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Best Car Insurance In Michigan

Geico offers the most affordable full-coverage car insurance in Michigan at $134 per month on average, while the cheapest minimum coverage comes from USAA for $38 per month.

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12/23/2023 04:47 PM

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Key Points: 

  • Michigan is one of the most expensive states in the nation for auto insurance coverage. The average cost of full coverage in the state is $3,384 per year, while the national average is $1,968.
  • While Michigan car insurance rates are higher than average, your driving history, age, provider discounts, and other factors influence what you pay.
  • Michigan is a no-fault state and has more complex insurance laws than most other states.
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Are you looking for the best car insurance options in Michigan? Our team researched the ins and outs of Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, state minimum required coverage, and cheapest auto insurance providers on average. Read on to find out which company we think offers the best car insurance in Michigan.


Car Insurance In Michigan: Overview

Auto insurance laws in the state of Michigan are some of the most complex in the country. This is because Michigan’s no-fault laws require specific coverages and don’t allow drivers to make claims against other drivers’ insurance companies in the case of an accident. These complicated laws and required coverages make Michigan car insurance far more expensive than the national average.

However, if you shop around for car insurance and compare quotes from multiple top providers, you might be able to find affordable Michigan car insurance.


Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Michigan

What you pay for car insurance coverage will vary based on several personal factors. For our cost research, we use the profile of a 30-year-old, unmarried man with good credit and a clean driving record who drives a 2020 Honda CR-V. 

According to our rate estimates, Geico offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates in Michigan with an average monthly rate of $134 and annual rate of $1,609 for full coverage. USAA, Auto-Owners, and Progressive are also affordable providers in the state.

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Cost EstimateAverage Annual Cost Estimate
Geico$134$1,609
Progressive$146$1,754
Auto-Owners$153$1,835
USAA$155$1,862
Frankenmuth$250$3,002

Cheapest Minimum-Coverage Insurance In Michigan

If you don’t want to pay for a full-coverage policy, you may decide to stick with the state-required minimum car insurance, which is liability insurance. Our research shows that USAA offers the most affordable liability auto insurance rates in Michigan at $38 per month or $461 per year on average. However, the company’s insurance products aren’t available for all Michigan residents. Auto-Owners, Pioneer State Mutual Insurance, and Geico are also affordable for liability coverage.

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Cost EstimateAverage Annual Cost Estimate
USAA$38$461
Auto-Owners$48$574
Pioneer State Mutual Insurance$68$812
Geico$79$952
Progressive$109$1,305

Cheapest Michigan Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds

According to our rate estimates, Michigan car insurance providers charge young drivers substantially more for an auto insurance policy than adults. Here are the cheapest companies for 16-year-olds with their own full-coverage car insurance policies.

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Cost EstimateAverage Annual Cost Estimate
Auto-Owners$285$3,418
Geico$381$4,568
USAA$524$6,286
Michigan Farm Bureau$532$6,387
Frankenmuth$560$6,718

Cheapest Michigan Car Insurance With A Speeding Ticket

Insurance companies raise your rates for violations like speeding tickets. Based on our research, Progressive offers the best rates for drivers with a speeding ticket, costing an average of $175 per month or $2,098 per year for full-coverage insurance. Here are other providers we found that provide affordable car insurance for drivers with a ticket.

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Cost EstimateAverage Annual Cost Estimate
Progressive$175$2,098
USAA$222$2,665
Geico$300$3,603
Frankenmuth$387$4,644
Pioneer State Mutual Insurance$450$5,397

Cheapest Michigan Car Insurance With A Recent Accident

Even though Michigan is a no-fault state, having a recent at-fault accident on your record can cause your premium to spike. If you have an accident on your record, consider Progressive. Average rates from Progressive for drivers with a recent accident are $196 per month or $2,353 per year. See other affordable providers for drivers with an accident below:

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Cost EstimateAverage Annual Cost Estimate
Progressive$196$2,353
USAA$221$2,657
Auto-Owners$182$2,189
Pioneer State Mutual Insurance$324$3,892
Geico$350$4,209

Our Top Choices For Car Insurance In Michigan

Since Michiganders are already paying significantly more for coverage than those in other states, finding the best policy for the lowest price is ideal. We researched the best car insurance companies in Michigan and found the following to be the best choices based on overall customer satisfaction, ease of the claims process, and coverage quality.

