Car Insurance in Detroit


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Key Takeaways
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Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance in Detroit. GEICO, Auto Owners, Progressive and Allstate also provide coverage in the city.

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Car insurance in Detroit costs an average of $1,671 per year for minimum coverage and $3,470 per year for full coverage.

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Travelers also offers the cheapest car insurance in Michigan at $301 per year for minimum coverage and $945 per year for full coverage.

Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in Detroit?

Adult drivers with Travelers pay Detroit's cheapest rates at $692 annually for minimum coverage. Young drivers with GEICO pay $1,614 per year, 133% more than clean-record adults with Travelers.

Senior drivers from Auto Owners pay $1,650 annually, 138% more than adults with Travelers. Drivers with a DUI from Progressive pay $1,733 per year, 151% more than clean-record adults with Travelers.

Detroit's notoriously high insurance costs make finding the right carrier absolutely critical for managing expenses.

Adult DriversGeico$83
Young DriversGeico$134
Senior DriversProgressive$138
Drivers With An AccidentAuto Owners$117
Drivers With Bad CreditGeico$141
Drivers With Newer CarsGeico$110
Drivers With A DUIProgressive$144
Drivers With A Speeding TicketAuto Owners$132
Drivers With Old CarsGeico$88
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Cheapest Detroit Car Insurance by Company

Travelers provides the lowest rates with $692 per year for minimum coverage and $2,160 per year for full coverage, coming in 59% below the city average of $1,671. GEICO and Auto Owners offer competitive alternatives at $991 and $1,406 annually for minimum coverage.

The wide range of pricing across carriers demonstrates the value of shopping around. Detroit's notoriously high insurance costs make finding the right carrier critical.

Even with the cheapest carrier, Detroit remains one of America's most expensive insurance markets.

Travelers$58$180-47%
Geico$83$135-52%
Auto Owners$104$204-32%
Allstate$113$263-17%
Progressive$118$201-29%

Cheapest Detroit Car Insurance by Age

Young drivers pay $1,614 annually with GEICO for minimum coverage, the highest rate among age groups. Adult drivers from Travelers secure better rates at $692 per year.

Senior drivers face costs of $1,650 annually with Auto Owners, about 138% more than adults with Travelers. Different carriers win for different age groups in Detroit's complex market.

The dramatic carrier shifts across demographics require age-specific quotes for optimal pricing.

Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Travelers$58$692
Geico$83$991
Auto Owners$104$1,253
Allstate$113$1,361
AAA$116$1,397

Cheapest Detroit Car Insurance by Driving Record

At-fault accidents produce substantial rates at $1,406 per year with Auto Owners. Speeding tickets result in steep penalties at $1,252 with Travelers.

DUIs create the highest rate increases at $1,733 annually with Progressive, adding over $1,000 to yearly costs compared to clean-record rates with Travelers. After any violation, comparing quotes becomes critical.

Detroit's high violation penalties compound the already expensive baseline rates in this challenging market.

Data filtered by:
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
Auto Owners$117$1,406
Travelers$154$1,842
AAA$157$1,888
Allstate$165$1,984
Frankenmuth Insurance$171$2,056

Best Car Insurance Companies in Detroit

Travelers leads Detroit's challenging insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. The company combines competitive base rates with outstanding customer satisfaction and minimal complaint ratios, providing reliable coverage while keeping costs manageable.

AAA offers reasonable pricing with outstanding customer service and membership perks like roadside assistance. AAA shines in claims support and personalized service, making it ideal for drivers prioritizing dedicated support.

Travelers95225
Auto-Owners93316
Progressive89432
GEICO89187
Allstate83594
Travelers

Travelers: Best Overall Value

checkmarkpros
  • Strong customer service ratings

  • Lower than average Detroit rates

  • Multiple coverage options available

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  • Limited add-on coverage selections

  • Fewer digital tools than competitors

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Travelers ranks as Detroit's top car insurance provider, combining affordable rates with quality service. The company's premiums run well below the city average, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious drivers. Their high customer satisfaction scores mean you can expect smooth claims handling and responsive support. The main drawback is their somewhat limited selection of add-on coverages.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners: Best Customer Service

checkmarkpros
  • Top-rated customer satisfaction

  • Strong claims support

  • Excellent coverage for accidents

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  • Higher than average rates

  • Limited online features

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners earns Detroit's second-best ranking thanks to outstanding customer service and claims handling. They're particularly good for drivers with accidents or speeding tickets, offering competitive rates for these categories. Their local agent network provides personalized support that consistently earns top satisfaction scores. While their rates tend to run higher than some competitors, the premium service can justify the cost for many drivers.

