Cheapest Car Insurance in Michigan (Nov 2024)

Written by R.E. Fulton and 2 others
Dec 2, 2024
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Michigan (Nov 2024)

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How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Michigan

Securing an affordable car insurance policy is a great way to keep your auto-related expenses as low as possible. However, there’s no singular “cheapest” car insurance provider for every driver. To make sure you’re getting the best price for customized coverage, carefully compare auto insurance quotes from various companies before choosing your favorite.

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Bristol West $513 Cornelia, 28, Inkster, MI Ford Fusion Se State Minimum Yes
Progressive $134 Gregory, 40, St. Clair Shores, MI Ford F-150 State Minimum Yes
Progressive $911 Jordan, 31, Grand Rapids, MI Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit State Minimum Yes
Progressive $113 Marc, 42, Charlotte, MI Ford F-150 State Minimum Yes
Bristol West $161 Irene, 47, Pontiac, MI Dodge Ram 1500 State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

Cheapest car insurance companies in Michigan

To help you identify which auto insurance company offers the best rates in Michigan, Jerry conducted the nation’s largest insurance shopping survey.

The conclusion? There’s simply no best or cheapest car insurance company for every driver—instead, your rates are highly individualized.

Many drivers report that Travelers offers some of the lowest rates in Michigan, but other car owners note that their rates increase swiftly as you increase your coverage levels.

Nationwide, State Farm, Progressive, GEICO, and Allstate are some of the most popular Michigan auto insurance companies. Just take a look at what their customers had to say about these insurance options.

Insurance companyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
ProgressiveOctober 30, 20245“My rate was already great to begin with, but 3 days after starting my policy I received an email that they were lower…(read more)
-Eddie
USAAOctober 27, 20243“Charges higher rate for an old car. But they are the best I got since I didn’t shop for insurance much”
-Derrick
Bristol WestOctober 23, 20245“I went to Bristol at first because they were the most affordable but since then they’ve been an awesome company and g…(read more)
-Josephine
DirectAutoOctober 23, 20243“They really screwed me over when they gave out the 400 per insured viechle on people’s policies …. they canceled mi…(read more)”
-Sally
AAAOctober 20, 20243“This is a great insurance company. I liked the prices and the benefits.”
-Francis

How’d we get these scores?

Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to find the cheapest rates, try using a car insurance comparison app or website.

Jerry is a top-rated insurance agency that offers a straightforward app that auto owners can use to shop for car insurance and explore their motorist coverage options. Moreover, Jerry provides end-to-end service—helping you register for your new policy and even canceling your old one on request.

Minimum car insurance requirements for liability and full coverage in Michigan

Whether you’re from Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or somewhere in between, every Michigan driver is legally required to carry minimum liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and property protection insurance (PPI). However, you’ll likely want to consider additional coverage types—such as full coverage—depending on your specific needs.

Cheapest minimum liability coverage in Michigan

Before you can legally drive your car, you’ll need to secure a policy that meets Michigan’s minimum liability coverage requirements.

This includes $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, $100,000 per accident, and $10,000 of property damage liability coverage.

You’ll often hear this referred to as 50/100/10 coverage.

Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in Michigan?

Most drivers in Michigan conclude that the best car insurance policy for them will include more than the state minimum coverage.

If you cause a collision, you could be responsible for medical bills and vehicle repairs that greatly exceed the 50/100/10 limit—especially if the other driver is seriously injured or the vehicle is totaled.

The bottom line: To ensure you’re fully protected, you should consider 100/300/100 liability coverage—even if you opt out of collision and/or comprehensive coverage.

Cheapest full coverage Michigan auto insurance quotes

But what happens if you’re injured, or your vehicle is damaged in an accident? That’s where full coverage car insurance comes in.

Full coverage auto insurance includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

  • Collision coverage will help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your accident-damaged vehicle.
  • Comprehensive coverage pays for damage as the result of vandalism, environmental causes, and even theft.

If you purchase your vehicle using an auto loan, your loan provider will likely require that you purchase full coverage car insurance.

Take a look at the affordable full coverage policies that Jerry users secured.

Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
State Minimum Yes Bristol West $513 Cornelia, 28, Inkster, MI Ford Fusion Se
State Minimum Yes Progressive $134 Gregory, 40, St. Clair Shores, MI Ford F-150
State Minimum Yes Progressive $911 Jordan, 31, Grand Rapids, MI Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit
State Minimum Yes Progressive $113 Marc, 42, Charlotte, MI Ford F-150
State Minimum Yes Bristol West $237 Norman, 34, Detroit, MI Chevrolet C1500 Suburban Ls
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in Michigan

Data shows that Michigan drivers pay an average monthly rate of $163 for liability-only policies (or $1,960 a year) and $188 per month (or $2,252 per year) for full-coverage policies.

Although average insurance rates can provide an estimation of your insurance expenses, it is essential to understand that individual drivers’ insurance premiums are determined by several factors. These factors include the type of vehicle, driving record, claims history, and demographic information. Therefore, the final insurance costs for each driver can vary significantly based on these considerations.

Michigan car insurance: Additional coverages

Believe it or not, car insurance doesn’t stop with full coverage. Other valuable add ons include but are not limited to:

  • Medical payments
  • Personal injury protection (PIP)
  • Uninsured motorist / underinsured motorist
  • Towing and labor (roadside assistance)
  • Rental reimbursement coverage

We highly recommend Michigan gap insurance for anyone who has a loan out on a recently-purchased vehicle. Gap insurance will cover you if you still owe more than what your car is valued at, in the event that your vehicle is totaled or stolen.

If you frequently rent or borrow vehicles instead of leasing or owning, non-owner car insurance is a great idea. This offers you liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage if you’re in an at-fault accident, but won’t cover damage to the vehicle you’re driving or pay to tend to your personal injuries.


Learn more: Types of insurance


Car insurance premium by rating factors

Factors that can impact your Michigan insurance rates include:

  • Driving record and claims history: Insurance providers may charge higher rates if your Michigan driving record shows a history of accidents or traffic violations.
  • Location: Rates tend to be higher for drivers residing in cities compared to rural areas. Additionally, different ZIP codes within the same city may have varying insurance rates.
  • Vehicle type: Luxury cars, high-performance vehicles, and sports cars generally have higher insurance costs for collision and comprehensive coverage.
  • Usage of the vehicle: If you use your car for commuting to work or have a higher annual mileage, insurance companies may charge higher premiums compared to leisure usage.
  • Credit score: Drivers with higher credit scores typically pay less for the same coverage as it is considered an indicator of financial responsibility.

It’s important to note that these factors can vary among insurance providers, so it’s advisable to contact insurance companies directly or use online comparison tools to get personalized quotes based on your specific circumstances.

How to find cheap Michigan car insurance if you’re a high-risk driver

Your driving history plays a significant role in determining your auto insurance quotes. If insurance companies observe a track record of violations, they consider you to be a higher risk driver, resulting in higher insurance rates being charged.

Cheapest car insurance for Michigan drivers with a speeding ticket

Speeding violations can be categorized into different degrees based on the extent of the speed limit exceeded. These categories typically include speeding 1-5 MPH over the limit, 6-10 MPH over the limit, 11-15 MPH over the limit, 16-20 MPH over the limit, and speeding over 21 MPH over the limit.

A moving violation will almost always impact your car insurance rates, but Jerry has successfully helped drivers with varying speeding tickets keep their rates as low as possible.

Speeding Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $74 Victoria, 54, Marine City, MI Jeep Compass Trailhawk State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Major Progressive $152 Seth, 23, Grand Rapids, MI Buick Park Avenue State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $131 Corey, 29, Grand Blanc, MI Subaru Crosstrek Premium State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $117 Theodore, 28, East Lansing, MI Gmc Envoy State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $93 Virginia, 34, Mulliken, MI Gmc Terrain Sle State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

How to find cheap Michigan auto insurance after a DUI

A Michigan DUI violation typically leads to a higher increase in car insurance rates compared to other violations.

If you have a DUI offense on your record, insurance rates can vary significantly among different insurance companies. It may be necessary to compare rates from multiple insurers to find the cheapest options after a DUI.

Jerry has assisted numerous drivers in securing affordable auto insurance rates following a DUI.

Michigan SR-22 insurance

If you have been involved in a serious violation, such as a DUI, it is possible that you will need to fulfill a legal obligation known as an SR-22 filing. An SR-22 is a document provided by insurance companies to demonstrate that you possess the minimum liability insurance as mandated by Michigan law.

There are other circumstances where Michigan SR-22 filings may be necessary as well, including when your driving privileges have been suspended following a car crash or if you have been convicted for not having motor vehicle liability insurance on multiple occasions.

Cheapest Michigan auto Insurance after an at-fault accident

Your car accident or claim history is one of the crucial elements that significantly impact car insurance rates.

Insurance companies carefully assess your previous at-fault accidents to evaluate the level of risk you pose as an insured individual. If you have been involved in a recent at-fault accident, it is possible for your car insurance rates to dramatically increase.

Accident Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Not At Fault Progressive $134 Gregory, 40, St. Clair Shores, MI Ford F-150 State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $911 Jordan, 31, Grand Rapids, MI Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $175 Pearl, 49, Rockford, MI Buick Encore Preferred State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Bristol West $314 Max, 32, Lansing, MI Hyundai Accent Se State Minimum Yes
At Fault With No Injury Bristol West $139 Claudia, 37, Ypsilanti, MI Chevrolet Impala Ls State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

  • Is Michigan an at-fault state?

Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Michigan

Aside from speeding tickets and DUIs, other violations like reckless driving and driving on a suspended license can also result in increased car insurance costs in Michigan.

We have curated a list of different driving violations and how we assisted drivers in finding ways to save on their car insurance despite these infractions.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Ticket Violation Not Listed Progressive $482 Eula, 27, Redford, MI Buick Encore Preferred State Minimum Yes
Driving on Sus. License Bristol West $248 Vernon, 23, Madison Heights, MI Ford Escape Se State Minimum Yes
Driving on Sus. License Progressive $92 Rosalie, 38, Livonia, MI Ford Escape S State Minimum No
DUI Bristol West $67 Verna, 42, Bay City, MI Ford F250 Super Duty State Minimum No
Following too Closely Progressive $112 Tom, 23, Gregory, MI Ford F-150 State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

Cheapest Michigan auto insurance based on insurance history

Your insurance history plays a crucial role in determining your car insurance rates. It involves whether you are presently insured or not.

Typically, having a gap in your insurance coverage results in higher car insurance rates. To assist our customers in making timely insurance payments and avoiding coverage lapses, Jerry sends payment reminders to eligible customers. These reminders are sent when a payment is approaching or if a customer has fallen behind on their payments.

We have successfully assisted numerous customers who are currently without insurance or have experienced a lapse in coverage in finding opportunities to save on a new policy.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit

In Michigan, it’s illegal for car insurance companies to use your credit history to set your rates, deny your application, or raise your premiums on renewal. However, drivers with poor credit might still find that they pay higher rates due to related factors, such as insurance history and claims filing.

According to our data, the national average car insurance premium for individuals in the highest credit bracket (over 750) is approximately 20% higher than the average cost for individuals with lower credit scores (under 550).

Credit Score
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
550-659 Bristol West $513 Cornelia, 28, Inkster, MI Ford Fusion Se State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $134 Gregory, 40, St. Clair Shores, MI Ford F-150 State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $911 Jordan, 31, Grand Rapids, MI Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit State Minimum Yes
550-659 Bristol West $161 Irene, 47, Pontiac, MI Dodge Ram 1500 State Minimum No
<550 Bristol West $166 Calvin, 20, Ferndale, MI Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

Cheapest Michigan car insurance by age

Insurance rates for new drivers are notably steep owing to their limited driving experience. However, as individuals reach the age of 25, their insurance rates tend to decrease. Conversely, car insurance costs tend to rise again once individuals reach the age of 75.

Cheapest Michigan car insurance for young drivers

Teen drivers in Michigan typically pay the highest insurance rates out of any age group in the state.

Teenagers who own newer cars should opt for full coverage insurance as it provides better financial protection. This recommendation is based on the higher likelihood of teenagers being involved in accidents compared to other age groups.


Learn more: The best cheap car insurance for teens


Cheapest Michigan car insurance for senior drivers

Once individuals reach their mid-70s, car insurance rates begin to increase. This trend can be attributed to several factors that contribute to higher insurance costs for seniors.

Older drivers have a heightened vulnerability to accidents and are more prone to sustaining severe injuries in the event of a collision. Consequently, insurance providers incur significant medical expenses and experience elevated costs, leading to higher car insurance rates for seniors.

How to find car insurance discounts in Michigan for your motor vehicle

The vehicle you choose significantly influences your car insurance premiums. Various factors related to the type of car impact insurance costs, such as repair or replacement expenses, the probability of theft, and the overall safety performance of the vehicle.