Best Michigan Car InsuranceQuartz RatingAverage Full-Coverage Cost
1. Auto-Owners Insurance4.4$1,835
2. USAA Car Insurance4.5$1,862
3. Geico Auto Insurance4.5$1,609
4. Progressive Car Insurance4.5$1,754

*Not all providers were included in our cost estimate data per state. Also, you may notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in Michigan.


1. Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners Insurance has been covering drivers since 1916, and today the company provides insurance policies to nearly three million customers nationwide. Auto-Owners has 48,000 licensed agents across 26 states, and its headquarters are located in Lansing, Michigan.

Auto-Owners Insurance holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an A++ (Superior) rating with AM Best. It has been a Forbes 500 company for more than a decade and received national awards for its quality, employee treatment, and customer service. The company has a highly rated  mobile app that lets you check the status of a claim, view your insurance card, pay your bill, and more.

Auto-Owners offers all of the basic types of coverage, along with the following:

  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Gap coverage
Pros Local licensed agents throughout Michigan Helpful app Strong industry reputation
Cons You have to contact an insurance agent to get/file a quote

2. USAA

USAA car insurance is a great choice if you, your spouse, or one of your parents is a current or former military member. In our research, we found that the company offers reasonable prices and good customer service. Auto industry rating organizations like J.D. Power consistently give USAA high ratings. In fact, USAA received the highest score for the North Central region in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM.

USAA provides standard coverages as well as additional perks, including new car replacement, accident forgiveness, rental car reimbursement, towing, and glass coverage. USAA also has discounts for safe drivers and those who take driver training courses, plus discounts for active military personnel who store their vehicles while deployed.

Where USAA really shines is its customer service. This is an important consideration when taking into account the low marks of many providers when it comes to claims processing.

Pros Affordable rates and numerous discounts Good option for military members and young drivers A++ (superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons Only available for military members and their families

To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our USAA insurance review.


3. Geico

Geico received 4.5 out of a 5.0 stars in our nationwide review of the top insurance providers for its positive reputation, affordable prices, and comprehensive coverage.

Geico also has top ratings from car insurance industry experts with an A+ rating from the BBB and an A++ AM Best financial strength rating. These ratings indicate that Geico has reliable customer service and the financial means to pay out customer claims.

Geico is available nationwide and offers comprehensive coverage options at affordable rates. All Geico insurance policies come with the following benefits:

  • Roadside assistance
  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Accident forgiveness

Geico is also a leading provider of mechanical breakdown insurance, which protects you from having to pay the cost of select repairs after a mechanical breakdown.

Pros Superior financial strength rating and A+ rating from the BBB Many choices for coverage Available usage-based mobile app for potential discounts
Cons Average quotes experience

To learn more about this provider, read our review of Geico.


4. Progressive

Progressive received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars from our review team. The insurer has high ratings from industry experts with an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating its ability to reliably pay out claims.

Progressive offers some tools that could help you save money on the cost of car insurance:

  • Progressive Snapshot® Program: A usage-based safe driving program that operates through an app on your phone and monitors your safe driving habits to qualify you for discounts.
  • Name Your Price® Tool: Compare Progressive’s rates to other top insurance providers’ rates on the Progressive website when you get a quote to ensure you’re getting the best price possible.

See a breakdown of the pros and cons of Progressive below:

Pros One of the top auto insurers in the country Superior financial strength rating Great choice for high-risk drivers Several money-saving features and easy quote process
Cons Mixed customer service reviews

To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our Progressive insurance review.


The Basics Of Car Insurance

Each state has laws that govern the minimum requirements for car insurance. Essentially, every state requires some combination of these five basic coverage types:

  • Bodily injury liability (BI): This helps cover costs related to another person’s injuries if you cause a car accident.
  • Property damage liability (PD): This helps cover costs related to another person’s vehicle or personal property if you cause a car accident.
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury: If the motorist who caused the accident isn’t insured, you are covered for costs related to your injuries and the injuries of your passengers.
  • Uninsured motorist property damage: This coverage helps with costs related to damages to your vehicle if the motorist who caused the accident isn’t insured.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP, which is only offered in some states (and required in Michigan), helps cover your medical expenses in an accident and other costs incurred due to injury (i.e., lost income).

Michigan No-Fault Laws

Michigan is one of 12 states that requires some form of “no-fault” car insurance. In a no-fault state, your car insurance includes coverage for your medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses in the event of an auto accident regardless of who caused the crash. 

