Michigan Car Insurance (No-Fault, Companies, & More)

Michigan is home to a number of famous staples: Yoopers in the UP, the once-bustling Motor City, and, of course, the Great Lakes. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or in for the long haul, the Wolverine State has something for everyone.

Researching car insurance and car insurance premiums takes a considerable amount of time. Not only do you have to look into Michigan’s best providers, but you need to compare their coverage, varying rates, and fine print.

The good news is that you don’t have to do the work alone. Our guide to Michigan’s car insurance ins and outs will help you find the most affordable rate for your lifestyle. You can even use our FREE online tool to start comparing Michigan car insurance rates in your area.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the car insurance policies that make Michigan tick.

Michigan Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

When it comes to car insurance, it’s best to start with the basics. Michigan has a variety of coverage options and rates available to residents that you can peruse at your leisure.

Don’t worry about making your way through that data on your own. We’ve done the bulk of research on Michigan’s car insurance scene for you. With our help, you’ll be able to find the best provider for you.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Michigan

Every state has its own version of minimum liability coverage that residents are required to have to drive legally on the road. Michigan has its own perimeters that differ from the norm because it is a no-fault state.

In no-fault states, drivers who get into an accident are all individually responsible for their expenses after the accident takes place.

With that cost responsibility in mind, the state of Michigan requires all of its drivers to carry a minimum of 20/40/10 insurance. That breakdown comes out to:

• $20,000 of coverage for bodily injury or death for a single person in a car accident
• $40,000 of coverage in total for the bodily injury or death of the owner of a vehicle
• $10,000 of coverage for property damage per accident as caused by the person who owns the vehicle

You are also required by state law to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

You can optionally consider carrying Personal Injury Protection and Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay) in addition to the aforementioned minimum liability coverage.

Forms of Financial Responsibility

If you get pulled over while driving in Michigan, you’re going to need to provide the attending law enforcement representative with proof of financial responsibility, or proof of insurance. Proof of financial responsibility in Michigan consists of:

• A no-fault insurance certificate
• Your insurance card

If you’re not able to show a law enforcement representative proof of insurance, you could face a $50 fine and the revocation of your license and registration.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

Every year, you’re going to need to save up to pay for your car insurance. That amount of money is considered a percentage of your income. The size of that percentage is based on how much money you bring home after taxes on a yearly basis.

In Michigan, the average resident brings home $36,419.00 per year. Full coverage in Michigan costs an average of $1,350.58. That cut comes up to 3.71 percent.

Core Coverage

Of course, the percentage of income you have to put aside for car insurance will vary based on the kind of insurance you invest in. Take a look at the table below to see what kind of averages you should expect to see, based on the different types of coverage you can choose from:

Additional Liability

Loss ratios will also impact the rate you should expect to work with, once you commit to a car insurance provider. But what is a loss ratio, exactly?

A loss ratio describes the amount of money that a car insurance provider stands to lose when filing a claim compared to the amount of money that they stand to gain from earned premiums.

Higher loss ratios mean that car insurance providers are likely to pay out on the claims you file, but they also mean that the car insurance provider may not be as financially stable as you might like.

Comparatively, a lower loss ratio means that a car insurance provider is less likely to pay out on your claim, but that they’re more financially secure than other providers.

Ideally, you want to work with a car insurance provider who’s loss ratio is between 60 and 80 percent.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

You can explore additional, optional coverage by considering the add-ons below:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-as-You-Drive (Usage-based Insurance)

Male Versus Females Rates

There are several different myths surrounding men, women, and car insurance rates. Some argue that men have to pay more for their car insurance, whereas others argue that women are charged more on a yearly basis. Take a look at the table below and see how rates divvy up:

As you can see, it’s age, more than gender, that impacts the rates that a car insurance provider will make available to you. Teenagers, in particular, have to pay more for car insurance than any other demographic of drivers.

Cheapest Rates by ZIP Code

Location also has a significant impact on car insurance rates. The table below shows which ZIP codes have the cheapest rates in Michigan.

Michigan also has some of the most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S. Most of these zip codes are located in Detroit.

Cheapest Rates by City

Since the ZIP codes are clustered in a few cities, we want to broaden our analysis and look at the rates by cities. Let’s start with the cheapest car insurance rates by city.

The next table shows the most expensive rates by city.

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Best Michigan Car Insurance Companies

Now that you have a better idea of Michigan’s base insurance requirements, let’s dive into the providers who operate in the state. In this section, we’ll help you sort through your provider options. We’ll also continue to explore the different factors that may raise or lower your car insurance premium.

