How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Detroit
Known as the Motor City, Detroit is a thriving metropolis with virtually everything you need all in one place. Our favorite Detroit attractions include Comerica Park, Belle Isle Park, Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, and the Detroit Riverfront. The Detroit Riverfront offers one of the more impressive urban boardwalks in the country with excellent views of the Detroit River as well as the city’s sprawling skyline.
All Detroit drivers must carry the state minimum required car insurance in Michigan to legally drive. Detroit is known for having the most expensive car insurance rates in the United States. According to the University of Michigan, the average Detroiter spends around 18% of their pre-tax income on car insurance. This means it’s extra important to compare your provider options to make sure that you’re purchasing the cheapest possible auto insurance in Detroit.
Keep reading to learn more about Detroit car insurance, including average monthly insurance costs, factors used in determining rates, and ways to save on your next bill.
Quick Facts
- Detroit is Michigan’s largest city and the largest US city on the border with Canada
- Detroit is the home of the world’s oldest urban freeway, the Davison Freeway
- Detroit’s nickname is the “Motor City” thanks to its strong automotive tradition
- There were 282,640 traffic incidents in Michigan in 2021
- November saw the most traffic incidents in Michigan in 2021 with 30,666 crashes
- Friday was the most popular day for traffic incidents in Michigan in 2021 with 46,614 crashes
How Much is Car Insurance in Detroit, MI?
Detroit drivers pay an average car insurance rate of $478 per month for full coverage. This rate is considerably higher than the average of both the national average ($140) and the state of Michigan ($192). Michigan saw major auto insurance reform in 2019. These changes made car insurance options more affordable, but Michigan and particularly the city of Detroit still have high premiums.
The state-required minimum liability car insurance in Detroit is also exceedingly high. On average, motorists in Motor City will pay $356 per month for this basic liability coverage that includes bodily injury/death liability and property damage liability (there is also a property protection liability of $1 million). Also included is Personal Injury Protection (in varying amounts), although Michigan drivers can now opt out of PIP if they have some other health insurance that will cover their injuries from a car crash.
Full coverage car insurance consists of liability, collision auto insurance and comprehensive car insurance. Drivers who have a leased or financed vehicle will most likely be required by their lender to carry full coverage. Other drivers purchase it because it offers greater financial protection.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities
Car insurance premiums are cheapest in the cities of Lansing and Midland. See how Detroit car insurance rates compare to other cities in the state with this breakdown of average monthly car insurance costs across Michigan:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit | $478 | $356 |
| Ann Arbor | $215 | $120 |
| Dearborn | $394 | $318 |
| Lansing | $263 | $147 |
Is Michigan a No-Fault State?
Michigan is a no-fault state. This means that a driver’s car insurance pays for his or her own injuries no matter who is at fault in a car wreck. Michigan puts a heavy insurance burden on its drivers, which is one reason the car insurance is so expensive in that state.
To find the cheapest car insurance in Detroit, you should shop around and compare car insurance quotes.
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates in Detroit, MI by Zip Code
A major deciding factor in calculating the cost of car insurance is the zip code where you reside. Some zip codes have a higher occurrence of claims, consisting of moving violations, accidents, and lawsuits than other zip codes, driving up rates for everyone living there. The crime rate of your local zip code is also a factor.
The following table shows average monthly car insurance prices by zip code in Detroit:
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 48201 | $478 | $356 |
| 48202 | $482 | $375 |
| 48204 | $491 | $365 |
| 48205 | $480 | $349 |
| 48206 | $495 | $382 |
| 48207 | $449 | $358 |
| 48208 | $474 | $365 |
| 48209 | $511 | $306 |
| 48210 | $460 | $339 |
| 48211 | $472 | $370 |
| 48213 | $449 | $351 |
| 48214 | $439 | $331 |
| 48215 | $458 | $362 |
| 48216 | $462 | $333 |
| 48217 | $439 | $274 |
| 48219 | $411 | $321 |
| 48221 | $527 | $382 |
| 48223 | $446 | $322 |
| 48224 | $482 | $379 |
| 48226 | $527 | $323 |
| 48227 | $494 | $367 |
| 48228 | $473 | $352 |
| 48233 | $425 | $326 |
| 48234 | $454 | $340 |
| 48235 | $450 | $338 |
| 48238 | $464 | $351 |
| 48242 | $447 | $375 |
Detroit, Michigan Affordable Car Insurance Rates by Age
One of the biggest factors in determining auto insurance premiums is age. Some younger age groups offer riskier driving profiles and more active claims history than older age groups, causing the disparity.
