Welcome to the Mark Quinnell Agency - State Farm Insurance in Northfield, MN 👋

Since 1962, our agency has helped families and businesses in Northfield, Dundas, Lonsdale, Nerstrand, and the rest of Rice County protect what matters most — auto, home, renters, life, health, and business coverage — through personal, needs-based conversations. Mark Quinnell has led the agency since October 1986, continuing the work his father started, right here in downtown Northfield. Walk-ins are welcome, and you'll be greeted by name.

🍂 October in Northfield means harvest traffic, frosty mornings, and extra attention on rural roads.

On Highway 19, Highway 246, and the county roads outside town, a routine drive can mean slow-moving farm equipment ahead, deer near the shoulder, or frost on a shaded curve. It is a good time to review the deductibles and policy terms on your vehicles and home so you understand what may apply after an animal strike, a slide on a slick road, or sudden water damage during freezing weather.

🚗 Auto: Check whether each vehicle includes comprehensive coverage, which may apply after an animal strike, and review both comprehensive and collision deductibles.

🏡 Home: Disconnect outdoor hoses, prepare exterior faucets, and ask how your policy addresses sudden water damage from a frozen pipe, including any conditions or exclusions.

📦 Renters: Update your inventory of laptops, bikes, clothing, and other belongings, then confirm the limits and deductible shown on your policy.

An early highlight on Northfield’s October calendar is the Minnesota Pheasant Hunting Opener on October 9 and 10, along with the Rooster Round-Up at Bridge Square on October 9. These events reflect the outdoor traditions and community gatherings that help make fall in Northfield special, while the rest of the month brings continued harvest activity, changing road conditions, and colder nights.

Before fall turns to freeze-up, call, text, or stop by for a clear review of the coverage and deductibles you already have.

About Mark

I'm Mark Quinnell, a lifelong Northfield resident and second generation State Farm agent. My dad, Elden “Hunts” Quinnell, opened this agency in 1962, and I've carried it forward since October 1986 — nearly 40 years now of helping our neighbors manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. I graduated from Northfield High School and St. Olaf College, I'm a past president of Northfield Rotary, and you'll find me at Defeat of Jesse James Days, the Riverwalk Market Fair, and just about everything else this town does. I'm proudly a townie — I even wear my Dundas hat on the Northfield side of the river. 😄

The problem our office solves is simple: when something goes wrong — a fender bender on Highway 3, hail on a 12-year-old roof, a pipe burst in one of our beautiful century-old homes near downtown — you don't want a 1-800 number. You want a real person, in a real office, in your town, who answers quickly and already knows your family. That's us.

How we can help: 🚗

• 🏡 Auto, home, renters, condo, life, health, and business insurance

• 📦 Just moved to Northfield? We make out-of-state and Twin Cities transfers painless and can coordinate with your lender before closing

• 🎓 Renters insurance for Carleton and St. Olaf students (yes, it covers the stolen bike and the laptop)

• 👨‍👩‍👧 New home in Harvest Hills, Gracewin, or Cedar Meadows? Let's set up coverage that actually fits it

• ☂️ Needs-based reviews — coffee and a check-in, in plain English, no pressure

Whether you're a lifelong Northfielder, new to town, or a student on your first policy — don't hesitate to call or stop by. Like a good neighbor, we're right here. 📍

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does hitting a deer in Bloomington count as comprehensive coverage? Hitting a deer is generally handled under comprehensive auto coverage rather than collision coverage, although the exact coverage depends on the policy.

What should I review on my auto insurance before October and winter driving in Minnesota? Fall is a good time to review your comprehensive, collision, liability, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage so you understand what you have before winter driving arrives.

How much auto insurance do I need in Minnesota? Minnesota requires liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The state minimums are a legal starting point, and your coverage limits can be reviewed based on the vehicles, drivers, and assets you are protecting.

Does Minnesota no-fault insurance pay to fix my car after an accident? No-fault coverage is primarily for certain injury-related expenses such as medical costs and lost wages. Damage to your vehicle is handled through other parts of your auto policy, depending on how the accident happened and what coverage you carry.

What should I expect when I add a teen driver to my auto policy? Adding a teen driver can change the cost and coverage needs for the household. It is worth reviewing the policy before the young driver is on the road and asking about available programs such as good student and Drive Safe and Save.

What should I check on my Bloomington home insurance before the first freeze? October is a good time to review your roof coverage, water-related protection, and basement coverage, and to make sure you know where your main water shutoff is. Outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems should also be prepared for freezing temperatures.

Does homeowners coverage pay for an older roof at replacement cost? It depends on the policy. One important question for an older Bloomington home is whether the roof is covered at replacement cost or depreciated actual cash value, because those approaches can produce very different amounts of coverage.

Is sewer or sump backup covered by standard homeowners insurance? It may require a separate sewer and sump backup endorsement. This is especially important to review if your Bloomington home has a finished basement or a sump pump.

What happens if an ice dam damages my home in Minnesota? Ice dams can cause water to back up and enter areas of the home, but how resulting damage is handled depends on the policy and the circumstances. Reviewing your coverage before winter can help you understand what applies.

Should I review my home coverage after a renovation or major home improvement? Yes. Renovations can change the cost to rebuild or replace parts of your home, so it is worth reviewing your coverage after a significant improvement rather than assuming an older policy still reflects the home as it is today.

Do renters in Bloomington need renters insurance? Renters insurance can help protect personal belongings and provide liability coverage, subject to the policy terms and limits. It can be useful for renters in apartments, condos, and other rental homes throughout Bloomington and the surrounding Twin Cities communities.

Does renters insurance cover belongings stolen from my car? Personal items stolen from a vehicle are generally not handled by comprehensive auto coverage. Depending on the circumstances, your renters policy may provide protection for personal belongings, subject to its terms and limits.

What should renters review before winter starts in Minnesota? Fall is a good time to check your renters coverage, especially the limits for personal belongings and liability. It is also a good time to make sure you know what your lease requires and what protection is provided by your own policy.

How much coverage should I consider for my family after having a baby? A family coverage review often starts with the income that would need to be replaced and major obligations such as a house payment, childcare, and other family expenses. The first step is to look at what coverage you already have before deciding whether anything else is needed.

Is the coverage I have through work enough for my family? Workplace coverage can be an important starting point, but the amount may not match your family's long-term needs and it may change if your employment changes. A review should start with the amount you have now, what it is designed to cover, and the needs of the people who depend on you.