The Largest Companies’ Financial Ratings

A.M. Best annually assesses the credit ratings of several car insurance providers across the United States. The company then releases a report detailing the financial stability of its assessed providers. As you can see in the table below, Michigan’s providers have fairly strong ratings:

The lowest rating on this list is Automobile Club MI Group’s A-, which is still fairly high, considering A.M. Best’s ranking system.

Companies with the Best Ratings

J.D. Power also assesses Michigan’s car insurance providers, but not in terms of their credit. Instead, the J.D. power report below details each provider’s company service rating:

As you can see, State Farm is the best ranking, Big Ten insurance provider of all the ones operating in Michigan.

Companies with the Most Complaints in Michigan

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of gossip? With that in mind, let’s dive into the number of complaints the larger car insurance providers in Michigan have received over the years:

Largest Companies in Michigan

Who are the big dogs in Michigan’s car insurance market? Let’s break down the market shares and loss ratios of the larger car insurance providers so you can determine who’s sitting pretty on your list of potential partners:

Cheapest Companies in Michigan

Different companies also have different policies, when it comes to cost. USAA, for example, consistently charges Michigan drivers less than its peers:

Commute Rates by Company

Some car insurance providers will charge you more for your insurance if you have a long commute to and from work. Take a look at the table below to see how the numbers change, based on your provider and yearly miles driven:

Coverage Level Rates by Company

Naturally, the amount of coverage you want to invest in is going to change the rate your car insurance provider is able to offer you. Take a look at the table below to see how your rate will change based on your preferred form of car insurance:

As you might have guessed, the more insurance you want to invest in, the more you’re going to have to pay.

Credit History Rates by Company

Your credit history is a reflection of your ability to pay back debts you owe to other people or organizations. Your car insurance provider of choice is going to want to know that you’ll be able to afford their premiums. As a result, they’ll take a look at your credit to determine whether or not you’ll be a strong financial partner:

The table above shows you just how significantly a poor credit history can impact your available premiums. It’s much more affordable to purchase car insurance coverage when you have good credit than it is when you have poor credit.

Driving Record Rates by Company

Your driving record reflects your ability to follow a state’s roadway legislation and keep other drivers safe. Naturally, car insurance providers are going to take your history into account before awarding your coverage:

As you can see in the table above, a DUI can severely impact the car insurance premium a provider will be able to make available to you. Comparatively, a clean driving history will keep your insurance affordable.

Number of Insurers in Michigan

Michigan is home to two types of providers: domestic and foreign. Domestic providers are local car insurance providers, whereas foreign providers are providers who operate on a national scale. In Michigan, the number of carriers breaks down as follows:

• Domestic – 65
• Foreign – 786

Michigan Driving Laws

When you first get your driver’s license, you’re expected to develop a basic understanding of the legislation that holds your state’s roadways together. As you get more familiar with the rules of the road, though, it can be easy to forget some of those laws.

Here, we’ll go over the most important rules and regulations that control the roads in Michigan. With this information under your belt, you’ll not only be able to navigate the roads more safely, but you’ll better understand the different ways legislation can impact the premiums car insurance providers are able to offer you.

Car Insurance Laws

Car insurance laws in every state must comply with the fair competition standards established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Even so, the rules of the road will vary based on the state you’re driving in. Let’s take a look at Michigan’s car insurance laws so you can get a better idea of the rules you need to work with.

Windshield Coverage

The state of Michigan does not have legislation in place that requires car insurance premiums to cover glass repair or to offer drivers no-deductible windshield replacement. That said, car insurance providers may choose, on their own, to provide drivers with access to this kind of coverage through their comprehensive plans.

Car insurance providers in Michigan are also able to provide drivers with access to aftermarket parts if they’re looking to replace their windshields after an accident.

Drivers will be able to work with provider-affiliated repair shops or separate repair shops. However, car insurance providers are not required to cover the whole of a repair performed at a non-partnered repair shop, and drivers will be responsible for making up the difference.

High-risk Insurance

If you have a spotty driving history, you may have to seek out high-risk insurance. High-risk insurance, or an SR-22, is a type of insurance that high-risk drivers are required to add to their existing coverage after a conviction or similar punishment.

You may be required to get an SR-22 if you’ve received any of the following:

• DUI conviction
• Reprimand for driving without insurance
• Reprimand for driving with a suspended license
• Reprimand for leaving the scene of an accident

Low-cost Insurance

Michigan makes its Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility available to drivers who have a difficult time getting affordable car insurance. High-risk drivers will be able to use this program to drive legally on the road.

Drivers can seek out discounts to make the cost of insurance more bearable. Be sure to ask your provider of choice if you or your family are eligible for any of the following discounts:

• Accident-free Discount
• Affiliation Discount (this would be any discounts through your employer, school, team, etc.)
• Anti-theft Discounts (i.e. if you have alarms, tracking systems, etc on your vehicle)
• Auto-pay Discounts (if you were to set up automatic payments from checking — some providers refer to it as a Paper-saving Discount)
• Good Student Discount
• Homeowner’s Discount
• Multi-car Discount
• Green/Hybrid Car Discount (if you own/lease a hybrid or electric vehicle)

Be sure you shop around in order to find the best coverage for you that is equally cost-effective.

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Automobile Fraud in Michigan

It’s difficult to commit insurance fraud by accident.

That said, the insurance industry sees 10 percent of its operating costs go to enduring fraudulent claims or accounts over the course of a year.

There are two different types of automobile fraud.

• Hard fraud sees a driver deliberately falsifying a claim or faking an accident in order to receive compensation
• Soft fraud sees a driver padding a claim or misrepresenting accident information to an insurance provider

Soft fraud is the more common of these two types of fraud.

Even though you may think you’re just telling a white lie, soft fraud is considered a misdemeanor, and lying on your claim is considered a class five felony.

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitation describes the amount of time you have after an accident to file a claim with your insurance provider. In Michigan, you have three years after an accident takes place to file personal injury and property damage claims.

Vehicle Licensing Laws

You absolutely must license your vehicle if you want to drive legally in Michigan. The good news is that Michigan’s Secretary of State, courtesy of the Department of State, allows you to do so via an online portal.

This portal, known as ExpressSOS, helps you renew your license on an appropriate cycle, regardless of your age. You can also revisit and print out vehicle registration and insurance information, making it all the easier to stay out of trouble while on the road.

REAL ID

REAL ID is a phenomenon arriving in 2020. All Michigan drivers — and drivers throughout the United States — will need to have REAL ID to get on a plane, be the flight domestic or international.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

If you’re caught driving without insurance in Michigan, you could be in some serious trouble. The consequences for driving without coverage range from one-time fees to the long-term suspension of your driver’s license.

Take a look at the table below to see what kind of consequences you could face trying to save a buck without coverage:

Teen Driving Laws

The vast majority of teenagers are ready and raring to get behind the wheel of a car. However, teenagers must jump through a number of hoops in Michigan to receive a full license. Take a look at the table below to see what the different types of licenses in Michigan are and what limitations the state places on its new drivers:

License Renewal Procedures

There is no age cap on license renewal in Michigan. Every driver, regardless of their age, must renew their license on a four-year cycle. All drivers must also submit proof of adequate vision when submitting a renewal in person. However, drivers of all ages can also submit a renewal request online every other renewal cycle.

New Residents

If you’ve recently moved to Michigan, make sure you complete the following tasks within 20 days of your residency:

• Obtain a Michigan driver’s license
• Purchase an auto insurance policy
• Register your car with the local DMV

Rules of the Road

We’ve touched on legislation and the rules that’ll change the rates a car insurance provider will be able to offer you. What are the average rules of the road in Michigan, though, and how will they impact your daily commute?

Fault Versus No-fault

As mentioned, Michigan is a no-fault state. This means that, if you happen to get into an accident, no driver will be determined to be “at-fault” for the accident. In term, each driver will be responsible for any personal expenses that result as a consequence of the accident.

Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

Any child under three years of age needs to be in a child-appropriate seat while riding in your vehicle. After a child turns four, they’ll need to be in a booster seat. This requirement holds until the child in question turns seven or until they surpass 57 inches in height.

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

If you are driving more slowly than the posted speed limit, or if you are not looking to pass a car in front of you, then Michigan law dictates that you must remain in the right-hand lane of the applicable interstate.

You must also move over for vehicles that have their lights flashing, regardless of whether or not they’re clearly marked as emergency vehicles. These vehicles include but are not limited to:

• Police cruisers
• Ambulances
• Firetrucks
• Tow trucks
• Recovery vehicles

Speed Limits

Take a look at the table below for Michigan’s maximum speed limits, as broken down by road type:

Ridesharing

The rise of Uber and Lyft have made it easier than ever for people to get to the places they need to go. These companies have also created a new industry for drivers across the United States. If you currently work with either company or one of their competitors, or if you’ve thought about using your vehicle for a job before, you’ll need to get ridesharing insurance.

Safety Laws

Michigan establishes much of its roadway legislation to better keep drivers on the road safe. This drive has led the Michigan Department of Transportation to create programs like Driving Change Bicycle Safety and the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

That said, what kind of laws have the state established to account for drivers’ behavior while on the road?

