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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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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…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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

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…

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

1st place medal
USAA

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.

2nd place medal
State Farm

State Farm came in third place in The Zebra Customers Satisfaction Survey and scored an 851 on J.D. Powers' 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Auto-Owners Insurance

As a Michigan-based insurer, Auto-Owners Insurance received a score of 842 out of 1000 in the J.D. Power 2021 auto study.

Key takeaways
  • 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.

GEICO logo
Cheapest full coverage: GEICO

The cheapest rates are from GEICO at $1,061 annually, or $88 per month.

usaa logo
Cheapest with a DUI: USAA

If you have a DUI on your record, check out USAA (if you qualify) or Progressive for the cheapest average rates.

USAA logo
Cheapest after an accident: USAA

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

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.


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.

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 million 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
car with blue windshield

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.

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.

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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 typically an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. However, insurers are no longer able to use credit scores as a rating factor.

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.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $2,176 0% $0
None $2,176 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $2,312 6% $136
One comp claim $2,329 7% $153
Two Med/PIP claims $2,335 7% $160
Two comp claims $2,433 12% $257
Driving without lights $2,544 17% $369
Child safety restraint $2,589 19% $414
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,597 19% $421
Failure to show documents $2,666 23% $490
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,679 23% $503
Driving with expired registration $2,685 23% $510
Cell phone violation $2,764 27% $588
Texting while driving $2,764 27% $588
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,767 27% $591
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,785 28% $609
Illegal turn $2,810 29% $634
Driving too slowly $2,816 29% $640
Failure to yield $2,823 30% $647
Speeding in school zone $2,839 30% $664
Failure to stop at a red light $2,871 32% $695
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,876 32% $700
Following too closely $2,936 35% $760
Improper passing $2,979 37% $803
Operating a vehicle without permission $3,044 40% $868
Passing school bus $3,091 42% $915
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,110 43% $934
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $3,194 47% $1,018
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,200 47% $1,024
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $3,233 49% $1,058
In 65 MPH zone $3,270 50% $1,094
Open container $4,039 86% $1,863
Driving with a suspended license $4,390 102% $2,214
Racing $5,816 167% $3,641
Reckless driving $6,027 177% $3,851
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $6,144 182% $3,968
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $6,160 183% $3,984
DUI $6,160 183% $3,984

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.

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!

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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.

MICHIGAN CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
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.

It is very difficult to find cheap insurance in Michigan. Our data shows GEICO with the cheapest rate at $1,061 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.

Major auto insurance reform legislation was implemented in 2019 to make rates more equitable for all Michigan drivers. This included significant changes to rating criteria. Auto insurers are now prohibited from using gender, marital status, home ownership, credit score, educational level, occupation and ZIP codes in setting rates.

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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 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.