OWI Car Insurance in Michigan: Costs, Laws, and Cheapest Companies (2026)

Cheapest car insurance quotes after an OWI in Michigan

After an OWI, Michigan drivers pay an average of $209 for liability coverage and $367 for full coverage. Your exact rates will vary based on factors like your vehicle, age, driving history, and location. The cheapest insurer on average in Michigan for drivers with an OWI is Auto-Owners.

Check out the table below to see some of the cheapest insurers in Michigan for drivers with an OWI.

The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Auto-Owners	$99
USAA	$105
Chubb	$114
National General	$160
Progressive	$180
Safeco	$184
Liberty Mutual	$196
Allstate	$209
Bristol West	$210
Direct Auto	$210
State Farm	$214
GEICO	$248
Travelers	$249
Insurify Car	$277

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Michigan car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Michigan may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Average liability quotes start at $209/mo. after an OWI

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How an OWI affects car insurance rates in Michigan

An OWI almost always increases car insurance rates, but the amount depends on several factors. In Michigan, the average rate increase after an OWI is 61% for full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data.

The factors that affect how much your rate will increase after an OWI include:

• BAC level: A higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level when law enforcement arrests you for an OWI will lead to higher penalties and larger rate increases. Michigan law enforces higher fines and jail time for a BAC of 0.17% or more.^[1] Insurers view drivers with this type of conviction as a higher risk to insure.

• Prior offenses: A second or third OWI within seven years of your first OWI comes with even harsher criminal penalties in Michigan and will almost certainly lead to even larger insurance rate increases.^[2]

• Age: Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance to begin with, so an OWI will result in even higher car insurance costs going forward.

• Coverage levels: The coverage levels you choose will also affect your rates. If you opt for full coverage rather than just liability insurance, you’ll see higher car insurance costs.

Take a look at the following chart to see how average liability rates compare in Michigan for drivers with an OWI and drivers without an OWI.

Best car insurance companies after an OWI in Michigan

The best car insurance company for you after an OWI will depend on your specific circumstances, such as the severity of your OWI, your budget, and your needs.

We picked a few of the best Michigan car insurance companies for different types of drivers after an OWI, vetting them based on average rates, coverage offerings, verified user reviews, third-party industry ratings, and more.

Below, you can take a look at how each insurer’s coverage breaks down, including strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings.

Auto-Owners: Best for affordability after an OWI in Michigan

affordability after an OWI in Michigan

Compare Quotes

User Reviews	4.3 362 reviews
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	8.2 /10
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$68/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$117/mo

Details

4.3

Best choice in MichiganBased on 362 verified driver reviews and ratings

	Auto-Owners's score	Industry average
Coverage options	4.0	3.2
Customer service	3.7	3.6
Discounts	3.5	2.9
Policy transparency	3.9	3.1
Value	3.5	2.9

How drivers feel about Auto-Owners

Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

---

Best in Michigan for

Cheap rates

Senior drivers

Ample discounts

Showing 5 reviews from Michigan driversSee all 157 Auto-Owners reviews

David

Verified Review

Good service, but high prices.

Reviewed in Michigan on August 28, 2026

I’m not happy about a sudden rate hike of more than 20%.

Paul

Verified Review

Auto Owners

Reviewed in Michigan on February 10, 2026

Auto Owners' rates have increased year after year.

Scott

Verified Review

Poor

Reviewed in Michigan on January 28, 2026

Prices are too high.

JD Power

J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.

646

NAIC Index

Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.

0.46

A.M. Best

A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).

A++

Why we picked this company

Auto-Owners offers one of the cheapest rates for Michigan drivers with an OWI. A regional insurer based in Michigan, Auto-Owners offers affordable rates, good financial strength, and a variety of discounts, including multi-policy and paid-in-full discounts. It’s a great all-around choice for drivers in Michigan with an OWI.

