The best car insurance in Michigan

Michigan drivers pay an average of $2,377 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy, making it one of the most expensive states in the U.S for car insurance.

Costs also vary widely depending on where in Michigan you are — in Detroit, the average rate for a full coverage policy is $5,357 per year while Grand Rapids drivers pay just $2,138 a year for the same coverage. Policygenius can show you quotes from top companies, so you can find the coverage you need at the best rates for you.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Michigan

Since Michigan is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, it’s extra important for Michigan drivers to compare rates from multiple companies before choosing a policy. The cheapest company for one driver may not always be the cheapest for another, so be sure to take time to shop around.

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Michigan

Teens and young drivers pay the most for car insurance, and in an already-pricey state like Michgan, rates for young drivers can be sky-high. But don’t worry, as long as you maintain a clean driving record, rates should fall as you age and gain experience.

Choosing the right car insurance company in Michigan

Buying car insurance can seem daunting, but it’s a lot easier if you break it down into key factors to consider while you shop.

• Cost: Look at the rates offered by each insurer to see which is the lowest — the only way to be sure you’re getting a good deal is to compare multiple options

• Coverage: The more coverage you get, the better protected you’ll be, so see which company offers you the highest coverage limits at the lowest rates

• Service: In addition to cost, compare customer service and claims satisfaction ratings to make sure you’re choosing a company that will be there for you when you need them

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Michigan

The more tickets and accidents you have on your record, the higher your rates will be. Drive with care, avoid accidents, and stay within posted speed limits if you want a better rate on your car insurance. 

If you already have a spotty record, be sure to shop around to find the companies that will still offer you affordable rates.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Michigan

In many states, companies are allowed to consider your credit score as one of many factors when calculating your car insurance rates. The lower your credit score, the more you’ll pay. The good news is that other factors, like age and claims history, are usually more important than credit score.

Car insurance costs in Michigan cities

The number of accidents and claims in your city, as well as rates of car theft and vandalism and repair costs, all affect how much you’ll pay.

Here are the average annual car insurance rates in the 10 largest cities in Michigan.

• Detroit: $5,357

• Grand Rapids: $2,138

• Warren: $3,454

• Sterling Heights: $3,016

• Lansing: $2,215

• Ann Arbor: $2,195

• Flint: $2,995

• Dearborn: $4,092

• Livonia: $2,438

• Troy: $2,817

Buying car insurance in Michigan

Michigan law requires every driver to have car insurance. The minimum amount of coverage required is: 

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $50,000

• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $100,000

• Property damage liability coverage: $10,000

• Personal injury protection: Required level depends on health insurance 

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Optional

Michigan is somewhat unique in that drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers your injuries after an accident. PIP is required in all no-fault states, but in Michigan, the exact amount of PIP you need depends on your health insurance coverage, and some qualifying drivers may be able to decline PIP coverage. 

How to get cheap car insurance in Michigan

There are a few basic tips for making sure you’re getting the most affordable rates on your car insurance.

• Drive safely: Keep accidents and driving violations to a minimum for a better rate

• Watch your credit: A higher credit score means lower car insurance rates, so make payments on time and pay down debts when you can

• Compare quotes: Compare policies before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best rates available 

• Know your discounts: Most car insurance companies offer a range of discounts, for everything from paying your policy in full to being a safe driver to getting good grades, so make sure you’re getting the savings you qualify for

• Bundle policies: Get your auto and home or renters insurance through the same company and save on both 

Find car insurance in your city:

• Best car insurance Detroit

• Best car insurance Flint

• Best car insurance Lansing

Methodology

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.