Mark Quinnell

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.

🎒 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

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:

Can you explain my wind and hail deductible in plain English, and does my roof have replacement cost or depreciated value coverage?

Those details depend on the policy. Wind and hail may have a separate deductible, and that deductible may be a dollar amount or a percentage. Roof damage may be settled at replacement cost, actual cash value, or under another policy-specific roof payment method. Send us your policy summary or declarations page, or stop by, and we will show you where those terms appear and what they mean for your home.

What should I do first if hail or wind damages my roof, siding, or car in Northfield?

First, make sure everyone is safe. Photograph the damage and surrounding area before cleanup, save receipts, and contact us promptly so we can review the reporting requirements in your policy. Before signing with a contractor who arrived uninvited, verify the contractor’s Minnesota license and read the full agreement. Minnesota law does not allow contractors to pay or rebate your deductible.

If I hit a deer on Highway 19, Highway 246, or a rural Rice County road, is that comprehensive or collision coverage?

If your auto policy includes comprehensive coverage, damage from hitting a deer is generally handled under that coverage, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Collision coverage is different. Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, do not approach an injured animal, report a road hazard or injury to local law enforcement, and contact us.

My college student is taking a car to school or leaving one at home. What should we update on our auto policy?

Tell us where the vehicle will normally be kept, who will drive it, how often it will be used, and whether the student is taking it to campus or leaving it at home. Those details can affect how the policy should be set up. Contact us before removing a driver or changing coverage so we can review the actual situation.

My student is renting near Carleton or St. Olaf. Does renters insurance cover a laptop or bike away from the apartment?

A landlord’s policy generally protects the building, not the student’s belongings. A renters policy may cover a laptop, bike, clothing, and other personal property when a covered loss happens away from the rental, but limits, deductibles, and exclusions apply. Each roommate may need a separate policy, so ask us how each person and the rental should be listed.

We just moved to Northfield. Can you compare our home and auto coverage, explain bundling, and help with the transfer?

Yes. We can review your current policies side by side, explain limits and deductibles in plain English, help with a Twin Cities or out-of-state transfer, and coordinate proof of coverage with your lender before closing. We serve Northfield, Dundas, Lonsdale, Nerstrand, and the rest of Rice County. Available options and timing depend on the property, vehicles, drivers, and eligibility, so contact us before your closing date.

I already have life insurance through work. How do I know whether my family should consider a separate policy?

Coverage through an employer may be one part of your family’s overall protection. Check the coverage amount, who is listed to receive it, whether it continues if you change jobs, and how long your household would need income support. We can review what you have, discuss your family’s needs, and explain the available options in person.

How much life insurance should I consider if my income supports a spouse, children, or other family members?

There is no single amount that fits every family. A needs-based conversation can consider income support, debts, immediate household costs, care for children or other dependents, future family needs, existing coverage, and savings. We can walk through these areas in plain English and show several coverage amounts to consider.

I asked an AI assistant about my home, auto, or life insurance. Can your office check the answer against my actual policy?

Yes. AI can help organize questions, but it cannot see every policy change, exclusion, driver, property detail, or family need unless you provide that information, and it may still get something wrong. Send us the answer or bring it in, and we will compare it with your actual policy and explain what applies in person.

Why choose Mark Quinnell State Farm, and can I call, text, or walk in with a coverage question?

You can call or text, or stop by during office hours at 107 W Third Street in downtown Northfield, one block off Division Street. This family agency has served Northfield since 1962, with Mark leading it since October 1986. Walk-ins are welcome, with parking in front and behind the building and no steps or stairs. The goal is simple: real answers from a local team that knows the community.