Minnesota’s legislature is weighing a measure that could alter the way auto insurers apply discounts tied to driver safety education. The proposed legislation, House File 3290, would amend current insurance law to mandate premium reductions not just for older drivers, but for any insured who completes an approved accident prevention course.
As written, Minnesota Statutes §65B.28 currently requires insurers to provide at least a 10% premium discount to policyholders aged 55 and older who complete a state-certified accident prevention or refresher course. HF3290 would expand this eligibility to all insureds on private passenger vehicle insurance policies issued, delivered, or renewed in the state - provided they complete the same course.
The legislation would also preserve the existing four-hour course structure and the certification requirement, administered by the Department of Public Safety. Under the revised statute, insurers must continue to honor these certifications as proof of eligibility for the discount.
“An insurer must provide an appropriate premium reduction of at least 10%… to an insured who successfully completes an accident prevention course or refresher course,” the amended language states.
The bill includes further clarification on renewal procedures. Currently, only those aged 55 and older may retake the course every three years to maintain eligibility. Under HF3290, that limitation would be removed, allowing more drivers to refresh their eligibility regardless of age. Drivers who have not claimed the discount in over three years could also regain access by retaking the course, which may result in a wave of reinstatement applications.
For insurers, this means recalibrating eligibility checks, customer outreach, and back-office processes to manage a broader group of qualifying policyholders. The mandate could affect underwriting models and increase the volume of discount applications - particularly among younger drivers and multi-driver households.
HF3290 was introduced on May 5, 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Commerce Finance and Policy. It is currently pending further action.
