Minnesota Lost Title Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

September 22, 2021

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Minnesota Lost Title Bond

At a Glance:

• Average Cost: Minimum of $100 or 1.5% of the bond amount, whichever is greater
• Bond Amount: One and a half times the vehicle’s value
• Who Needs it: Vehicle title applicants in Minnesota who do not have adequate proof of ownership
• Purpose: To ensure the rightful vehicle owner does not suffer financial harm if the title applicant does not actually own the vehicle
• Who Regulates Lost Title Bonds In Minnesota: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Background

Minnesota statute 168A.07 requires residents who do not have adequate proof that they own their vehicle to purchase a surety bond prior to obtaining a duplicate title. The Minnesota legislature enacted the bonding requirement to ensure that the rightful vehicle owner will receive compensation if the title applicant does not actually own the vehicle. The bond will be active for three years from the date of issuance and must be in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.

What is the Purpose of the Minnesota Lost Title Bond?

Minnesota requires residents to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a bonded title. The bond ensures that the rightful vehicle owner will not suffer a financial loss if the title applicant is seeking to obtain the title fraudulently. If the title applicant is engaging in fraud, then the rightful vehicle owner can file a claim against the bond and receive compensation up to the full amount of the bond. In short, the bond acts as a safeguard against people attempting to obtain ownership of a vehicle through unethical means.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Minnesota Lost Title Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Minnesota Lost Title Bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “title” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone at (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

How is the Bond Amount Determined?

Minnesota statute 168A.07 dictates that the bond amount must be equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value. The Department of Public Safety will determine the bond amount during the title application process.

Is a Credit Check Required for the Minnesota Lost Title Bond?

Surety companies will not conduct a credit check for bonds that are less than $25,000. At limits over $25,000, surety companies will review the applicant’s credit standing to determine qualification for the bond. For larger bond amounts, applicants with poor credit may be subject to a higher rate. Generally, most carriers want to understand how the applicant came to have ownership of the vehicle.

How Much Does the Minnesota Lost Title Bond Cost?

The Minnesota Lost Title Bond costs either $100 or 1.5% of the bond amount, whichever is greater (rates may vary for bonds greater than $25,000).

Who is Required to Purchase a Bond?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety requires title applicants to purchase a surety bond if the applicant cannot present the department with tangible proof that they own the vehicle and if the department does not have an ownership record of the vehicle. Typically, lost title bonds are required for the following reasons:

• The vehicle has never been titled
• The applicant never received the title
• The previous owner never titled the vehicle
• The applicant has the title but there is an error in the title transfer
• The applicant purchased an unclaimed/abandoned vehicle and is not a bonded agent

How do Minnesota Residents Apply for a Bonded Title?

To apply for a bonded title, Minnesota residents must complete the following steps:

Step 1 – Complete the Application

All Minnesota title applications should be mailed to the following address:

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Driver and Vehicle Services Division
445 Minnesota St.
St. Paul, MN 55101-5185

The following items must be submitted with the application:

• • Bill of sale containing the buyer’s name
  • Statement of facts detailing the vehicle’s history
  • Statement of protection
  • Photos all the vehicle’s sides as well as the VIN plate or a clear, eligible tracing

Step 2 – Purchase a Surety Bond

After receiving the title application, the DPS will notify the title applicant of whether they need to purchase a surety bond. Applicants who do need a bond must purchase and maintain one in an amount equal to one a half times the vehicle’s value. The DPS will determine the vehicle’s value after receiving the title application.

How Do Minnesota Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In Minnesota, bonded title applicants should mail the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address:

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Driver and Vehicle Services Division
445 Minnesota St.
St. Paul, MN 55101-5185

The Minnesota Lost Title Surety Bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the bonded title applicant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name of the entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s
• Bond amount
• Vehicle information
• Date the title application was filed
• Date the bond is signed

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Bonded Title Applicants in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase auto insurance with the following minimum limits:

• $40,000 per person
• $20,000 per accident
• $20,000 property damage per accident

Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to one and half times the vehicle’s value.

How Can Minnesota Residents Avoid Claims Against Their Lost Title Bond?

To avoid claims against their bond, bonded title applicants in Minnesota must ensure that they are the rightful owners of the motor vehicle.

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Bonded Title Applicants in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase auto insurance. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.