How Much Is Car Insurance in Detroit?

Car insurance in Detroit costs an average of $1,671 per year for minimum coverage and $3,470 per year for full coverage. These rates far exceed the Michigan state average of $623 for minimum coverage.

Auto Owners offers rates below the city average at $1,406 for minimum coverage. Detroit drivers face some of the nation's highest insurance premiums, making thorough comparison shopping absolutely essential.

Full Coverage$289$3,470
Minimum Coverage$139$1,671

Detroit Car Insurance Costs by ZIP Code

In Detroit, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $96 to $363 per month. ZIP code 48207 is the most expensive, while 48242 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code on the table below.

Data filtered by:
48201
48201$141$296

How to Get the Best Cheap Detroit Car Insurance

Detroit drivers face some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, and finding affordable coverage can feel overwhelming. Our step-by-step guide will show you proven ways to lower your costs while getting the right protection for your needs.

  1. 1
    Know your coverage requirements

    Start by understanding exactly what coverage you need as a Detroit driver. Use our car insurance coverage needs calculator to determine appropriate coverage levels based on your vehicle's value and personal assets. Consider your car's age, your driving habits and your risk tolerance.

  2. 2
    Explore alternative insurance options

    Look into different types of car insurance that could save you money. If you drive infrequently, consider pay-per-mile coverage. Don't own a car? A non-owner policy might be your best bet.

  3. 3
    Check average rates in your area

    Research average vehicle insurance costs in Detroit to set realistic expectations. Knowing rates for your neighborhood and driving profile helps you recognize good deals and avoid overpaying for coverage.

  4. 4
    Stack up available discounts

    Maximize savings through car insurance discount opportunities. Consider bundling multiple policies or getting multi-car discounts. Safe driver programs and security features can also reduce your rates.

  5. 5
    Research insurance company ratings

    Check each insurer's financial strength and customer satisfaction ratings. Look for companies with strong records in claims handling and customer service.

  6. 6
    Get quotes from multiple providers

    Contact at least three different insurance companies for quotes. Use a mix of local agents, insurance company websites and comparison tools. Make sure each quote includes the same coverage levels and deductibles for accurate comparison.

  7. 7
    Review your policy annually

    Set a yearly reminder to review your coverage and shop for new rates. Life changes like improved credit scores, safer driving records or vehicle upgrades can qualify you for better rates. Many insurers raise prices for long-term customers, so comparing options regularly pays off.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Detroit: Bottom Line

Car insurance rates in Detroit vary based on your age, driving record and credit score. While GEICO and Travelers offer the lowest average premiums, compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.

Cheap Detroit Car Insurance: FAQ

Looking for cheap car insurance in Detroit? Our FAQ section provides straightforward answers about finding affordable coverage that fits your needs and budget. We break down your options without complex insurance jargon.

What is the cheapest car insurance company in Detroit, Michigan?

Who offers the best car insurance in Detroit?

What is the average cost of car insurance in Detroit?

Is car insurance in Detroit expensive?

How We Chose the Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in Detroit, MI

To help Detroit drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed auto insurance rates based on data and information from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services  and Quadrant Information Services. We studied all ZIP codes in the city and hundreds of thousands of quotes for 12 companies offering auto insurance in Michigan to tailor options as closely as possible to you.

Detroit Driver Profile

MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages with the following characteristics:

  • 40-year-old male
  • 2012 Toyota Camry LE
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven annually
  • Good credit
  • Valid license
  • Currently insured
  • No claims history

We adjusted certain factors, such as age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation, to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles.

Coverage Levels in Detroit

MoneyGeek compared the most affordable insurance providers for minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies.

The minimum coverage requirements in Michigan are:

  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident

For a full coverage policy, we used the following coverage limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $100,000 property damage liability per accident
  • Comprehensive and collision insurance, each with a $1,000 deductible

Our Best Company Rating Methodology

We rated all companies based on the following rating scale:

  • Affordability (60% of score): To get this score, we evaluated quotes for various common driver profiles and compared rates to the competition within the city.
  • Customer experience (30% of score): We used sources such as agency reviews on Google, J.D. Power, AM Best and forums like Reddit to gauge customer sentiment and experiences across the board.
  • Coverage options (10% of score): This score considers the number of coverage options a provider offers and the uniqueness of the offering and benefits.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.


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