Michigan Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (August 2024)


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

fact checked icon

Updated: August 13, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Michigan's state minimum car insurance requirements include bodily injury liability of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, along with $10,000 for property damage. Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance covers your injuries and losses regardless of who caused the accident. Meeting minimum car insurance requirements is crucial for every driver.

In Michigan, the average monthly cost for minimum coverage auto insurance is $72. For those seeking affordable options, checking out the cheapest car insurance in Michigan could be beneficial.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Michigan department of insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Michigan drivers.

recency icon

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Michigan as of August 2024.

50,284Quotes Analyzed
 
14Companies Compared
 
74ZIP Codes

Michigan Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Michigan, to legally operate a vehicle, drivers must have minimum coverage auto insurance. The required minimum amounts are:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $100,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $10,000 for property damage liability per accident.
  • Unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) per person.

The insurance premiums in Michigan are influenced by the state's no-fault system. Under this system, your insurer pays for your injuries or property damage after an accident regardless of who is at fault, up to your coverage limit. In other words, personal injury protection is a significant part of your auto insurance policy, providing coverage for medical expenses.

michigan icon
ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN MICHIGAN?

Michigan does not mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance as part of their minimum coverage auto insurance. But if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders often require both types of coverage to protect their investment in your car. GIven that Michigan is a no-fault state, carrying collision insurance can help cover vehicle repair costs regardless of fault, and comprehensive coverage can protect against non-collision incidents.

Therefore, while not legally required, having collision or comprehensive insurance is crucial for drivers who finance their vehicles or seek added protection against diverse risks.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Michigan's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury protection. Coverage specifics depend on an individual's policy terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Michigan

Age plays a significant role in the cost of minimum coverage car insurance. In Michigan, drivers aged between 22 and 29 face the highest premiums due to insurers viewing them as higher risk with less driving experience.

The table illustrates the average minimum coverage car insurance costs in Michigan for different age groups, highlighting the annual and monthly premiums for each category.

22-29Annual Premium$954Monthly Premium$80
30-59Annual Premium$868Monthly Premium$72
60 +Annual Premium$866Monthly Premium$72

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Michigan

Michigan residents seeking budget-friendly minimum coverage auto insurance can find the most affordable options with the following providers:

  • Westfield: $369 per year; $31 per month
  • Travelers: $421 per year; $35 per month

Selecting an insurance plan is a significant decision. While affordability is a key factor, ensuring that coverage meets your specific needs is also important when finding the best car insurance options in Michigan.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
WestfieldAnnual Premium$369Monthly Premium$31
TravelersAnnual Premium$421Monthly Premium$35
EncompassAnnual Premium$577Monthly Premium$48
GEICOAnnual Premium$630Monthly Premium$52
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$636Monthly Premium$53
ChubbAnnual Premium$640Monthly Premium$53
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$711Monthly Premium$59
Farm Bureau Ins of MIAnnual Premium$851Monthly Premium$71
Pioneer State Mutual Ins CoAnnual Premium$927Monthly Premium$77
Grange InsuranceAnnual Premium$951Monthly Premium$79
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,273Monthly Premium$106
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,528Monthly Premium$127
HanoverAnnual Premium$1,772Monthly Premium$148

Optional Add-On Coverages in Michigan

Available optional add-on coverages in Michigan include comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and roadside assistance. These extra protections can be beneficial for all drivers because they provide financial security against various unforeseen events like theft, accidents with drivers lacking sufficient insurance and vehicle breakdowns. Understanding how much car insurance you need can help you determine the value of these additional options beyond minimum coverage.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Michigan

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Michigan can vary depending on whether it's your first offense or if you've been caught without coverage before. If you're caught driving without minimum coverage car insurance for the first time, the fines can be substantial. But for those with a history of driving uninsured, penalties are often more severe, reflecting the repeat nature of the offense.

Additional consequences for driving without insurance in Michigan may include:

  • Vehicle impoundment – Your vehicle may be held somewhere, adding extra fees to retrieve it.
  • Suspension of vehicle registration – The state may suspend your car's registration.
  • License suspension – Your driving privileges may be taken away for a period.
  • Requirement to file an SR-22 – You could be mandated to carry this certificate as proof of future financial responsibility.

Abide by Michigan's car insurance laws. Driving without insurance carries significant risks, not only in terms of legal penalties but also in leaving you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident. Ensure your vehicle is covered by at least the minimum coverage to stay on the right side of the law and protect yourself and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Michigan, secure new coverage immediately. Continuing to drive without insurance is illegal and risks significant penalties. Reaching out to your insurance agent or another insurer promptly to discuss your options is the best course of action.

The Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be alerted if your insurance lapses since insurance companies are required to report policy status changes. You should expect to receive a notification and possible penalties for not maintaining the state minimum coverage.

To ensure you are legally covered, explore all available options, including different insurance carriers who may offer state minimum policies to drivers with varied driving records or coverage histories. The state of Michigan doesn't have a specific program for hard-to-insure drivers, but you can use the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility (MAIPF) as a last resort to obtain necessary coverage. Driving without at least state minimum car insurance in Michigan exposes you to the risk of severe legal consequences.

uninsured icon
WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Michigan may have been canceled for several reasons:

  • Non-Payment of Premium: If you miss payments, your insurance provider can cancel your policy.
  • Fraud or Misrepresentation: Giving false information or hiding facts can lead to cancellation.
  • License Suspension: If your driver's license is suspended, an insurer might cancel your policy.
  • Too Many Claims: Filing too many claims in a short period can result in cancellation.
  • High Risk: If you're deemed too high-risk due to traffic violations or accidents, your policy might be canceled.

FAQ: Michigan Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, we'll answer your most pressing questions about Michigan's minimum car insurance requirements.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Michigan?

In Michigan, the minimum car insurance coverage includes $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. Michigan also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with unlimited coverage. Unlike many other states, Michigan does not mandate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, nor medical payments coverage, as part of its state minimum auto insurance. This ensures that drivers are adequately protected in the event of an accident.

Why does Michigan require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Michigan mandates minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure that motorists can cover the costs of damages or injuries they may cause in an accident. This financial responsibility requirement protects not only the policyholder but also other drivers, pedestrians, and property owners from bearing the full brunt of expenses resulting from a collision.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Michigan?

Michigan law does not mandate comprehensive insurance for drivers. This is optional coverage that can protect you against non-collision related damage such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters. It's worth considering if you want to ensure your investment in your vehicle is safeguarded against a wide array of potential damages.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Michigan?

Driving uninsured in Michigan results in significant penalties, including fines of up to $500, driver’s license suspension and possible vehicle impoundment. Repeat offenses can lead to even harsher consequences, like community service. Maintain at least state minimum coverage to comply with the law and protect yourself against these risks.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.