Michigan Car Insurance

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Michigan

Michigan, situated in the Great Lakes region of the United States, is a state renowned for its rich history and natural scenery. It derives its name from Lake Michigan and is encompassed by four of the five Great Lakes. The state boasts a variety of cities, including the largest city in the state, Detroit, and Ann Arbor, which is home to the University of Michigan. MI offers a unique gastronomic experience with its seafood, such as Lake Michigan whitefish, and dishes like the Coney Island hot dog and Detroit-style pizza.

Michigan takes pride in its cultural heritage, which is showcased through numerous museums, art galleries, and music festivals. Popular attractions for tourists include the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Mackinac Island with its horse-drawn carriages, and the Henry Ford Museum, which offers a exploration of American innovation and the automobile industry. If you’re ready to get affordable vehicle protection, InsureOne’s experienced agents will help you find the best auto insurance at the best rates in Michigan.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Michigan?

The average annual cost of car insurance in Michigan is $2,691 for full coverage, which is significantly higher than the national average of $2,014. Michigan residents also face higher expenses for minimum coverage car insurance with an average of $1,104 per year, compared to the national average of $622.

In comparison to neighboring states, Indiana has an average full coverage premium of $1,295 per year, while Illinois drivers pay an average of $1,806 per year for full coverage. Although the average rates in Michigan are relatively high, you can potentially lower your premium by comparing quotes from the cheapest car insurance companies in the state.

Reasons Why Insurance Is So Expensive in Michigan

There are two main reasons why car insurance rates in Michigan tend to be higher than they are in other states. First of all, there are millions of people living in this state and even more who visit the region each year, which can definitely lead to more cars on the roads and more potential for accidents.

Additionally, it is what’s called a “no-fault” state, which means each drivers’ insurance company pays for their injuries and damages up to policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. Michigan drivers are also required to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to provide immediate help with medical and other associated costs.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Michigan

Here is a comparison table of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different cities across Michigan:

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Grand Rapids	$172	$61
Warren	$243	$86
Sterling Heights	$240	$86
Lansing	$158	$55
Ann Arbor	$164	$56

We arrive at our average auto insurance costs by using a male driver, aged 30 with a clean driving record. Minimum liability is the state-required minimum. Full coverage is a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will be different and based on your individual factors.

Michigan Car Insurance Laws

In Michigan, car insurance laws mandate that drivers carry a mandatory 50/100/10 insurance policy. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Michigan?

The state mandates a minimum amount of coverage, which includes:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $50,000
• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $100,000
• Property damage liability coverage outside of Michigan: $10,000
• Property damage liability coverage inside Michigan: $1 million
• Personal injury protection: Amount depends on the driver’s health insurance coverage

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Michigan?

The state mandates a minimum amount of coverage, which includes:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $50,000
• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $100,000
• Property damage liability coverage outside of Michigan: $10,000
• Property damage liability coverage inside Michigan: $1 million
• Personal injury protection: Amount depends on the driver’s health insurance coverage

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Michigan?

In Michigan, driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor offense. The consequences for this violation include potential fines of up to $500 and/or a jail sentence of up to one year. Moreover, your license will be suspended, and you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s plates until you provide proof of insurance.

It’s important to note that if you’re involved in an accident while uninsured, you will not be eligible to receive any damages, even if you are not at fault.

What Factors Does Michigan Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

State law allows insurance companies to calculate your premium based on several aspects. Some of the top deciding factors are:

• Gender
• Age
• Marital status
• Location
• Vehicle type
• Driving record and experience
• Credit history

Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in Michigan

In Michigan, all drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts in the front seats. Additionally, passengers under 16 years of age must also wear seat belts, and those under 8 years old must be properly secured in an appropriate safety or booster seat. It is important to know that children under 4 years old should be seated in the back seat of the vehicle, unless younger children are occupying these spaces.

In terms of safe driving practices, keeping a safe distance between vehicles is crucial. Drivers in Michigan are advised to follow the 3-4 second rule, which ensures enough space between their car and the vehicle in front of them. This guideline becomes even more important during adverse weather conditions, as more space may be required. It is illegal to send text messages while driving, and it is essential to use headlights when visibility is reduced to 500 feet due to heavy fog or other weather conditions.

When it comes to yielding, drivers must give the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles when directed by traffic signs or when it can prevent an accident. It is also important to yield to service vehicles such as road maintenance and waste collection trucks that have come to a stop or have their lights flashing.

Lastly, if you are traveling with children under 6 years old, it is illegal to leave them alone in a vehicle, unless there is a passenger accompanying them who is 13 years old or older. Keeping these rules and regulations in mind will help ensure a safe and compliant driving experience in Michigan.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Michigan?

It’s never easy to read statistics about traffic accidents, but understanding them can help us stay safe on the road. To break it down, in 2022, Michigan reported a total of 1,123 traffic crash fatalities. What’s perhaps not surprising is that the majority of those fatalities (72.66 percent) were male, with the rest (27.34 percent) being female.

As for age groups, the age range with the highest percentage of fatalities was ages 25-34, accounting for 16.30 % of all traffic-related fatalities. When it comes to who was driving, we see that almost half of the fatalities (49.51 %) were reported as the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. This chart shows the number of deadly accidents in different cities across Michigan that same year.

City	Fatal Crashes in 2022
Allegan	22
Barry	11
Kalamazoo	31
Kent	50
Macomb	55

Source: Michigan State Police

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Michigan?

More than 25.5% of motorists in this state were uninsured or underinsured in 2019. With this high number of uninsured drivers, MI is the second most dangerous state on American roads, following Mississippi.