Car Insurance in Michigan

  • GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage in Michigan.
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in MI from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+other top companies).
Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

About The Zebra's recommendations

The Zebra’s product features real quotes from some of the companies we review. However, our content and reviews are unbiased and never commissioned-based.

Reference our editorial standards or learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Author profile picture

Mark Friedlander

Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is the Director, Corporate Communications, at the Insurance Informatio…

Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Car insurance quotes in Michigan

Michigan is one of the most unique states for car insurance — and one of the priciest. The average auto insurance premium in Michigan is $1,239 per six month policy; that's 13% more expensive than the U.S. average.[1] GEICO offers the most affordable rates for Michigan drivers. 

While auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history, Michigan's insurance laws contribute to sky-high premiums. In fact, 35% of drivers in the Great Lake State believe they are paying too much for car insurance.[2]

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.

geico logo
Cheapest full coverage in MI
usaa logo
Cheapest liability coverage in MI
nationwide logo
Best customer service in MI
carrier logo placeholder
Best car insurance in MI — overall

Cheap full coverage insurance in Michigan

In Michigan, the average driver can expect to pay around $1,239 for a 6-month car insurance policy with $500 deductibles. 

It's no surprise that this is far more than what liability-only coverage costs (though Michigan's high limits make minimum coverage pricey, too). But, The Zebra recommends carrying comprehensive and collision coverage for most drivers. Full coverage insurance protects you against perils that minimum coverage will not — including  most car accidents, thefts, vandalism, or weather incidents.

Full coverage quotes in MI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $613 $102
USAA $767 $128
Auto-Owners $954 $159
Progressive $1,165 $194
Westfield $1,546 $258
State Farm $1,844 $307
Bristol West $2,369 $395

Source: The Zebra

USAA and GEICO are the winners for cheapest full coverage insurance in Michigan. Remember, USAA caters exclusively to members of the military and their families, so if you do not fall under this category, GEICO is the next-cheapest choice.

The majority of Zebra customers in Michigan have full coverage car insurance — 56%, in fact.[2] While more expensive, you're covered more fully in the event of an accident.

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

hunter profile pic
Agent insight

Hunter Black — Sales manager at The Zebra

Before July 2020, Michigan only allowed insurance providers to offer unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which added a significant cost to premiums. Since then, customers in Michigan have the ability to choose from one of six PIP coverage levels: Unlimited, $500k, $250k, $250k with exclusions, $50k, or you can opt out. The choice you make depends on your health insurance plan, but any one of the licensed agents at The Zebra can explain further and make sure we choose the best option for you and your family.

Learn more about Michigan's PIP levels after the 2020 reform ↓

Cost comparison: liability only vs full coverage in Michigan

Regardless of location, liability insurance is much less expensive than full coverage. This is because liability only covers the bare minimum for your vehicle. More protection comes with a higher price tag. In Michigan, full coverage is nearly double the price of liability coverage with most companies. See how average premiums stack up below.

Michigan liability vs full coverage rates by company

Updating data...

Company Liability coverage Full coverage
Westfield $230 $1,546
USAA $252 $767
Auto-Owners $299 $954
GEICO $315 $613
Progressive $451 $1,165
State Farm $939 $1,844
Bristol West $988 $2,369

Source: The Zebra

*Though included in other sections, Farmers Insurance does not have rates for liability-only insurance in the state of Michigan, so it has been omitted from this and the following table. 


Cheap liability insurance in Michigan

Unlike in many states, minimum coverage in the state of Michigan offers a reasonable amount of protection to you as a driver. Michigan minimum coverage laws are more robust than most states, and personal injury protection is also required. Still, it covers far less than a full coverage policy would.

The average 6-month premium for liability insurance in Michigan is $477 — 44% of Zebra customers opt for this level of protection[2]. Check out some average rates from top Michigan insurance companies below. 

Liability insurance quotes in MI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Westfield $230 $38
USAA $252 $42
Auto-Owners $299 $50
GEICO $315 $53
Progressive $451 $75
State Farm $939 $156
Bristol West $988 $165

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Search out these car insurance discounts

  • Payment methods: Advance purchase, electronic bill pay, pay-in-full
  • Driver discounts: Multi-policy bundling, multiple vehicles, safe driver, good student, homeowner, military
  • Vehicle discounts: New car, safety features, anti-theft devices
  • Telematics: Many of Michigan's top companies offer telematics programs that may help lower your premiums — GEICO's DriveEasy and Progressive Snapshot are just a few examples of telematics programs you could explore. 

Find the best coverage and price in Michigan with The Zebra

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

What are the best car insurance companies in Michigan?

We recognized GEICO as the top car insurance provider in Michigan, basing our decision on consumer feedback, third-party evaluations (J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), and specifics like discount offerings and coverage options. Here are the pros and cons of GEICO, along with other highly-rated companies in Michigan.

