A new bill being considered in the House would offer a state run car insurance program to keep cost low for good drivers.
Lawmakers argue that uninsured driving rates in Minnesota could be brought down through more affordable coverage for people with a clean driving record.
"For many families and individuals, car insurance premiums can be an insurmountable financial," DFL House Representative Athena Hollins explains. "And one that cannot be avoided as it is the only form of insurance that's required by the state. A state sponsored option would make this essential coverage more accessible."
Recent data shows that the cost of car insurance in Minnesota went up 58% just last year, and that about 10% of drivers are not insured.
The authors of the bill say "Affordable Auto Insurance" would help keep premiums down. Munira Mohamed with the ACLU of Minnesota says passing this legislation will help provide equitable options for all Minnesotans.
"If we are going to impose criminal punishments on people who drive without insurance, we have an obligation to ensure that those people have the ability to obtain insurance," Mohamed says. "It is completely unfair that the state government would create a whole web of statutes with the steepest penalties, yet not acknowledge that poverty plays a role in people's ability to follow the law."
Sponsors of the bill believe this would create safer roads statewide.