for certain losses after an accident in which the other driver is responsible and is not insured. There is a time limit for filing these claims.

What is Covered?

Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical expenses after you have exhausted your policy's personal injury protection benefits, and covers basic economic loss. This may include, but is not limited to, medical bills, loss of future earnings capacity, and pain and suffering. It does not include damage to your car or punitive damages.

Making a Claim

You must submit accident claims to your insurance company within six months of the accident date. The company has 30 business days to decide whether to accept, deny or reject your claim.

Statute of Limitations

You have six years from the date of the accident to make an uninsured motorist claim, under Minnesota law. If your insurance company denies your claim, you may be able to file a lawsuit for breach of contract. In Minnesota, a lawsuit must be filed within six years of your insurance company issuing a final denial of your claim.

References

• Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statues: 2009 Minnesota Statutes, 65B.49 Insurers
• Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statues: 2009 Minnesota Statutes, 541.05 Various Cases, Six Years
• Minnesota Department of Commerce: "What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance"