Car insurance for high-risk drivers in Michigan
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of . Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our .
Drivers in Michigan with one or more moving violations on their driving record, or with more serious offenses like DUI convictions, present increased risk for auto insurance companies, and generally experience higher auto insurance premiums because of it. Michigan drivers classified as “high risk” not only risk facing higher insurance rates on average, but in some cases, may become ineligible for coverage altogether. Bankrate’s insurance team provides information on how insurance companies classify risk and shows how each incident impacts rates in Michigan.
Compare auto insurance rates
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare auto insurance rates
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Key takeaways
- Rates may increase at least 14 percent on average after a single speeding ticket in Michigan.
- DUI convictions are weighted the most heavily and could increase rates over 200 percent.
- In addition to moving violations, Michigan auto insurers look at a driver's age, vehicle type, annual mileage and selected coverage amount determine rates
- High-risk drivers could save on auto insurance costs in Michigan by shopping around, comparing rates and taking advantage of discounts.
Rates for high-risk car insurance in Michigan
Michigan’s high-risk auto insurance rates are determined by several variables. Generally, car insurance companies in the state will factor your age, driving record, vehicle type, how frequently you drive and the type and amount of coverage you choose. Within the factors surrounding driving record, the type and number of incidents that appear are crucial determiners of risk. For instance, a single speeding ticket may not have as significant of an impact on your rates as a single at-fault accident, but multiple speeding ticket convictions within a short time frame could result in a much higher insurance premium.
Rates after a speeding ticket conviction
Bankrate’s study of quoted annual premiums found a speeding ticket in Michigan, on average, could cause your car insurance rates to go up by at least 14 percent. That’s on top of adding 1–3 points onto your license, according to Michigan’s point system. The table below compares average annual rates in Michigan for full coverage car insurance from some of the most affordable providers available to high-risk drivers in the state.
Michigan average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate before a speeding ticket conviction | Rate after a speeding ticket conviction | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,375 | $1,793 | 30% |
| Progressive | $1,769 | $2,255 | 27% |
| Auto-Owners | $2,152 | $2,455 | 14% |
Auto insurance providers in Michigan use proprietary systems for determining rates and risk, separate from the state’s point system (although there is overlap), which means rates will vary among insurers for the same driver. In general, insurers will increase your premiums for each additional infraction or violation. Some insurers may even deny coverage altogether if you have too many traffic violations in your driving history. However, even receiving a single speeding ticket could increase your average premiums up to 30 percent according to Bankrate’s research, depending on the insurance company.
Rates after an at-fault accident
Being at fault for an auto accident will generally cause a significant increase in your premiums. Even in no-fault states like Michigan, being responsible for a collision can still result in substantial premium increases. Because of its no-fault system, Michigan car insurance laws require different coverage types than at-fault states. The term “no-fault” can be misleading, but primarily refers to how you file claims and which party’s insurance pays for damages. Depending on the insurer, causing an auto collision in Michigan could lead to an average increase in car insurance premiums of 14–50 percent.
Michigan average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate before an at-fault accident | Rate after an at-fault accident | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,375 | $2,063 | 50% |
| Progressive | $1,769 | $2,516 | 42% |
| Auto-Owners | $2,152 | $2,455 | 14% |
Being a no-fault state means that your insurer will cover your medical expenses and lost wages following an accident, regardless of fault. However, exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances and the severity of injury or extent of damages. The financial consequences of causing an accident are often higher than for speeding. But like speeding, rates typically continue to increase the more times you commit this infraction. Being at-fault for numerous collisions within a three- to five-year period may cause your licenses to be suspended or make you ineligible for coverage with some providers.
Rates after a DUI
Driving while intoxicated is considered one of the most significant risks a driver can take on the road. Being charged with a DUI will typically result in higher premium increases than any other type of infraction. As the table below indicates, being charged with a DUI in Michigan could increase your auto insurance rates as much as 266 percent on average, depending on the provider. Additionally, drivers with a DUI may not qualify for standard coverage in all cases, so it helps to speak with a licensed agent to check eligibility.
Michigan average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate before a DUI conviction | Rate after a DUI conviction | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,375 | $5,030 | 266% |
| Progressive | $1,769 | $2,044 | 16% |
| Auto-Owners | $2,152 | $2,541 | 18% |
Beyond premium increases, severe state penalties are a financial consequence of getting a DUI conviction. First-time DUI offenders may face up to three months of jail time, $100–$500 in fines and up to 45 days of community service. A third offense is punishable with up to five years of incarceration, $500–$5,000 in fines, probation, community service and vehicle restrictions. Each offense increases the legal consequences, as does the severity of each penalty. For instance, causing death or serious injury will typically lead to harsher consequences, even if it’s your first DUI.
Rates for teen drivers
Teen drivers are often charged more due to their relative lack of experience and the higher statistical rates at which they experience auto incidents. In Michigan, on average, having a 16-year-old driver on your insurance can lead to a premium increase of roughly two to three times. Thankfully, age is one of the high-risk driving factors that generally resolves its impact on rates over time. As younger drivers age, they typically gain more experience behind the wheel and eventually join lower risk age categories associated with lower rates, provided they maintain a clean driving record. In the meantime, policyholders with teens or young drivers may be able to take advantage of discounts for things like safe driving or good student savings.
Average annual full coverage premiums for policyholders:
| Car insurance company | Rate without a 16-year-old insured | Rate with a 16-year-old insured |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,375 | $3,858 |
| Progressive | $1,769 | $3,628 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,152 | $3,457 |
*Rate reflects the total average annual premium for a 16-year-old driver added to a married parent’s policy
Who is a high-risk driver?
The industry standard classification for a high-risk driver is one who is significantly more likely than others to file claims or lead to the filing of claims. Bankrate uses a more specific definition here, defining high-risk drivers as those with one of the following incidents on their driving record: speeding conviction, at-fault accident or a DUI conviction. Drivers who have one or more of these incidents on their driving record can expect a higher-than-average cost of auto insurance. However, young drivers with limited driving experience are also commonly considered higher-risk drivers by most insurers, even if their driving records are clean. Some insurers may refuse to work with high-risk drivers, although this is largely dependent on the severity and number of convictions a driver has on their motor vehicle record.
While Bankrate’s definition fits within the industry standard, it specifically applies to classifications that might affect insurance rates.
How to lower your rate if you are a high-risk driver
You can employ several tips and strategies to lower your auto insurance rates, even if you are a high-risk driver. Here are a few of the strategies to help lower your rate if you are a high-risk driver.
- Shop around to compare rates between insurance companies may help you find the same coverage for less.
- Check available discounts from your insurance provider. If you don’t qualify for any, see which ones would be the easiest and quickest to work toward. Comparing discounts when getting quotes is another way to determine the most affordable insurance company for your situation.
- Consider reduced coverage if you have more than the mandatory minimum, as having less coverage means you’ll pay lower rates. However, you should consult with a licensed independent agent to determine if this is right for your situation, as having less coverage can leave you vulnerable to financial devastation in the event of a costly loss.
- Opt to pay in full, automatically or online, as doing so often results in additional savings.
Frequently asked questions
-
-
Depending on the circumstances, you could get as few as zero points or as many as six added to your driving record. Simple violations lead to two points, while an accident caused by reckless driving or intoxication could cause six points to be added. For scale, distracted driving can add three points, whereas drag racing would add four. Although there is some overlap between Michigan driving penalties and insurance classifications for risk, how rates are impacted is primarily decided by the insurer.
-
The best car insurance for one driver is not always the best for another, even among high-risk drivers. Still, some insurance providers tend to offer lower rates to high-risk drivers than others, and some may deny coverage altogether. Experts typically recommend drivers shop and compare some of the best car insurance providers to find the best fit.
-
In Michigan, points stay on your driving record for at least two years from the date they were added. Most auto insurance companies use a two- to five-year rolling system for rate increases. That means that incidents like DUI convictions could affect premiums for at least two to five years, depending on the state and the provider. During this time, it can help to shop around annually for quotes from some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Michigan to ensure your rates are as low as possible each renewal period.
-
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incident: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket conviction and single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates for 16-year-old drivers were calculated based on married male and female drivers insured together with a 16-year-old driver added to their policy. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Related Articles
