Cheapest car insurance in Detroit, Michigan (Nov 2024)

Written by Amy Bobinger and 1 other
Nov 25, 2024
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Cheapest car insurance in Detroit, Michigan (Nov 2024)

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Detroit Car Insurance: Quick Facts
  • The average cost of minimum liability coverage in Detroit, Michigan is $268 a month.
  • Detroit’s average minimum liability cost is about 127% higher than the Michigan state average of $118 a month.
  • The average cost of full coverage in Detroit, Michigan is $468 a month.
  • Detroit’s average full coverage cost is about 138% higher than the Michigan state average of $197.

Detroit is known worldwide as the Motor City thanks to its importance in the early days of automotive history. You might expect it to be a haven for vehicle owners—but heavy traffic and severe winter weather mean Detroit frequently finds itself on lists like US News & World Report’s “10 Least Safe US Cities for Driving.”1

These hazardous conditions may also contribute to Detroit’s higher-than-average car insurance rates—minimum liability coverage costs around 127% more than the Michigan average, and full coverage costs about 138% more.

Fortunately, you may still be able to save on your Detroit car insurance costs by comparing quotes with an insurance broker like Jerry.

Cheapest car insurance quotes in Detroit

On average, auto insurance in Detroit costs about $268 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance and about $468 per month for full coverage insurance. Detroit drivers pay more than the Michigan average.

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

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Bristol West $550 41 48221 Dodge Caliber R/T State Minimum No
Bristol West $167 33 48204 Chevrolet Equinox Lt State Minimum No
Bristol West $439 40 48227 Chevrolet Hhr Lt State Minimum Yes
Bristol West $108 34 48213 Chevrolet Traverse Ls State Minimum No
Bristol West $183 42 48234 Cadillac Escalade Esv State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Best car insurance companies in Detroit

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

We spoke to more than 15,000 policyholders in 50 states about 87 insurance providers.

The results? 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 Detroit, but other car owners note that their rates increase swiftly as you increase your coverage levels.

Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims ExperienceCustomer service
Liberty Mutual4.74.7N/A4.3
Safeco4.73.7N/A4.7
Progressive4.23.63.44.1
State Farm43.14.34.2
Geico43N/A3.8

How’d we vet 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 in Detroit, 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.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Detroit

Whether you’re from Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or Detroit, every Michigan driver is legally required to carry minimum liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and property protection insurance (PPI).

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Detroit

Before legally driving your car, you’ll need to secure a policy meeting Michigan’s minimum liability coverage requirements.

  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability per person
  • $100,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 in property damage liability per accident

You’ll often hear this referred to as 50/100/15 coverage.

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Detroit?

Most drivers in Detroit feel that the best car insurance policy will include more than the state minimum coverage.

Most drivers in Detroit feel that the best car insurance policy will include more than the state minimum coverage.

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

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Detroit

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.

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

Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
State Minimum No Bristol West $550 41 48221 Dodge Caliber R/T
State Minimum No Bristol West $167 33 48204 Chevrolet Equinox Lt
State Minimum Yes Bristol West $439 40 48227 Chevrolet Hhr Lt
State Minimum No Bristol West $108 34 48213 Chevrolet Traverse Ls
State Minimum No Bristol West $183 42 48234 Cadillac Escalade Esv
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Average cost of car insurance in Detroit

Jerry has found that the average cost of minimum liability car insurance in Detroit is about $268 a month or $3,216 a year. The average cost of full coverage insurance in Detroit is about $468 a month or $5,619 a year.

Overall, annual car insurance costs in Detroit are significantly more expensive than both the state and national averages.

Coverage typeDetroitMichiganUnited States
Full coverage$5,619$2,359$1,984
Minimum coverage$3,216$1,413$927

Looking at the average insurance rates for Detroit can prepare you to pay higher premiums, but there are a number of factors that influence your car insurance costs, so what you actually pay could be higher or lower than these numbers.

Why are car insurance rates so high in Detroit?

Here are some factors that may lead to higher auto insurance costs in the Detroit area:

  • Winter weather: Detroit experiences the full force of severe winter weather. Icy roads and heavy snows can make driving dangerous, and insurance companies often respond with higher premiums in areas where drivers face these hazards.
  • Heavy rush hour traffic: Detroit’s major roadways get pretty congested during peak hours. More cars on the roadway means more of a chance to get into an accident, especially if frustration over slowdowns leads to more road rage incidents.
  • Motor vehicle theft rates: Detroit car thefts rose by 45% in 2022.2 Insurance companies have to pay more (and more expensive) comprehensive claims in areas with more frequent theft rates, and car insurance costs go up in these areas as a result.
  • No-fault insurance laws: While a 2019 law repealed Michigan’s requirement that all drivers carry unlimited personal injury protection (PIP), drivers can still opt to include unlimited PIP on their coverage, which may increase average rates.3
  • Uninsured drivers: According to the Insurance Information Institute, Michigan ranks second in the nation for uninsured drivers, likely due at least in part to the state’s high cost of insurance.

But even if Detroit-area car insurance costs are higher than average, you still might be able to save. Comparison shopping is the fastest and easiest way to find the lowest rates available to you—especially if you use an online broker like Jerry. The Jerry app compares rates from over 55 top-rated insurance companies, then sends the best offers right to your phone.

Car insurance quotes in Detroit by rating factors

Detroit, Michigan car insurance companies consider several factors when calculating your premium, including:

  • 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 city drivers than rural drivers. Different ZIP codes within the same city may also 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 to commute to work or have higher annual mileage, insurance companies may charge higher premiums than leisure usage.
  • Credit score: Drivers with higher credit scores typically pay less for the same coverage—it’s considered an indicator of financial responsibility.

It’s important to note that these factors can vary among insurance providers, so we recommend using an online comparison tool or app to get personalized quotes based on your specific circumstances.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Detroit after driving violations

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

Some of the most common traffic violations that can increase your car insurance rates include:

  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At fault accidents
  • Reckless driving

Cheapest car insurance in Detroit after 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)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $167 33 48204 Chevrolet Equinox Lt State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $463 39 48213 Dodge Journey Crossroad State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $590 36 48228 Dodge Journey Sxt State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $271 25 48221 Ford Taurus Sel State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $295 46 48228 Chevrolet Malibu 3Lt State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Detroit after DUI

A Michigan DUI violation typically leads to a higher increase in car insurance rates than 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.

Cheapest car insurance in Detroit after an at-fault accident

Your car accident or claim history is a crucial element that significantly impacts 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 Detroit car insurance rates to increase dramatically.

Accident type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
At Fault With No Injury Progressive $319 30 48204 Chevrolet Cruze Lt State Minimum No
Not At Fault Progressive $303 55 48223 Dodge Journey Gt 100/300 Yes
Not At Fault Bristol West $162 41 48238 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lared State Minimum No
At Fault With No Injury Bristol West $244 49 48228 Ford Edge Limited State Minimum Yes
At Fault With No Injury Bristol West $460 28 48214 Buick Verano State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 5, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Detroit after other driving violations

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

We’ve given you a list of different driving violations and how we helped Detroit drivers find ways to save on their car insurance despite these infractions.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Felony Bristol West $183 42 48234 Cadillac Escalade Esv State Minimum No
Ticket Violation Not Listed Bristol West $992 57 48219 Mercedes Benz Glc 300 4Matic State Minimum Yes
Ticket Violation Not Listed Bristol West $498 28 48224 Kia Soul State Minimum No
Other Minor Bristol West $353 29 48219 Jeep Liberty Sport State Minimum No
Failure to show documents Bristol West $586 35 48234 Hyundai Elantra Se State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Detroit by age

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

Cheapest car insurance in Detroit for young drivers

Teen drivers in Michigan typically pay the highest insurance rates out of any age group in the state. Thanks to a higher likelihood of teenagers being involved in accidents compared to other age groups.

Cheapest car insurance in Detroit for senior drivers

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

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.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Detroit based on insurance history

Your insurance history—how long you’ve been continuously insured—plays a crucial role in determining your car insurance rates.

Driving without insurance deems you a high-risk driver, and insurers want to know you’ve maintained continuous insurance for the duration you have been driving. Having a gap in your insurance coverage, regardless of the reason, 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.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Detroit 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 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).

If your credit score isn’t up to par, Jerry can still help you find savings on car insurance in Detroit.

Credit Range
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
550-659 Bristol West $550 41 48221 Dodge Caliber R/T State Minimum No
550-659 Bristol West $167 33 48204 Chevrolet Equinox Lt State Minimum No
660-750 Bristol West $439 40 48227 Chevrolet Hhr Lt State Minimum Yes
550-659 Bristol West $108 34 48213 Chevrolet Traverse Ls State Minimum No
550-659 Bristol West $183 42 48234 Cadillac Escalade Esv State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

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)
Age
Zip Code
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Chevrolet Silverado K2500Hd Bristol West $158 38 48235 State Minimum No
Chevrolet Silverado C1500 Cust Progressive $311 46 48235 State Minimum Yes
Toyota Corolla Progressive $546 40 48205 State Minimum No
Nissan Rogue S Progressive $409 34 48238 State Minimum No
Chevrolet Silverado C1500 Cust Bristol West $588 46 48235 State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

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


How to lower car insurance costs in Detroit

1. Shop around and compare quotes

You won’t know you’ve found the best deal without comparing auto insurance quotes. Try to shop for car insurance quotes with at least three different providers every six months.

If you want to comparison shop in minutes with just a few taps, download Jerry. You’ll receive the most competitive quotes in Detroit that’ll take the guesswork out of your hunt for cheap rates.

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

A great car insurance discount is the difference between dreading your monthly bills and… well, not celebrating them, but maybe tolerating them. Take a look at these programs to lower your rates:

  • Good driver discounts: You’re due for some savings if you’ve held a clean driving record for at least three years.
  • Telematics device discounts: Telematics devices reward calm and mellow driving habits over hard braking and speeding.
  • Good student discounts: College and high school students with a B average or better can save money on car insurance.
  • Insurance bundle discounts: You could save money if you bundle your home and auto insurance products from the same provider.

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

Increasing your deductible is an easy way to reduce your monthly payment without sacrificing coverage.

Why is car insurance in Detroit so expensive?

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 Detroit?
  • What is the cheapest car insurance in Detroit?
  • What is the best car insurance in Detroit?
  • What is the minimum car insurance in Detroit, Michigan?

Sources

  1. https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/safest-least-safe-cities-for-drivers-study ↩︎
  2. https://www.wxyz.com/news/new-stats-show-detroit-car-thefts-rose-45-in-2022 ↩︎
  3. https://www.iii.org/sites/default/files/docs/pdf/born_klein_michigan_no-fault_paper_public_4-3-2023.pdf ↩︎
MEET OUR EXPERTS
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Amy Bobinger

Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.

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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.


*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.

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.