Extreme weather events push up insurance rates for Minnesotans

Climate Cast

Homeowner and auto insurance rates are rising fast in Minnesota.

One policy comparison site, Insurify, shows Minnesota’s auto insurance rates had the highest year-over-year increase in the nation.

Climbing insurance rates have plagued Minnesotans in recent years, and one of the leading factors to the rise in premiums is extreme weather events.

“More water vapor that’s in our air, that then turns into things that land on our house — whether it's hail or rain — make bigger claims,” said Grace Arnold, who leads the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

“The best thing is to be prepared. That means: Have conversations with your insurance agents. Really shop around. And make sure that you’re thinking about your preparation for when we do have these big storms that are as a result of climate change.”

To hear the full conversation with Commerce commissioner Grace Arnold and MPR meteorologist Paul Huttner, click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.