GEICO logo
Overall best car insurance company in Michigan — GEICO

In an otherwise expensive landscape, GEICO's affordable premiums and robust coverage options make it our overall pick for the best Michigan insurance company. According to J.D. Power and The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, GEICO has a decent customer service reputation for a large insurer.[3][4] AM Best gives GEICO a Superior score, indicating a strong ability to pay out claims.

Pros
  • Competitive auto insurance premiums

  • Robust coverage options, plus bundling capabilities

  • Online tools and mobile app offer on-the-go ease of use

Cons
  • Varying experiences with customer service

  • Hefty rate hikes after violations

Best car insurance companies in Michigan — honorable mentions

While GEICO topped our list, these companies also scored well. For this list, we used ratings from the J.D. Power auto insurance survey and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, which collected responses from 2,722 drivers to help us determine which companies were making customers happiest.

Best car insurance companies in MI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $767 $128
Auto-Owners $954 $159
Grange $1,555 $259

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Michigan?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Michigan
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 4+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Car insurance in popular Michigan cities

Michigan is home to many bustling cities, each with unique car insurance needs. Detroit in particular stands out with its rich automotive history and high vehicle ownership. More congested cities tend to see above average insurance rates. 

Among Michigan's most popular cities, Detroit is unsurprisingly the most expensive place for car insurance, whereas Grand Rapids offers more affordable premiums.

Auto insurance quotes in Michigan's biggest cities

Updating data...

City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Grand Rapids $1,127 $188
Lansing $1,197 $199
Sterling Heights $1,587 $264
Warren $1,858 $310
Detroit $2,619 $437

Source: The Zebra


Michigan auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

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 hike dramatically.

Best insurance companies in MI after at-fault accident

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $1,052 $175
Auto-Owners $1,114 $186
Progressive $1,346 $224
GEICO $1,586 $264
Westfield $1,990 $332
State Farm $2,080 $347
Bristol West $3,247 $541

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

While we all hope to never use our insurance, having a smooth experience when needed is essential. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we measured the satisfaction of those who filed claims. Grange stood out as the top choice, making it a strong contender for residents of Michigan.

Getting a ticket usually means your car insurance rates will go up. How much they increase depends on the violation, your insurance company's pricing, and local insurance rules. That's why tickets can affect your insurance differently in your state compared to the national average.

Michigan auto insurance rates by violation

Updating data...

Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,239 $0
None $1,239 $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,323 $84
Two Med/PIP claims $1,336 $97
One comp claim $1,338 $99
Two comp claims $1,392 $153
Driving without lights $1,474 $235
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,480 $241
Child safety restraint $1,502 $263
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,563 $324
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,570 $332
Following too closely $1,578 $339
Driving too slowly $1,579 $340
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,582 $344
Illegal turn $1,584 $346
Texting while driving $1,586 $347
Cell phone violation $1,586 $347
Failure to show documents $1,590 $351
Speeding in school zone $1,594 $355
Failure to yield $1,607 $368
Improper passing $1,616 $377
Driving with expired registration $1,622 $383
Failure to stop at a red light $1,643 $404
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,661 $422
Passing school bus $1,708 $469
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,746 $507
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,799 $560
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,799 $561
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,806 $567
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,837 $598
In 65 MPH zone $1,865 $626
Open container $2,234 $995
Driving with a suspended license $2,525 $1,286
Racing $3,110 $1,872
Reckless driving $3,349 $2,110
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,433 $2,195
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,545 $2,306
DUI $3,545 $2,306

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Michigan car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Violations like reckless driving or a DUI will require you to make changes to your insurance policy.

Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Michigan with our helpful guide. Or, see our brief explanations of how DUIs and SR22s affect your insurance below.

Michigan DUI laws

In Michigan, an OWI (operating while intoxicated) 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, an OWI 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 OWI 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.

Auto insurance rates in Michigan with a DUI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $1,330 $222
Progressive $1,423 $237
Auto-Owners $2,090 $348
Bristol West $2,808 $468
Westfield $3,312 $552
GEICO $4,111 $685
State Farm $4,329 $722

Source: The Zebra

There is no particular car insurer 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.

A closer look at Michigan's PIP requirements

Following Michigan's 2020 reform that allowed drivers to choose their level of PIP coverage, insurance companies were also made to offer premium reductions to policyholders for eight years.[5] Reduction amounts are based on the PIP level you select:

  • Unlimited PIP: At least a 10% reduction
  • $500,000 limit: At least a 20% reduction
  • $250,000 limit: At least a 35% reduction
  • $50,000 limit: At least a 45% reduction*

*$50,000 PIP limits are available only to recipients of Medicaid. Those with Medicare or other qualified health plans may choose to opt out of PIP coverage entirely.

