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Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates all P&C insurance activities under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 60A
  • The Commerce Commissioner is appointed by the Governor to oversee insurance regulation
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce handles licensing, rate review, market conduct examinations, and consumer complaints
  • Minnesota requires prior approval for most P&C insurance rates before they can be used
  • All Minnesota insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and require continuing education for renewal
Last updated: January 2026

Minnesota Department of Commerce

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The Minnesota Department of Commerce is the state agency responsible for regulating the Property & Casualty insurance industry in Minnesota. The Department operates under the authority of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 60A.

The Commerce Commissioner

The Commerce Commissioner is:

  • Appointed by the Governor of Minnesota
  • Responsible for enforcing Minnesota insurance laws
  • Authorized to adopt regulations, review rates, investigate violations, and discipline licensees
  • Oversees the insurance division within the Department of Commerce

Commissioner Powers for P&C Insurance

PowerDescription
LicensingIssue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses
Rate ReviewApprove or disapprove P&C insurance rates
Market ConductExamine insurer business practices
EnforcementInvestigate and prosecute violations
Consumer ProtectionHandle complaints and protect policyholders
RulemakingAdopt regulations interpreting insurance statutes

Minnesota Insurance Code

Minnesota's insurance laws are primarily found in:

  • Minnesota Statutes Chapter 60A - General insurance regulation
  • Minnesota Statutes Chapter 60K - Unfair trade practices and fraud
  • Minnesota Statutes Chapter 65A - Property and casualty insurance
  • Minnesota Statutes Chapter 65B - Motor vehicle insurance

Rate Regulation

Minnesota operates under a prior approval rate system:

  • Insurers must file rates with the Department before use
  • The Commissioner reviews and approves rates
  • Rates must be:
    • Adequate - sufficient to pay claims
    • Not excessive - not unreasonably high
    • Not unfairly discriminatory - similar risks charged similar rates

Department Organization

The Minnesota Department of Commerce operates through several divisions for P&C insurance:

  • Licensing Division - Handles agent/broker licensing
  • Market Assurance Division - Reviews rates and examines insurer practices
  • Enforcement Division - Investigates violations and fraud
  • Consumer Services Center - Handles consumer complaints

Contact Information

Minnesota Department of Commerce

  • Address: 85 7th Place East, Suite 280, St. Paul, MN 55101
  • Phone: 651-539-1599
  • Website: mn.gov/commerce
  • Consumer Hotline: 651-539-1600 or 1-800-657-3602
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Minnesota P&C Insurance Regulatory Structure
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What type of rate regulation system does Minnesota use for P&C insurance?

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1.2 Minnesota P&C Producer Licensing Requirements

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