Is Car Insurance Cheaper in Michigan or Arizona?

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By Kristine Lee

Updated September 22, 2023

Edited By Ross Martin

Comparing auto insurance in Michigan and Arizona

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:

Insurance rate comparison
Insurance rates by coverage level
Cheap companies by state
Rates by city
Additional resources

Michigan vs. Arizona car insurance — average rates

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.

CAR INSURANCE RATES IN MICHIGAN VS. ARIZONA

State	Average Annual Rate
Michigan	$2,694
Arizona	$1,357

Average car insurance prices by coverage level

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.

AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS — STATE MINIMUM COVERAGE IN MICHIGAN vs. ARIZONA

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.

CAR INSURANCE RATES — FULL COVERAGE IN MICHIGAN vs. ARIZONA

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

Cheap auto insurance companies in Michigan and Arizona

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.

CHEAP AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES IN MICHIGAN

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.

CHEAP AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES IN ARIZONA

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.

Car insurance rates by city in Michigan and 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.

AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY CITY IN 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.

AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS BY CITY IN ARIZONA

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.

More resources: moving from Michigan to Arizona

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:

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.

Car Insurance Comparison: Michigan vs. Arizona

Kristine Lee

Ross Martin