Here's what you need to know when driving in Michigan
The average car insurance rate in Michigan is $2,639 per year — 73% higher than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Michigan car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.
Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Michigan based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.
The best car insurance companies in Michigan
Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 895 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the North Central region.
State Farm came in third place in The Zebra Customers Satisfaction Survey and scored an 851 on J.D. Powers' 2021 auto study.
As a Michigan-based insurer, Auto-Owners Insurance received a score of 842 out of 1000 in the J.D. Power 2021 auto study.
- Michigan is the 2nd most expensive state for auto coverage on average
- The top-rated insurer in Michigan is USAA
- The cheapest major car insurance company in Michigan is GEICO
The cheapest car insurance companies in Michigan
These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.
The cheapest rates are from GEICO at $1,061 annually, or $88 per month.
If you have a DUI on your record, check out USAA (if you qualify) or Progressive for the cheapest average rates.
If you have a recent at-fault accident on your record, check out USAA (if you qualify) or Auto-Owners for the best rates.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,061 |
| USAA | $1,108 |
| Progressive | $1,946 |
| Farmers | $2,632 |
| State Farm | $3,527 |
| Bristol West | $3,951 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Michigan auto insurance laws
Car insurance is required in nearly all states, including Michigan. Limits for the legal minimum coverage level are higher than in most other states, leading to a yearly rate of about $1,190. Minimum coverage in Michigan is 121% more costly than the nationwide average.
Minimum coverage in Michigan is 121% more costly than the nationwide average.
State minimum coverage
In Michigan, the state minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
Liability:
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $100,000 per accident
- Property Damage $10,000 per accident (in another state)
Personal Injury Protection:
As of July 2020, the state of Michigan has changed the required amounts of PIP coverage. The following options are now available:
- Unlimited
- $500,000
- $250,000
- $50,000 (lowest option available for Medicaid recipients)
- Opt-out (available only for those with qualifying health care plans)
Property Protection Insurance:
- $1,000,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Michigan (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Limited Property Damage
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
If you opt for a higher level of car insurance coverage, you can select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, insuring against the costs of car-vs.-car collisions, theft, or weather incidents. Better insurance comes at a price: in Michigan, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $2,385, 100% more than the minimum insurance coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay $2,750.
Note: As of July 1, 2021, Michigan's new no-fault reform law stipulates that insurance companies are no longer obligated to pay for more than 56 hours per week of family-provided in-home care. In addition, rehabilitation providers will only be reimbursed at 55% of what they were in 2019 for any services outside of medicare.
In Michigan, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $2,385, 100% more than the minimum insurance coverage.
The Zebra's guide to Michigan car insurance laws
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Michigan with our helpful guide.
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies.
Michigan car insurance premiums by rating factor
Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Michigan.
Cheap auto insurance in Michigan for minimum coverage only
Unlike in many states, minimum coverage in the state of Michigan offers a reasonable amount of protection to you as a driver. Still, going with minimum coverage only may still leave your vehicle at risk. If you would like to get an idea of average rates for Michigan minimum coverage, check out the table below.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $333 |
| GEICO | $597 |
| Progressive | $954 |
| Farmers | $1,325 |
| State Farm | $1,927 |
| Bristol West | $2,116 |
Cheap auto insurance in Michigan with bad credit
Credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Most carriers see those with lower credit scores as being higher risk, meaning you are almost guaranteed to pay more for coverage. On average, Michigan drivers with exceptional credit pay 76% less per year than those with poor credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,739 |
| USAA | $2,207 |
| Progressive | $3,514 |
| Bristol West | $6,305 |
| Farmers | $6,846 |
| State Farm | $10,793 |
Cheap auto insurance in Michigan with an at-fault accident
Your driving history can have a huge impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use your driving record to help inform your rates, meaning that any prior at-fault accidents could cause your car insurance rates to increase to as much as $3,881 per year.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having cheaper rates, some insurers offer a safe driving discount. The amount may vary based on your company, but it usually ranges between 5 and 10%.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,555 |
| Progressive | $2,690 |
| GEICO | $2,723 |
| Farmers | $3,676 |
| State Farm | $3,946 |
| Bristol West | $5,544 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Michigan
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay much higher auto insurance rates than average, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Inexperienced drivers are seen as being higher risk, meaning that teen drivers could pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Michigan, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $7,178 per year — over twice as much as a typical Michigan driver.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $2,653 |
| USAA | $2,974 |
| Progressive | $8,884 |
| State Farm | $9,789 |
| Bristol West | $10,272 |
| Farmers | $11,958 |
Michigan auto insurance rate by violation
In Michigan, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably go. The amount of increase depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
See below average auto insurance rates in Michigan after a few common citations.
Michigan DUI laws
In Michigan, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium to an average of $6,160. That’s 149% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Michigan
If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Michigan, it’s important to consider each of your insurance options carefully. Auto insurance rates following a DUI can vary substantially from one insurer to another. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Michigan, USAA is likely to have the most affordable rates, followed closely by Progress. The priciest insurer after a DUI in Michigan is State Farm, with prices 33% above the state average.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,988 |
| Progressive | $2,213 |
| Farmers | $3,510 |
| Bristol West | $4,709 |
| GEICO | $7,029 |
| State Farm | $8,192 |
There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.
Michigan SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Michigan to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Michigan might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.
How to obtain an SR-22 in Michigan
Currently insured?
If you currently have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 is relatively easy. Phone your insurer ask them to file a SR-22 request on your behalf. If your current auto insurance company refuses to request an SR-22 certificate, you’ll need to shop for a new policy with a new insurance company.
Uninsured drivers
When filing for car insurance, you might face an up-front fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request form and to cover your more risky driving profile. Needing an SR-22 could disqualify you from being insured by some carriers, while others would be happy to cover you.
For drivers who don’t own a vehicle
Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.
For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a car, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before asking for an SR-22. A non-owners policy is often less pricey than traditional coverage since it doesn't insure against physical damages to your car.
Find an affordable policy in Michigan in minutes!
Rates by city
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in St. Joseph, Michigan and the most expensive in Detroit, Michigan.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Michigan's biggest cities.
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | $1,986 |
| Lansing | $2,078 |
| Sterling Heights | $2,853 |
| Warren | $3,252 |
| Detroit | $4,726 |
Car insurance price trends in Michigan
In Michigan, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $104 in the past year. A typical Michigan driver pays an average of $2,639 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Michigan leans toward less expensive car insurance costs. From 2017 to 2018, rates went up by over $1,000. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have jumped in the past few years, jumping from $1,437 in 2017 to $1,529 in 2021.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Michigan | Yearly Change — Michigan | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2,639 | $104 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $2,535 | -$571 | $1,483 | -$61 |
| 2019 | $3,106 | $222 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $2,884 | $1088 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,669 | $155 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,514 | -$63 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,577 | $323 | $1,276 | $82 |
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Michigan car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Michigan auto insurance.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.