Pros

• Affordable rates

• More than a dozen car insurance discounts

• A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

Cons

• Not available in every state

• 1.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot

• Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in the North Central region

USAA: Best for military families after an OWI in Michigan

military families after an OWI in Michigan

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User Reviews	4.9 4,278 reviews
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	9.1 /10
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$69/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$118/mo

Details

4.9

Best choice in MichiganBased on 4,278 verified driver reviews and ratings

	USAA's score	Industry average
Coverage options	4.9	3.2
Customer service	4.9	3.6
Discounts	4.9	2.9
Policy transparency	4.9	3.1
Value	4.9	2.9

How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

---

Best in Michigan for

Members of the military community

Outstanding customer service

Competitive rates

Showing 12 reviews from Michigan driversSee all 1,689 USAA reviews

Patricia

Verified Review

Extremely Excellent Professionals

Reviewed in Michigan on September 11, 2026

Everything is great. I haven’t had any issues. When I call with a question, they always answer it.

James

Verified Review

Average

Reviewed in Michigan on April 22, 2026

Prices keep increasing.

Mark

Verified Review

Not as good as they were

Reviewed in Michigan on April 19, 2026

The insurance rates are getting too expensive.

JD Power

J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.

726

NAIC Index

Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.

1.31

A.M. Best

A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).

A++

Why we picked this company

USAA is the best car insurance company in Michigan for military members and their families after an OWI. It offers an affordable average liability rate for drivers with an OWI. It also offers exclusive coverages and discounts to its members, has excellent financial strength, and receives strong customer reviews.

Pros

• Affordable rates

• Highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in the North Central region

• A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

Cons

• Available only to military members and their families

• 1.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot

• Above-average number of complaints on the NAIC Complaint Index

National General: Best for high-risk coverage after an OWI in Michigan

high-risk coverage after an OWI in Michigan

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User Reviews	3.7 1,530 reviews
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	7 /10
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$105/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$234/mo

Details

3.7

A solid option in MichiganBased on 1,530 verified driver reviews and ratings

	National General's score	Industry average
Coverage options	3.4	3.2
Customer service	2.8	3.6
Discounts	3.0	2.9
Policy transparency	3.3	3.1
Value	3.0	2.9

How drivers feel about National General

Drivers appreciate the quick and easy setup but are dissatisfied with the frequent and unexplained rate increases. Many find the customer service lacking and the claims process slow.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

---

Best in Michigan for

SR-22 insurance

Bundling discounts

Hard-to-insure drivers

Showing 7 reviews from Michigan drivers

Robert

Verified Review

Overpriced and overrated. I’ll be switching to Farmers and/or Progressive Direct. It’s just outrageous—I can’t get any clarity.

Reviewed in Michigan on September 10, 2026

Overpriced and overrated. I’ll be switching to Farmers and/or Progressive Direct. It’s just outrageous—I can’t get any clarity.

Robert

Verified Review

Terrible Decision

Reviewed in Michigan on July 9, 2026

Crazy expensive policy, even on a 20+ year-old car, with no deals or discounts.

Denise

Verified Review

Feeling like I'm treated unfairly!

Reviewed in Michigan on April 24, 2026

I feel National General is a kind and fair insurance company. I really need full coverage, but it's out of my price range. I wish they would offer people who have one reckless driving incident a better deal, as I was innocent. My daughter even took the stand and stated that I didn't drive recklessly, and I did not even touch her door knob, yet six jurors found me guilty. I live every day knowing I didn't, nor do I deserve to be treated unfairly. Not everyone is guilty of a crime!

JD Power

J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.

599

NAIC Index

Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.

1.25

A.M. Best

A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).

A+

Why we picked this company

National General is one of the best choices for Michigan drivers with an OWI looking for insurers that specialize in high-risk or non-standard coverage, in part due to its affordable average liability rates. The insurer will work closely with you to make sure you have the proper coverage after an OWI.

Pros

• Specializes in high-risk drivers

• A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

• Financial responsibility filing support

Cons

• 1.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot

• Higher-than-average number of complaints on the NAIC Complaint Index

• Fewer discounts than other insurers

How we chose the best companies

Our editorial team analyzed our proprietary data, more than 80,000 verified user reviews, and third-party industry ratings to choose the best insurers for drivers with an OWI in Michigan. We also weigh rate affordability, coverage options, available discounts, customer satisfaction rankings, and financial strength.

