Moving from Michigan to Arizona? Remember to update your car insurance.
If you're planning an interstate move from Michigan to Arizona, you are probably focused on the major expenses and concerns: finding a trustworthy long-haul moving company, getting somewhere to live in your new locale, and physically moving across state lines.
Amid all the stress, it's easy to overlook some details. Car insurance is one of these details, but it’s critical. To remain on the right side of the law, you’ll need to update your insurance policy — or find a new one — when you move between states.
Read our guide to auto insurance in Michigan vs. Arizona to streamline your move. We'll cover the following topics:
Expect to pay less for car insurance in your new state. The usual annual car insurance rate in Arizona is $1,337 more affordable than the cost in Michigan. Keep in mind this cost depends on your coverage level, driving and insurance history, and your auto insurance company.
| State | Average Annual Rate |
| Michigan | $2,694 |
| Arizona | $1,357 |
How much you can expect to pay for an auto policy depends on how you use your vehicle and what level of coverage you want.
With state minimum liability coverage, you’ll most likely carry bodily injury, property damage liability, and medical payment coverages, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection in some states.
| State | Time Period | Premium |
| Michigan | Annual | $1,368 |
| Arizona | Annual | $513 |
| Michigan | 6-Month | $684 |
| Arizona | 6-Month | $257 |
| Michigan | Monthly | $114 |
| Arizona | Monthly | $43 |
Choosing full-coverage car insurance will cost more, but you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with collision and comprehensive coverages, as well as perks like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance protection. The main benefit of full coverage auto insurance is that it protects you and your vehicle better than does minimum liability car insurance. If you're motivated to protect your vehicle, consider full coverage.
| State | Duration | Premium |
| Michigan | Annual | $2,336 |
| Arizona | Annual | $1,263 |
| Michigan | 6-Month | $1,168 |
| Arizona | 6-Month | $632 |
| Michigan | Monthly | $195 |
| Arizona | Monthly | $105 |
A primary determinant of your auto insurance costs is the auto insurance company you choose. Underwriters set premiums in a variety of ways, resulting in substantial variations in pricing. Your location matters, too: some insurance companies only sell policies within limited geographic windows, while bigger insurance companies' rates differ by state.
When moving across state lines, you should look to find the best cheap car insurance company in your new state. Get your research started below by viewing the five most affordable car insurance companies in Michigan and Arizona.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Annual Rate |
| SAFECO | $368 |
| USAA | $968 |
| GEICO | $1,013 |
| MetLife | $1,337 |
| Chubb | $1,400 |
See other cheap auto insurance companies in Michigan.
| Insurance Company | Average Annual Rate |
| The Hartford | $536 |
| SAFECO | $561 |
| Auto-Owners | $906 |
| Travelers | $1,097 |
| USAA | $1,102 |
See more inexpensive auto insurance companies in Arizona.
Though car insurance is legislated at the state level, underwriters price rates by ZIP code to account for local factors such as density and the likelihood of a crash. The location to which you relocate will play a big part in deciding your car insurance rates.
The below tables show auto insurance rates in major cities in Arizona and Michigan.
| City | Average Annual Rate |
| Detroit | $4,911 |
| Grand Rapids | $2,230 |
| Warren | $3,356 |
| Sterling Heights | $2,984 |
| Lansing | $2,415 |
Check out a more comprehensive list of Michigan cities here.
| City | Average Annual Premium |
| Phoenix | $1,243 |
| Tucson | $1,083 |
| Mesa | $1,136 |
| Chandler | $1,104 |
| Glendale | $1,202 |
Looking for another city's data? View other Arizona cities here.
When you relocate from Michigan to Arizona, you'll face new driving laws, different SR-22 or FR-44 requirements, and more. Make sure your move goes smoothly with The Zebra's collection of information on your new state: