Minnesota state law about vehicle total loss refund.?

The insurance company will pay the lien holder the payoff amount.

That's because the lender sends the insurance company the title in exchange for paying off the loan. The insurance policy has a loss payee clause that says the insurance company will protect the lenders interest in the vehicle. They do that by paying the lender for the total loss.

If there is any equity in the car, then that is paid directly to you. But the payoff amount is paid to the lender.

Lol. Whole blue book value? Good luck with that.

All states require the insurance company to pay the lender. Until the vehicle is paid off fully - the lender is the legal "owner" of the asset. Therefore, the insurance company must protect the interests of the title holder. It's not that they just "want" to - it's that they must.

There is an agreement between your lender and your insurance company. It's a condition that your lender places on your insurance company and you before financing your car. If the insurance company does not place your lender as first payee, the car won't be financed. Your lender is the first payee. Any money left is payable to you.

The lender is listed as the "loss payee" on the insurance policy. This would mean that the lender is paid directly in a total loss settlement, and you would receive any excess proceeds.