Check out this chart with average monthly car insurance prices by age in Detroit.
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teens | $504 | $411 |
| 20s | $456 | $344 |
| 30s | $412 | $324 |
| 40s | $407 | $332 |
| 50s | $395 | $329 |
| 60s | $387 | $330 |
| 70s | $494 | $411 |
Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Michigan. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Driving Conditions in Detroit, Michigan
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Detroit, Mich?
In 2019, Detroit had 104 fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents. Of these, there were a total of 170 vehicles involved, with 40 of the accidents involving drunk persons.
How Many Uninsured Drivers are in Detroit?
It’s estimated that 20% of drivers in Michigan are driving without insurance, a number higher than the national average. In Detroit the estimated average rate is even higher at 60%.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Detroit?
With Michigan less than a 24-hour drive to more than half of the U.S. population, Detroit’s road infrastructure and bridges are continually being upgraded, with a special nod to 10,000+ trucks crossing Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge into Canada daily. Wayne County has an active Department of Public Services dedicated to improving roads and bridges, including preventative maintenance.
For the latest news on Detroit’s infrastructure projects, click here.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Detroit, MI
The minimum car insurance required in Michigan is as follows:
- Bodily Injury Coverage per Person: $20,000
- Bodily Injury Coverage per Accident: $40,000
- Property Damage Per Accident: $10,000
- Property Protection Insurance: $1 million
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): varying amounts and may be waived if proper health insurance is in place
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Detroit?
The penalties for driving without insurance in Michigan are steep.
- Driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor throughout the state, punishable with a fine of up to $500 and a suspended license/registration, subject to a $125 reinstatement fee. You may also face a one-year jail sentence.
- You may also need to file an SR-22, which shows proof of financial responsibility and adherence to the minimum state liability limits.
- However, an SR22 requirement changes your status and you can expect your rates to skyrocket due to your newly created label as a high-risk driver.
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Factors That Impact Detroit Car Insurance Rates
Auto insurance companies factor in the following when determining the amount of insurance premiums paid:
● Age
As mentioned earlier, age is a major factor in determining car insurance rates. Young drivers pay more on average for car insurance. In the insurance world, a “young driver” is usually anyone 25 years of age or younger.
● Driving history
Your driving record will impact how much you pay for car insurance in Detroit. Driving violations like a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, or a DUI will all lead to higher rates. Conversely, if you have a clean driving record you’ll be rewarded with the best possible rates.
● Vehicle type
If your vehicle make and model statistically gets into more auto accidents than other makes and models, you will pay a higher insurance rate. This is true for any municipality and is not unique to Detroit. Your vehicle’s safety rating will also affect your insurance cost.
● Annual mileage
The amount that you drive your car will affect how much it will cost to insure your vehicle, with a higher mileage associated with more accidents.
Michigan is one of a few states that does not allow credit reports or marital status to be factors when refusing coverage or setting rates.
Discounts for Cheap Car Insurance in Detroit
All Michigan drivers can enjoy discounts spanning several themes, such as good driving discounts, defensive driving discounts, administrative (autopay & paperless billing), and about a dozen others.
Some of the cheapest car insurance discounts in Michigan include but are not limited to the following:
To stay on top of all car insurance discounts you may be eligible for, give your insurance provider a call every six months or more frequently as your life circumstances change. For example, switching to an older make and model vehicle could easily save $20 or more off your monthly bill.
Get an Online Quote for Low-Cost Auto Insurance in Detroit, MI Today!
Shopping around from insurance company to insurance company takes time. Let Freeway Insurance do the heavy lifting for you.
Freeway Insurance is waiting to offer discounted and cheap car insurance for you and your family. Remember, all Michigan drivers are required to carry car insurance.
Request a fast and free car insurance quote online, visit your nearby Detroit office, or call 800-777-5620 for a free consultation with one of our friendly agents.