Find an affordable policy in Michigan in minutes!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Michigan

In Michigan, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 pay $7,330 per year — which is almost $800 more than the national average and 196% higher than what a 30-year-old Michigan driver would pay.[1]

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in Michigan

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $1,565 $261
Auto-Owners $1,638 $273
USAA $1,795 $299
Westfield $3,821 $637
Progressive $4,602 $767
State Farm $5,156 $859
Bristol West $5,857 $976

Source: The Zebra

Average 6-month rates by age in Michigan from top companies
Filter by:

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners $1,712 $285
GEICO $1,797 $300
USAA $2,371 $395
Progressive $6,053 $1,009
Westfield $6,155 $1,026
State Farm $6,210 $1,035
Bristol West $7,640 $1,273

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Strategies for young drivers to lower premiums

  • Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.
  • Choose a less expensive car with good safety ratings and low repair costs over high-performance models.
  • Stay on a parent's policy to save money and benefit from their good insurance history.

Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Car insurance price trends in Michigan

From 2015 to 2024, auto insurance rates in Michigan experienced significant fluctuations due to state regulations, risk factors, and economic conditions. Between 2015 and 2018, rates steadily climbed because of Michigan's unique no-fault insurance system, which required unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, leading to higher claims costs. This trend continued into 2020, making Michigan one of the most expensive states for auto insurance, thanks to high rates of uninsured drivers and PIP system fraud.

In 2020, reforms were introduced to help cut costs by letting drivers choose their level of PIP coverage. This slowed the rate of increase a bit, and some people saw lower premiums. However, issues like fraud and high medical costs kept premiums high. By 2024, Michigan's auto insurance rates were still among the highest in the country, but the rate of increase had slowed down compared to previous years​​​​.

Car insurance costs in Michigan since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Michigan Yearly Change — Michigan
2024 $2,312 -$515
2023 $2,827 $651
2022 $2,176 -$463
2021 $2,639 $104
2020 $2,535 -$571
2019 $3,106 $222
2018 $2,884 $1088
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216
mark headshot
Expert insight

Michigan personal auto insurance affordability has improved markedly since the state enacted significant auto insurance reform in 2019. In 2022 (the latest year for which expenditure data is available), personal auto insurance expenditures accounted for 1.9% of the median household income in Michigan, a decline of 0.5 percentage points from the pre-reform peak. However, Michigan’s expenditure share remains higher than the percentage in the overall U.S. and 44 other states, due largely to its unique no-fault system and generous medical benefits.

Mark Friedlander — Communications Director, Insurance Information Institute

Further findings about car insurance trends in Michigan

Uninsured and underinsured motorists are both a symptom and cause of affordability issues. In 2019, Michigan had the highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country, with more than one in four motorists lacking the required liability coverage. The uninsured motorist rate in Michigan dropped five percentage points between 2020 and 2022.

In 2022, Michigan households spent $1,319 to insure each vehicle, nearly 20% above the national average. However, in the years since reform, expenditures have fallen in Michigan while increasing in almost every other state. From 2019 to 2022, the average expenditure for auto insurance in Michigan fell 12% compared with an increase of 5% in the U.S. overall.

Mark Friedlander — Communications Director, Insurance Information Institute


Michigan car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Michigan auto insurance.

The average auto insurance premium in Michigan is $1,239 per six-month policy. This is based on a standard user profile, so keep in mind that rates are dependent on a variety of factors like ZIP code, credit score and driving history.

Our data shows GEICO with the cheapest rate at $1,226 per year. Your best bet for finding insurance in Michigan is using our comparison tool to see local and national companies to compare rates.

The main reasons Michigan drivers pay so much for auto insurance are the high number of uninsured drivers, insurance fraud claims and the unlimited amount of PIP coverage required for bare minimum coverage.

In order to meet the state minimum auto insurance requirements in Michigan, you must carry $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 property damage coverage, as well as PIP in the amount you select (between $250,000 and unlimited).

Overpaying for car insurance? Compare quotes to discover how much you can save.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
Sources:
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

  5. Choosing PIP Medical Coverage. Michigan.gov

  6. Mark Friedlander. Personal Interview

RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN MICHIGAN

Other people are also asking...

In Michigan is there a grace period to get insurance on a vehicle when you buy it?

He would need to get insurance to before he drives the vehicle. There is no grace period in Michigan. If he already has insurance he would typically have 14 days to switch out the vehicle but he would need to check with his specific company. Good luck and if you have any questions, don't hesit…
Apr 5, 2019 Rogers City, MI

If I use my parents' house as my permanent address but live in an apartment, can I get renters insurance?

You would need to use the address of the apartment you are planning on renting. In the event of a claim, let's say a fire, your renters insurance provider will notice that the address listed on your claim doesn't match your policy paperwork. It's important to use the address where yo…
Jun 19, 2017 Lansing, MI

In a state of emergency, does my insurance company have to help me if I have flood damage but no flood insurance?

If your home and basement were damaged by water that wasn't attributed to an actual flood then you will likely be covered by your company. Unfortunately, the declaration of a State of Emergency doesn't mean that your policy applies any differently; especially since flood insurance is prov…
Jun 27, 2017 Midland, MI

Lying about the primary driver on a car insurance policy wrong

It is considered illegal to lie about who the listed primary driver is and who actually drives the car most frequently. Depending on the situation, it can either be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of insurance fraud, it will be extremely difficult to get insurance goin…
Jul 13, 2018 Detroit, MI

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 editorial 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.