Auto-Owners and USAA are the cheapest insurers for high-risk drivers in Michigan, with liability-only premiums averaging $88 and $89 per month.
Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Rochester have above-average numbers of high-risk drivers, according to Insurify data.
Michigan drivers with less-serious moving violations can take a state-approved basic driver improvement course (BDIC) to avoid having their infractions reported to their insurance companies.
Average cost of high-risk car insurance in Michigan
High-risk drivers — drivers with an incident on their records — pay an average of $284 per month for a full-coverage policy (liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage) and $161 for liability coverage in Michigan, according to Insurify data.
While that’s higher than the state’s average full-coverage premium of $227 per month, the cost rises with the severity of the incident.
The following table shows how different types of incidents affect insurance rates in Michigan. The cost for a high-risk driver who needs to file a certificate of financial responsibility is especially notable, as it increases the cost of liability coverage by more than 100%.
Driver Profile | Average Monthly Cost: Liability Only | Average Monthly Cost: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $129 | $227 |
| Speeding ticket | $152 | $267 |
| At-fault accident | $152 | $267 |
| OWI | $208 | $365 |
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Liability policies average $161/mo. for drivers with an incident
Cheapest car insurance in Michigan by violation
The cheapest insurance companies for Michigan drivers with violations are Auto-Owners, USAA, and Chubb. The average rates for those drivers are $88, $89, and $94, respectively.
By comparison, drivers with no incidents pay monthly averages of $68, $69, and $74, respectively. Different incidents have different effects on your car insurance rates. An accident or operating while intoxicated (OWI) conviction, for example, will usually cause a larger rate increase than a speeding ticket.
Cheapest rates for high-risk drivers with OWIs in Michigan
The cheapest average rate for high-risk Michigan drivers with OWIs is $99 per month, and it comes from Auto-Owners.
While just 0.67% of the state’s drivers have OWIs, those drivers can save an average of up to 66% by selecting the auto insurance company with the lowest rate compared to the company with the highest, according to Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With OWI | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With OWI |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $170 | $99 |
| USAA | $179 | $105 |
| Chubb | $194 | $112 |
| Progressive | $266 | $180 |
| Safeco | $321 | $184 |
| Liberty Mutual | $352 | $194 |
| National General | $354 | $159 |
| State Farm | $367 | $214 |
| GEICO | $369 | $248 |
| Bristol West | $411 | $208 |
| Travelers | $425 | $247 |
| Allstate | $438 | $208 |
| Direct Auto | $446 | $209 |
Cheapest rates for MI drivers with at-fault accidents
Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurer for Michigan drivers with at-fault accidents, with liability premiums averaging $86 per month.
That rate can save the 2.97% of Michiganders who have an accident on their record up to 66% compared to the highest-cost coverage, per Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With At-Fault Accident | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With At-Fault Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $147 | $86 |
| USAA | $150 | $88 |
| Chubb | $162 | $94 |
| Progressive | $194 | $132 |
| Safeco | $255 | $146 |
| Liberty Mutual | $292 | $161 |
| National General | $293 | $132 |
| GEICO | $303 | $204 |
| State Farm | $305 | $177 |
| Allstate | $320 | $152 |
| Bristol West | $340 | $172 |
| Travelers | $359 | $209 |
| Direct Auto | $380 | $178 |
Cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets in Michigan
Auto-Owners has the lowest average rates for Michigan drivers with speeding tickets, at $86 per month. Tickets are the most frequent incident Insurify data measures, and 3.42% of Michigan drivers have one. The number increases to 4.08% and 4.25%, respectively, for drivers in Rochester and Kalamazoo, but you might be able to avoid the rate increase by taking an approved basic driver improvement course.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With Speeding Ticket | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $147 | $86 |
| Auto-Owners | $148 | $86 |
| Chubb | $158 | $91 |
| Progressive | $194 | $132 |
| Safeco | $248 | $142 |
| National General | $282 | $127 |
| Liberty Mutual | $287 | $159 |
| State Farm | $297 | $173 |
| GEICO | $308 | $207 |
| Allstate | $320 | $152 |
| Bristol West | $332 | $168 |
| Travelers | $352 | $205 |
| Direct Auto | $359 | $169 |
Best Michigan auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
The best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers aren’t always the cheapest. Factors like financial strength, customer satisfaction, claims handling, and physical agency locations can be as important as affordability when you have a history of driving incidents and need coverage.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $132 |
| GEICO | $204 |
Progressive: Best for wide availability
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 648 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $112/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. | $165/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive works with independent agents, which gives it a much wider reach compared to companies with exclusive agencies. You may not have to travel far to meet with an agent about your special insurance needs.
Multiple discounts
Live customer service by phone 24/7
Small accident forgiveness applies automatically in most states
Participation in Snapshot telematics program can result in a rate increase
Name Your Price tool builds policies based on your budget, but doesn’t provide discounts
Some customers complain of unexpectedly high rate increases upon renewal
Nationwide: Best for usage-based insurance
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
Nationwide has two usage-based auto insurance products. SmartRide is a telematics program that can reduce your premiums by up to 40% if you drive safely — potentially a good money saver for high-risk drivers. SmartMiles is a lower-cost miles-based program that can cost less than a standard full-coverage policy if you drive infrequently or stay close to home.
Money-saving usage-based insurance
Excellent Insurify Quality Score
Good selection of optional coverages, including accident forgiveness and towing/labor coverage
High average rates for high-risk drivers
Physical presence restricted mostly to Traverse City area
Fewer discounts compared to other companies
GEICO: Best for low prices
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $163/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. | $242/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
GEICO’s average rates for Michigan drivers with an incident are lower than high-risk-driver rates at most other Michigan auto insurance companies, including Progressive and Nationwide. A broad range of discounts, including those for membership in certain organizations, maximizes savings.
Although your own rate will depend on many factors, GEICO is a good starting point if you’re looking for the lowest-cost coverage that fits your needs.
Highly competitive rates in Michigan
Highest Insurify Quality Score among Michigan insurers
Wide selection of discounts, including for safety equipment
Only one agent physically located in Michigan (Detroit)
Screening process makes it difficult to get customer service by phone
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability. The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in Michigan
If it’s been several years since you’ve shopped for auto insurance in Michigan, you might have more ways to save as a result of new auto insurance laws that went into effect in 2020. Below are some ways to reduce your costs.
Select the correct amount of personal injury protection (PIP) from the six levels available. Consider opting for lower or no coverage if you’re covered by Medicare and your household members have their own medical expenses coverage.[1]
Choose bodily injury liability coverage carefully. The default coverages are now five times the state minimums of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident.[2]
Consider a group policy. See if you’re eligible for a group policy through your employer or an organization you belong to.
Find an independent insurance agent. Work with an independent insurance agent who sells policies from several insurers.
Apply for coverage from the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility. If your high-risk status makes getting quotes or finding insurance difficult, ask your agent to help you apply for coverage through the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility.[3]
Michigan minimum car insurance requirements for high-risk drivers
Some states require drivers with severe violations to carry extra liability coverage or have their agents confirm their coverage with a certificate of financial responsibility, often referred to as an SR-22 or FR-44.
Michigan is different. Drivers only need certification of qualifying no-fault insurance coverage if they caused an accident while driving without insurance, received a financial responsibility judgment from a court, and want a financial-responsibility restricted license while they make payments on the judgment.[4] Michigan law doesn’t use the terms SR-22 or FR-44.
The following table shows Michigan’s minimum coverage requirements.
Coverage Type | Michigan Minimum Requirement | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $50,000 | Injuries for one individual resulting from an accident you cause |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $100,000 | Total limit for all bodily injuries resulting from an accident you cause |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | Property damage occurring in another state |
| Property protection insurance | $1 million | No-fault coverage for damage you cause to someone else’s property |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $250,000 (selectable); $0 or $50,000 for Medicare beneficiaries | Your medical expenses, limited to $0 for no coverage to unlimited, depending on the option you choose |
Who is a high-risk driver in Michigan?
“High-risk” is not an official designation under Michigan law, so you won’t need an SR-22 or FR-44 due to a bad driving record.
Michigan law uses a point system for traffic-violation convictions. While speeding earns you between two and four points, depending on how fast you were going, more serious violations, including reckless driving and OWI, earn as many as six points. You can be convicted of an OWI with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% or more if you’re age 21 or older, or .02% or more if you’re younger than 21.[5]
The law requires drivers to take a driver assessment reexamination if they accumulate 12 or more points in a two-year period.
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How long will Michigan consider you a high-risk driver?
Speeding tickets and most other traffic convictions stay on your driving record for at least seven to 10 years under Michigan law. The most severe violations, including convictions for OWIs and fatalities, stay on your record permanently.[6]
You might be able to avoid points and insurance reporting for minor infractions by taking a basic driver improvement course.[7] Regardless, the impact of violations on your car insurance usually lessens within a few years as long as you maintain a clean record.
Michigan high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
High auto insurance rates can make it difficult for Michigan drivers to find high-risk auto insurance they can afford. Answers to the following questions will help you avoid paying more than you need to.
How much is high-risk insurance in Michigan?
Michigan drivers with an incident on their records pay an average of $284 per month for full-coverage insurance, according to Insurify data. The amount you pay will depend on the type of incident and other factors, including your age, where you live, the car you drive, and how much time has passed since your incident.
What company offers the cheapest car insurance in Michigan after an OWI?
At $99 per month, Auto-Owners has the lowest average monthly insurance premiums for liability coverage with an OWI.
How can you lower your high-risk car insurance rates in Michigan?
You can select the right coverage amounts to lower high-risk car insurance rates in Michigan. Other strategies include maintaining a clean driving history, increasing your collision deductible to the highest amount you can afford, and comparing rate quotes from a few different car insurance companies to find the best value.
If you’re 65 or older, also consider taking a defensive driving course.
Sources
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Brief Explanation of Michigan No-Fault Insurance."
- Michigan.gov. "Choosing Bodily Injury Coverage."
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Michigan’s Auto Insurance Law Has Changed."
- Michigan Department of State. "Financial responsibility restricted licenses."
- Michigan State Police. "Impaired Driving Law."
- Michigan.gov. "Your Driving Record."
- Michigan Department of State. "Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) eligibility."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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