DUI Laws

Michigan has instated OWI, or “Operating While Intoxicated” legislation throughout the state to discourage drivers from taking to the road after drinking. Take a look at the table below to see how Michigan deals with drivers who’ve been caught drinking and driving:

Distracted Driver Laws

It is not legal for drivers of any age to use a hand-held, wireless communication device while behind the wheel. The consequences for doing so range from a $100 fine to demerit points, if the behavior is repeated.

That said, drivers can talk on the cellphone while behind the wheel. It’s the act of texting and driving that is considered punishable by law.

Driving in Michigan

With laws and legislation out of the way, let’s touch on the dangers of driving in Michigan. Every year, the state sees more than its fair share of fatalities. With this information under your belt, you’ll have a better idea of what dangers to look out for, while on the road.

Vehicle Theft in Michigan

Every state sees vehicle theft. However, it’s not always sports cars that go missing. Take a look at the table below to see which vehicles are most frequently stolen in Michigan:

As you can see, Impalas and pickup trucks are more likely to go missing than Mustangs.

Vehicle Theft by City

There are also certain cities in Michigan that are more likely to see vehicle theft than others. Take a look at the table below to see which counties in Michigan are considered the most dangerous:

As you might have guessed, Michigan’s urban areas are more likely to see vehicular theft than its urban counties.

Roadway Fatalities in Michigan

We can prepare for all sorts of natural dangers while on the road. However, it’s often impossible to predict how other humans will behave while on the road. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how drivers in Michigan have behaved over the past several years, so you know what to keep an eye out for a while driving.

Most Fatal Highway in Michigan

U.S. 31 is one of the most popular interstates in Michigan. It is also the interstate that sees the most fatalities over the course of a year. The interstate averages 11 annual fatal accidents.

Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Different weather and light conditions can impact the way that drivers are able to operate on the road. Take a look at how both factors cause fatalities across Michigan:

Traffic Fatalities

Location also impacts the likelihood of a car accident, as you can see in the table below:

Fatalities by Person Type

Person type is also likely to impact fatality statistics. “Person type” here refers to a person’s relationship to a vehicle as opposed to any other demographic statistics.

As you can see, passengers are the people most frequently involved in fatalities. Motorists are also high up on the list of potential fatality victims.

Fatalities by Crash Type

There are also specific crash types that most frequently result in fatalities:

Five-year Trend for the Top 10 Counties

The table below relays the top 10 counties in Michigan that happen to see the most accidents over the course of a year.

Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

We’ve all been tempted to speed at one point or another. Unfortunately, this seemingly-harmless behavior results in as many accidents as other forms of bad behavior on the road, as you can see below:

Speeding fatalities do not tend to appear in one part of Michigan more so than another. However, the consistency of these fatalities suggests that we should all take speed limits in the state a little more seriously.

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-impaired Driver

Despite Michigan’s straightforward DUI laws, a number of drivers still get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, as you can see in the table below:

Genesee County, in particular, sees more DUI fatalities than any other county in the state. That’s all the more reason to sleep your drinks off after a Sunday football game.

Teen Drinking and Driving

The above data does not account for the number of teenagers who get into fatal accidents while drinking and driving. You can take a look at the table below to see how many teenagers make this mistake:

EMS Response Time

The risk of roadway fatalities may make you feel apprehensive about driving through Michigan. The good news is that EMS in Michigan has an excellent response time. While response times will vary based on the location of your accident, EMS will typically arrive at the sight of an accident within 6-10 minutes.

That said, Michigan does not report that amount of time it takes EMS to move from the scene of an accident to a hospital. Even so, you’ll be in the care of medical professionals quickly, regardless of where you’re located in the state.

Transportation

We’ve touched on fatalities, car insurance premiums, and the different factors that may change your rate. But what does an average day on the road in Michigan look like?

Car Ownership

On average, drivers in Michigan keep two cars in their garage. As you can see, the number of households with one and three cars are about equal. You’ll see similar bell curves in most states across the nation.

Commute Time

The commute times in Michigan vary, but on average takes 23.5 minutes. This is less than the national average, which comes in at 25.3 minutes. Only a few Michigan residents — 1.89 percent — have to commit to the super commute, or commutes that last longer than 90 minutes, both ways.

Commuter Transportation

As you might expect, most Michigan drivers prefer to make their way to and from work on their own. That said, nine percent of drivers do carpool.

Traffic Congestion in Michigan

Though most drivers tend to make their way to work on their own, traffic is never too bad. INRIX released a traffic scorecard detailing the hours drivers lose to traffic on a yearly basis. None of Michigan’s cities made their way onto the list — not even Detroit, the old automotive capital of the United States.

And with that, you know everything there is to know about car insurance and car culture in Michigan. Want to get started rate shopping? You can enter your ZIP code into our FREE online tool to compare the rates available in your area.

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption