120+ moreCar insurance is a legal requirement in Michigan, and it provides important financial protection for your liabilities and your vehicle. But if you’re a high-risk driver, you might have difficulty purchasing affordable coverage.
The average cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers in Michigan is $226 per month, and the average premium for a driver with a clean record is $181.
While it’s hard to determine the actual number of high-risk drivers in Michigan, the state saw a 15% increase in traffic fatalities between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, more than 40% of fatal crashes in 2023 involved alcohol or drugs.1 2
Here’s what high-risk drivers in Michigan need to know about finding affordable car insurance.
A high-risk driver in Michigan usually refers to someone who has serious violations on their record, such as a DUI or multiple at-fault accidents within a short period. People who lose their driving privileges for any reason may also be considered high-risk.
Michigan uses a points system to determine which drivers are high-risk. Each traffic violation conviction adds a certain number of points to your driving record and remains for two years from the time of conviction. Here are some examples of violations and their point values:
Driving 6 to 10 mph over the speed limit: 2 points
Disobeying a traffic signal: 3 points
Driving 16 mph or more over the speed limit: 4 points
Driving impaired: 4 points
Accident causing injury or death: 6 points
Reckless driving: 6 points
After receiving six or more one-point violations, or 12 or more points within two years, you must complete a driver assessment re-examination.3
The cost of high-risk car insurance in Michigan can vary depending on the specific traffic violations on a person’s record. But when shopping for high-risk auto insurance, it’s important to consider factors besides the premium. These companies have some of the best car insurance for high-risk drivers in the Great Lakes State.
Michigan drivers with an at-fault accident on their record typically pay more for insurance than people with a clean record. Causing an accident makes you riskier to insure, so insurance companies charge you higher rates. Below, you can see which Michigan car insurance companies have the cheapest rates for drivers with an at-fault accident.
A DUI conviction is one of the most serious traffic violations you can receive in Michigan. Drivers with a DUI typically pay some of the highest car insurance rates. Additionally, you may need an SR-22, which some insurers don’t offer. The table below includes the cheapest car insurance companies in Michigan for drivers with a DUI conviction.
Getting pulled over for speeding in Michigan can lead to higher car insurance premiums. And depending on how fast you were driving over the legal speed limit, it can add between two and four points to your record. Below are the cheapest auto insurance companies for Michigan drivers with a speeding ticket.
If you’re a high-risk driver looking for cheaper car insurance in Michigan, here are some strategies that may reduce your premium:4
Look for discounts. Many car insurance companies in Michigan offer discounts that can help you get cheaper car insurance. For example, you can often save money for having a new vehicle, paying your annual premium in full, and enrolling in automatic payments.
Bundle your policies. To save money on car insurance, consider bundling multiple policies, like car insurance with home insurance or renters insurance. Many insurers offer savings for drivers who purchase two or more policies.
Choose higher deductibles. Higher deductibles for collision and comprehensive insurance policies can lower your car insurance premium. But make sure you can afford to pay a higher deductible out of pocket if you have to file a claim.
Compare multiple quotes. To find the cheapest auto insurance as a high-risk driver, shop around and compare quotes from a few insurance companies.
High-risk drivers in Michigan can improve their driving record to lower the cost of their car insurance. Here are several tips to get started: