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Cheapest car insurance in Bay City, Michigan (Nov 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Bay City, Michigan.
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R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Bay City

On average, auto insurance in Bay City costs about $118 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance and about $199 per month for full coverage insurance. Bay City drivers pay -- 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 companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Progressive
$217
Derrick, 39
Zip: 48708
Mitsubishi Outlander SE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$64
Mabelle, 85
Zip: 48706
Chevrolet Impala 1LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$114
George, 53
Zip: 48708
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$100
Sallie, 58
Zip: 48708
Buick Century Custom
• State Minimum Liability
Bristol West
$219
Ada, 27
Zip: 48708
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Clas
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 19, 2024

Best Car Insurance Companies in Bay City

Jerry conducted the nation's largest insurance shopping survey to help you identify which auto insurance company offers the best rates in Bay City, 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 Bay City, but other car owners note that their rates increase swiftly as you increase your coverage levels.
Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Liberty Mutual
4.7
4.7
N/A
4.3
Safeco
4.7
3.7
N/A
4.7
Progressive
4.2
3.6
3.4
4.1
State Farm
4
3.1
4.3
4.2
Geico
4
3
N/A
3.8
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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 in Bay City, 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 Bay City

Whether you’re from
Detroit
,
Lansing
,
Ann Arbor
, or Bay City, 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, depending on your specific needs, you’ll likely want to consider additional coverage types—such as full coverage.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Bay City

Before legally driving your car, you’ll need to secure a policy meeting
Michigan’s minimum liability coverage requirements
You’ll often hear this referred to as 50/100/15 coverage. 
Check out these Bay City car owners who used Jerry to secure affordable minimum liability coverage.
card cover
Cole (32 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Equinox LT
$123
per month
card cover
Sallie (58 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48708)
carBuick Century Custom
$100
per month
card cover
Mayme (43 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48708)
carChevrolet Equinox LT
$109
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Bay City?

Most drivers in Bay City feel that the best car insurance policy 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 50/100/15 limit—especially if the other driver is seriously injured or the vehicle is totaled. 
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 Bay City

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.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$535
Johnny, 27
Zip: 48708
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Clas
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$114
George, 53
Zip: 48708
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$64
Mabelle, 85
Zip: 48706
Chevrolet Impala 1LT
coverageLast Updated Nov 19, 2024
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Average cost of car insurance in Bay City

Jerry has found that the average cost for minimum liability coverage is $118 per month or $1,420 per year in Bay City, Michigan. The average annual premium for full coverage is $2,386, totaling about $199 monthly.
Although average insurance rates can estimate your insurance expenses, it is important to understand that several factors determine individual drivers' insurance premiums. These factors include the type of vehicle, driving record, claims history, and demographic information, so the final insurance costs for each driver can vary.

Average cost of car insurance in Bay City by zip code

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. Insurance premiums can vary across zip codes, even within the same city. 
Explore how Jerry Insurance Agency assisted drivers in Bay City to meet their insurance requirements.
Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
48706
$103
$115
48708
$82
$142

Car insurance quotes in Bay City by rating factors 

Bay City, 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.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Bay City?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Driving experience, gender, age, credit history, education, employment status, marital status, residential status.
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Occupation.
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in Bay City:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bay City 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:

Cheapest car insurance in Bay City 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 TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Nationwide
$75
Lawrence, 37
Zip: 48706
Nissan Sentra
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
Speeding 6-10
Progressive
$48
Glenn, 30
Zip: 48706
Volkswagen Beetle
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 20, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Bay City 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. 
Jerry has assisted several Bay City drivers secure affordable auto insurance rates following a DUI.
card cover
Eleanor (40 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48708)
$73
per month
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Alta (37 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48707)
$61
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Bay City 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 Bay City car insurance rates to increase dramatically.
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With No Injury
Progressive
$162
Leon, 27
Zip: 48706
Jeep Cherokee Limited
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Bristol West
$289
Elmer, 60
Zip: 48708
RAM 1500 BIG Horn/lone Star
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Safeco
$79
Leonard, 36
Zip: 48708
Chevrolet Trailblazer
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 23, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Bay City 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 Bay City.
We’ve given you a list of different driving violations and how we helped Bay City drivers find ways to save on their car insurance despite these infractions.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Driving on Sus. License
Bristol West
$88
Caleb, 25
Zip: 48706
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 22, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bay City 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 Bay City 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.
As such, teens who drive newer cars should opt for full coverage insurance for better financial protection.
card cover
Nora (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Avalanche K1500
$104
per month
card cover
Mike (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48708)
carToyota Camry
$137
per month
card cover
Chester (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carHonda Civic EX
$125
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Bay City 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
.
See how we helped senior drivers in Bay City find affordable car insurance.
card cover
Lina (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Aveo LS
$81
per month
card cover
Mabelle (85 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Impala 1LT
$64
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bay City 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.
We have successfully helped numerous customers who are currently without insurance or have experienced a lapse in coverage in finding opportunities to save on a new policy.
card cover
Viola (32 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Equinox LT
$123
per month
card cover
Hunter (57 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48708)
carBuick Century Custom
$100
per month
card cover
Bernice (52 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48708)
carChevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
$114
per month
card cover
Gerald (25 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Equinox LT
$88
per month
card cover
Blake (25 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBay City, MI
(Zip Code: 48706)
carChevrolet Equinox LT
$88
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bay City 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 Bay City.
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
660 - 750
Progressive
$81
Franklin, 27
Zip: 48706
Ford Ecosport S
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Bristol West
$88
Margaret, 25
Zip: 48706
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• State Minimum Liability
550 - 659
Bristol West
$289
Joel, 60
Zip: 48708
RAM 1500 BIG Horn/lone Star
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
Progressive
$123
Lillian, 32
Zip: 48706
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 21, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Bay City

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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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

People living in Bay City pay on average $118 per month – or $1,420 per year – on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Bay City costs on average $199 per month or $2,386 per year.
With car insurance though, there’s no such thing as average. It is important to know that car insurance varies greatly based on a driver’s individual situation. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay on insurance. Luckily, Jerry is here to take the hassle out of insurance shopping! At the click of a button, Jerry will help you compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers. Best of all, it’s 100% free.
The state-minimum car insurance in Bay City, Michigan is as follows:
  • $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
These coverages are commonly referred to as 50/100/25 coverage.
Based on thousands of Bay City drivers Jerry has worked with, car insurance in Bay City costs an average of $118 per month for state-minimum coverage and $199 per month for full coverage.
No single insurance company has the cheapest insurance for everyone, but by shopping for insurance quotes, you can find the cheapest insurance company for you. Jerry takes the hard work and the waiting out of insurance shopping – generating you quotes with the best coverage and best prices in seconds, 100% free. Try Jerry Today!  
Shopping for the best coverage at the best price is important, but customer service may play a role in what insurance company you pick, too. Amica, Farmers, and The General receive good ratings from Bay City drivers, based on the largest car insurance survey in the nation conducted by Jerry.
Learn more about how fellow car owners rate various insurance companies and get free quotes in seconds with Jerry.

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.

Meet our Experts

avatar
R.E. Fulton
badge icon
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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.
avatar
Lina Zhang
badge icon
Licensed Insurance Agent
badge icon
Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just 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.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
Head Of Insurance Operations
badge icon
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*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.