How to get car insurance after an OWI in Michigan

Follow these steps to get car insurance after an OWI in Michigan:

1. Check whether you need to file proof of financial responsibility. Michigan requires drivers convicted of an OWI to file a certificate of financial responsibility through their insurers for three years to reinstate their license.^[3]

2. Complete license reinstatement requirements. You’ll need to meet all the court’s requirements before you can reinstate your license. This includes a $125 fee, court costs, and a potential suspension period.

3. Compare quotes from high-risk insurers. Compare rates from high-risk car insurance companies. These insurers specialize in insuring high-risk drivers, so get quotes from multiple companies to get the best deal.

4. Adjust your coverage to lower costs. If you have an older car, consider dropping down from full coverage to liability coverage. Increasing your deductible will also lower your premium.

OWI laws in Michigan

Michigan takes OWIs very seriously, treating them as a criminal offense. Subsequent convictions result in steeper legal penalties and higher fines. A first offense is a misdemeanor, but a third offense within 10 years is a felony.

Michigan’s OWI penalties

Here are the OWI penalties for a Michigan driver’s first OWI offense for different BAC levels:

• Drivers with a BAC below 0.17%: Fine of up to $500, up to 93 days in jail, up to 360 hours of community service, up to 180 days of license suspension, and six points on your driver’s license

• Drivers with a BAC of 0.17% or higher: Fine of up to $700, up to 180 days in jail, up to 360 hours of community service, up to one year of license suspension, six points on your driver’s license, a mandatory alcohol treatment program, and an ignition interlock device requirement

Convicted drunk drivers must also pay a $1,000 fine for two years in a row. A third offense within 10 years is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a minimum of five years of license suspension.

How long an OWI stays on your record in Michigan

Under Michigan’s Clean Slate law, you can petition to have an OWI removed from your criminal record after seven years. OWIs are one of a few traffic offenses that the state doesn’t automatically remove from your record after a waiting period of seven years for a misdemeanor and 10 years for a felony.^[4]

Michigan financial responsibility requirements

Michigan requires drivers convicted of an OWI to file a certificate of financial responsibility through their insurers for three years. You must maintain continuous coverage during this three-year period. If you don’t, your insurer must notify the state, which can result in another license suspension.

Minimum car insurance requirements in MI after an OWI

Just like everyone else in Michigan, drivers with an OWI must also meet the state’s minimum no-fault insurance requirements. These include bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, property protection insurance, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.^[5]

Michigan drivers must carry at least the following minimum amounts of coverage:

Coverage Type	Michigan Minimum Requirement
Bodily injury liability	$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
Property damage liability	$10,000 for damage outside the state
Personal injury protection (PIP)	$250,000 to unlimited, $50,000 for drivers who qualify for Medicaid, or the option to opt out for drivers enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
Property protection insurance	$1 million

These minimum coverage requirements don’t change after an OWI. That said, you typically must file a certificate of financial responsibility through your insurer after an OWI conviction. The conviction in Michigan stays on your driving record for at least seven years. At that point, you can petition the state to remove it from your record.

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How to lower OWI insurance costs in Michigan

An increase in car insurance premiums after an OWI is unavoidable. Insurers will consider you a higher risk and charge you higher premiums than drivers without an OWI. But you can still take some steps to lessen the OWI’s effect on your premiums:

• Compare car insurance quotes. Before you buy a policy, always compare car insurance rates from at least three insurers. Rates after an OWI can vary dramatically from insurer to insurer.

• Take a defensive driving course. Taking a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) from state-approved sponsors can remove up to two points from your driving record.^[6]

• Ask about discounts. Almost every auto insurance company has multiple car insurance discounts. Ask about which ones you qualify for and apply for as many as possible.

• Raise your deductible. Your deductible and premium are inversely related, so increasing your deductible will lower your premium. Just be sure you can afford your new, higher deductible if the time comes to pay it.

• Reconsider your coverage levels. If you drive an older vehicle, consider dropping collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, as it may not be worth it if you total your car. Liability-only insurance is much more affordable.

• Maintain continuous coverage. It’s important to maintain continuous coverage in Michigan after an OWI because the state requires a certificate of financial responsibility for three years. A lapse can restart that clock and possibly result in another license suspension.

• Opt for public transit if possible. If you can, consider taking public transit when necessary. This limits how many miles you’re driving in your car, which insurers consider when setting rates.

OWI car insurance in Michigan FAQs