However, the Michigan no-fault insurance law is one of the most complicated and includes several irregularities:

  • Michigan works under a true no-fault system. That means you and your insurance company are responsible for all losses and expenses in the event of an accident, regardless of how the auto accident occurs. Instead, your deductible and other pre-insurance fees will vary based on who law enforcement deems to be at fault.
  • Filing a claim against another person’s insurance is rare. Because of these laws, your personal insurance will cover most or all damages and injuries in the event of an accident. This not only means that you’ll rarely (if ever) file claims against another person’s insurance, and that you likely can’t receive coverage for “pain and suffering” or other damages resulting from the accident.
  • PIP is required. Because of the no-fault law, Michigan requires that all motorists carry PIP coverage. While the state used to require unlimited PIP coverage, Michigan law changed in 2020 and now allows Michigan drivers to choose their own coverage level. Unlimited PIP insurance is still available to drivers who want it. The Michigan no-fault insurance requirements also include a property protection component (PPI).

Michigan Car Insurance Requirements

Before you can determine which company in Michigan has the best car insurance for you, you need to know what coverage is required. Here are the state minimum requirements for policies issued or renewed on or after July 2, 2020:

Insurance TypeRequired Coverage Amount
Bodily injury and property damage liability$20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
Property damage liability$10,000 per accident out of state
Personal injury protectionOptions of up to $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited coverage available
Property protection insurance$1,000,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverageOptional
Comprehensive and collision coverageOptional

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) Fee

Additionally, Michigan requires that all insured drivers pay a Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fee. As a result of the 2020 law change, the MCCA reimburses insurance companies for claims over $635,000. The only insured vehicles not required to pay the MCCA fee are vehicles in storage that only carry comprehensive car insurance.

Non-Insured Motorist Penalties In Michigan

Although Michigan doesn’t have an automatic program to track uninsured drivers, it does require that all car owners provide proof of insurance annually when renewing vehicle registrations and license plates. Additionally, all Michigan drivers are expected to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times.

If you cannot provide proof of Michigan auto insurance upon police request, you could be subject to the following penalties:

  • License suspension
  • Non-renewal of vehicle registration and license plates
  • $50 fine and other legal fees

What To Consider When Shopping For Car Insurance

When looking at your insurance options, it’s important to consider a few factors about yourself and potential providers. 

  1. Amount of coverage: Beyond state minimum coverage, it’s important to consider what kind of policy best fits your needs. For example, if you’re driving a brand-new car that’s still under an auto loan, you’ll likely need full-coverage car insurance that includes comprehensive and collision. Also, it’s important to note that no car insurance covers repairs needed in the case of a manufacturer defect. If you’d like these additional coverages, consider an extended car warranty
  2. Your driving record: Keep in mind that your driving history will significantly impact your insurance rates. If you have tickets, DUIs, or other violations on your record, your car insurance premiums will be higher.
  3. Available discounts: Many car insurance companies offer discounts for clean driving records, driver safety courses, and more. Also, if you own a home or need other types of insurance, consider choosing companies that offer policies for all of these things so you can potentially qualify for a multi-policy discount.
  4. Shopping around: Although you may want to remain loyal to a person or company you feel has treated you fairly, it’s always a good idea to compare multiple car insurance quotes and shop around for auto insurance every few years.
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Michigan Car Insurance: Our Take

Geico offers the most affordable full-coverage car insurance in Michigan at just $134 per month, while USAA’s average rate for minimum coverage insurance in Michigan is $38 per month. However, the best and most affordable provider for you will depend on your driving history, vehicle, and other factors. We recommend comparing quotes from Geico, USAA, Frankenmuth, and others before committing to a policy.


Best Michigan Car Insurance: FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions about the best Michigan car insurance:

How much does car insurance cost per month in Michigan?

According to our cost estimates, full-coverage car insurance costs $282 per month on average in Michigan. This is much more expensive than the national monthly average of $164.

How expensive is Michigan car insurance?

Our research shows Michigan as one of the most expensive states for auto insurance coverage. Our rate estimates show that the statewide average cost for full-coverage is $3,384 per year, while the national average is $1,968.

What are the best auto insurance companies in Michigan?

Our research experts found that the best cheap car insurance companies are Auto-Owners, USAA, Geico, and Progressive. These companies have comprehensive coverage options, strong industry reputations, and considerable perks for customers.


How We Rate Auto Insurers

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
  • Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.