Some of the most popular vehicles in the Great Lake State include:

  • Honda Civic
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Ford Bronco
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Toyota Corolla
Popular Car
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Nissan Rogue Select S Progressive $173 Mabelle, 55, Kalamazoo, MI State Minimum Yes
Nissan Rogue S Bristol West $171 Harvey, 39, Saint Joseph, MI State Minimum No
Toyota Corolla L Progressive $294 Victoria, 21, Gaylord, MI State Minimum Yes
Toyota Corolla Ce Bristol West $67 Brett, 28, Lansing, MI State Minimum No
Nissan Rogue S Bristol West $627 Esther, 53, Madison Heights, MI State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?

Generally, insuring a new car tends to be more costly compared to an older car. Based on our findings, the average annual cost of full coverage insurance for a car over 10 years old in Michigan is about 22% less than the average cost of insuring a vehicle that is less than 4 years old.

How to find cheap car insurance in Michigan in your city

Insurance companies consider various factors when calculating your car insurance premium, one of which is the location where you store your vehicle.

Insurance costs can differ based on population density, accident rates, crime statistics, and weather conditions. Even within the same city, insurance premiums can vary across different zip codes.

Explore how Jerry Insurance Agency assisted drivers in various cities across Michigan in meeting their insurance requirements.

City
Customer
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Inkster Cornelia Bristol West $513 Ford Fusion Se State Minimum Yes
St. Clair Shores Gregory Progressive $134 Ford F-150 State Minimum Yes
Grand Rapids Jordan Progressive $911 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit State Minimum Yes
Charlotte Marc Progressive $113 Ford F-150 State Minimum Yes
Pontiac Irene Bristol West $161 Dodge Ram 1500 State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 10, 2024

How to lower the cost of car insurance in Michigan

Jerry’s team of licensed insurance agents provides valuable recommendations for reducing your car insurance expenses. Here are some common strategies they suggest:

  1. Shop around and obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare prices.
  2. Bundle your car insurance with homeowners insurance to get a discount.
  3. Explore potential car insurance discounts for which you may be eligible, such as good student discounts, good driver discounts, low mileage discounts, and discounts for vehicle adaptations like anti-theft devices.
  4. Consider raising your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage.
  5. Work on improving your credit score, as it can positively impact your insurance premiums.
  6. Enroll in a defensive driving course, which can lead to lower insurance rates.
  7. Evaluate the possibility of dropping collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars.

Why is car insurance so expensive in Michigan?

The cost of car insurance in Michigan can be higher due to several factors, including:

  • Crowded cities: Cities with a high population density tend to have more traffic congestion and a higher probability of accidents, resulting in increased insurance premiums.
  • Uninsured drivers: The presence of uninsured drivers on the roads can pose financial risks for insurance companies, leading to higher overall insurance costs for everyone.
  • Expensive healthcare: The cost of healthcare in Michigan can impact insurance premiums, as medical expenses associated with accidents and injuries are factored into coverage costs.
  • More highway traffic: Michigan has a relatively higher density of highways, which can contribute to an increased frequency of accidents and subsequently drive up insurance rates.
  • Rate of car thefts: Areas with a higher incidence of car thefts can lead to increased insurance costs, as insurers compensate for the higher risk of vehicle loss or damage.
  • High risk of natural disasters: Michigan is prone to natural disasters such as severe storms and floods, which can cause significant damage to vehicles. This increased risk contributes to higher insurance premiums.

Considering these factors, it’s not uncommon for car insurance in Michigan to be relatively expensive compared to other regions.

FAQ

  • How much is car insurance in Michigan?
  • What is the average cost of car insurance in Michigan?
  • Who has the best cheap car insurance in Michigan?
  • What is the minimum car insurance required in Michigan?
  • Can you get car insurance without a license in Michigan?
  • Do you need insurance to register a car in Michigan?
  • Can your car get towed for no insurance in Michigan?
  • Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Michigan?
  • What does full coverage car insurance consist of in Michigan?
  • Can you have out of state car insurance in Michigan?
  • What is the cheapest car insurance in Michigan?
  • Is PIP required in Michigan?
  • Can you have both PIP and MedPay in Michigan?
MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
R.E. Fulton
  • Licensed Insurance Agent

R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Lina Zhang

Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.

Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.

Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.

Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Insurance research

We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).

We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.

For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.

Team

The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.