Mark Quinnell

🎒 August in Northfield — Back to School & Summer's Last Hurrah!

August always sneaks up on us here in Northfield, and this year is no exception. Our agency has proudly served this community since 1986, and there's something special about watching the town shift gears from summer into fall.

Third Thursday Downtown continues its run through September, and this month also brings the Cannon River Clay Tour 🏺 (August 15–16), where local ceramic artists open their studios to visitors from all over. If you love music, the Bridge Chamber Music Festival brings world-class musicians to our small-town setting August 18–25 — a real treat to have right here. And on August 16, stop by the VFW for the Ambassador Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser — a hot meal for a good cause, and a great reason to see your neighbors.

Late August also means Carleton and St. Olaf students are moving back into town, and we love seeing Northfield come back to life with them. If you're a student (or a parent!) getting settled in, it's a smart time to make sure your belongings are covered — your laptop and bike matter too. And with storm season still active through September, it's not a bad month to double-check your home and auto coverage before the weather turns. Stop in, say hello, or wave when you see us around town. 👋

About Mark Quinnell State Farm Insurance Agency 🏠

If you're searching for an insurance agent in Northfield, MN — welcome, you found the local one. Our office is at 107 W Third Street in downtown Northfield, just one block off Division Street with free parking right outside the door. Stop in and say hi. We're the office where walk-ins are welcome and you'll be greeted by name.

I'm Mark Quinnell, a second generation State Farm agent and lifelong Northfield resident. My dad, Elden "Hents" Quinnell, opened this agency in 1962, and I've carried it forward since October 1986 — nearly 40 years of helping our neighbors in Northfield, Dundas, and the rest of Rice County 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

Frequently Asked Questions:

❓ Where is your office located, and can I just walk in?

Yes, walk-ins are welcome. We’re at 107 W Third Street in downtown Northfield, one block off Division Street and a short walk from Bridge Square, with free parking right outside. If you’re downtown for Third Thursdays or the Riverwalk Market Fair, we’re right in the middle of it.

❓ I just moved to Northfield. How do I switch my insurance to a local agent?

Welcome to Northfield! We handle transfers from the Twin Cities or out of state and can coordinate with your lender before closing, even on a tight timeline. We work with new residents across town, from the century-old homes near downtown to new construction at Harvest Hills, Gracewin, and Cedar Meadows. Call, message, or stop by, and we’ll take it from there.

❓ What makes Mark Quinnell State Farm different from other Northfield insurance agents?

We’re actually here. Mark is a lifelong Northfield resident and second-generation State Farm agent—his father opened this downtown agency in 1962, and Mark has led it since 1986. Our Google reviews tell the story: Customers mention being called by name, walking in and getting help right away, and reaching a real person instead of a 1-800 number. Find us on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Nextdoor.

❓ What should I do if hail or a storm damages my roof or car in Northfield?

First, take photos before any repairs and note the date and time of the storm. Minnesota law requires homeowners policies to include hail and wind coverage, but your specific deductible and how your roof is valued can vary quite a bit. Give us a call before you sign anything with a contractor who shows up unannounced after a storm—we’re happy to walk through your coverage with you first.

❓ Will filing a storm damage claim raise my rates, and is there a deadline to file?

It depends on your policy and history, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—that’s a conversation worth having with us directly. What we can tell you: Minnesota insurers are now holding firm to a 12-month filing deadline from the date of the storm, not from when you notice the damage. If you had storm damage this spring or summer and haven’t filed yet, don’t wait—call us, and we’ll help you sort out the timing.

❓ Is my home covered if a tree falls on it during a storm?

In most cases, yes, but the details depend on your specific policy, so it’s worth a quick check rather than an assumption. Give us a call or stop by, and we’ll pull up your policy together so you know exactly where you stand before the next storm rolls through.

❓ Do I need renters insurance as a Carleton or St. Olaf student living in Northfield?

Yes, and it’s often more affordable than students expect—your landlord’s policy covers the building, not your laptop, bike, or other belongings. We set up renters insurance for students all over town, including in properties near both campuses. Give us a call before move-in, and we’ll have you covered before the first box is unpacked.

❓ Can I text or message you instead of calling with an insurance question?

Absolutely. You can text or message us anytime, and we’ll get back to you the same way you reached out—no need to pick up the phone if that’s not convenient. Either way, we’re still a real office with real people in downtown Northfield.

❓ How much life insurance do I actually need?

It really depends on your situation—income, debts, dependents, and long-term goals all factor in, so there isn’t a single number that fits everyone. We sit down with customers for a no-pressure, needs-based conversation to determine what makes sense for your family. Call or stop by, and we’ll walk through it together.

❓ What’s the most effective way to bundle home and auto insurance in Northfield?

Combining your home and auto policies with us is straightforward, and it often comes with savings, though the amount varies by household. Beyond the potential savings, having both policies with one local office means one phone call and one person who already knows your situation if something happens. Stop by or call, and we’ll put together your options side by side.