Kalamazoo drivers pay a monthly average of $140 for liability-only coverage, which is close to the state average of $146 but much higher than the national average of $104. Michigan drivers face high rates due to the state’s high percentage of uninsured drivers and its no-fault insurance system.
Kalamazoo rates are cheaper than rates in cities like Flint and Warren but more expensive than rates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, partly due to high crime and vehicle theft rates. Kalamazoo has a crime rate higher than 98.5% of U.S. cities.1
Here’s what you should know to find cheap coverage in Kalamazoo, including how to compare car insurance quotes and coverage options.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Kalamazoo
The best auto insurance company for you depends on your financial situation and insurance needs. The cheapest insurer listed below may not be the best choice for you — always compare as many options as possible. Here’s a table with a few of the top car insurance companies in Kalamazoo based on factors like pricing and coverage options.
Best insurer for luxury vehicles and classic cars: Chubb
Best insurer for bundling home and auto coverage: Auto-Owners
Best insurer for military members and their families: USAA
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Kalamazoo
Insurance companies in Kalamazoo take several factors into account when setting your car insurance rates, including your age, driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and where you live. Understanding what affects your premium is the first step in finding the cheapest car insurance.
To help you further, here are a few easy-to-follow tips:
Maintain a clean driving record and claims history. The fewer tickets and accidents you have, the lower your premium. In addition, if you have a minor accident and the damage isn’t much more than your deductible, consider paying out of pocket.
Take a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an accredited defensive driving course.
Bundle insurance policies. If you have other insurance policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, consider bundling them with your car insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who bundle multiple policies.
Compare rates from different companies. Rates can vary significantly from one insurance company to another. Take the time to get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare coverage details to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Kalamazoo: Auto-Owners
Liability-only car insurance is the minimum amount of coverage you need to drive legally in most states. It covers damage and injuries you cause to others in a car accident but not your own costs.3
The average rate for liability-only car insurance in Kalamazoo is $140 per month. The table below details the cheapest liability-only car insurance from some of the top companies in Kalamazoo.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Kalamazoo: Auto-Owners
If you want a broader safety net than what liability-only insurance covers, full-coverage car insurance is the right choice. This type of insurance provides liability coverage, but it also covers your own medical payments and car repairs if you’re in an accident, through collision and comprehensive coverage.
The average rate for full-coverage car insurance in Kalamazoo is $219 per month. The table below shows the most affordable full coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in Kalamazoo.
Car insurance requirements in Michigan
Michigan is a no-fault state for car insurance, meaning drivers receive compensation from their insurance company after an accident, regardless of who caused the accident.4
All drivers must carry a minimum amount of bodily injury liability and property damage liability, as well as property protection insurance. Most drivers must also purchase a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) medical coverage, which pays for medical expenses, recovery, and rehabilitation after an auto accident. Only Medicaid recipients meeting certain criteria can opt out of PIP medical coverage.5
Here are the specific requirements for Michigan drivers.
For more thorough protection behind the wheel, consider carrying more than the minimum coverages. Some other coverages to consider include:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Incidents can include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), and other moving violations. Having incidents on your driving record can increase your car insurance rates because insurance companies see you as more likely to file a claim and charge higher premiums to offset that risk.
The average cost of car insurance for Kalamazoo drivers with a past incident is $175 per month for liability coverage and $274 for full-coverage insurance.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Having multiple speeding tickets typically increases your car insurance rates. Kalamazoo drivers with a speeding ticket face an average monthly cost of $159 for liability-only coverage.
But you can still find affordable policies. Below are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in Kalamazoo with speeding tickets.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Auto-Owners
If you cause an accident, your insurer will likely raise your car insurance rates. In Kalamazoo, drivers with at-fault accidents pay an average of $200 per month for liability auto insurance. But it’s still possible to find affordable rates.
Below are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in Kalamazoo with at-fault accidents on their records.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Auto-Owners
Dealing with a DUI can be a challenging experience — especially when looking for affordable car insurance. Many insurers may even refuse to provide you coverage. The average monthly cost of liability car insurance with a DUI on your license in Kalamazoo is $225.
The table below shows some of the most affordable car insurance companies in Kalamazoo for drivers with DUIs.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Auto-Owners
Age plays a substantial role when it comes to the cost of your auto insurance premiums. While young, inexperienced drivers tend to pay higher premiums, rates typically decrease around age 35. But the trend takes a turn once drivers reach somewhere around age 70. At this stage, insurance companies perceive drivers as higher risk due to potential health issues from aging, such as vision changes or slower reaction times.
Senior drivers in Kalamazoo pay an average of $117 per month for liability coverage and $183 for full-coverage insurance. Below, you’ll find some of the cheapest insurers in Kalamazoo for seniors.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Auto-Owners
Insurance companies charge teen drivers higher rates than almost any other driver due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. This inexperience increases their risk of being involved in an accident, leading to more claims and higher costs for insurance companies.
On average, teen drivers in Kalamazoo pay $211 per month for liability-only coverage and $331 for full coverage.
Even so, teen drivers can keep premiums affordable by staying on their parents’ insurance, getting a safe vehicle, and maintaining good grades to qualify for a good student discount.
Below are the cheapest car insurance companies for teenage drivers in Kalamazoo.
Is car insurance more expensive in Kalamazoo?
In Kalamazoo, the average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance is $180, compared to Michigan’s average of $181 and the national average of $184. The cost of liability insurance in Kalamazoo is $140 per month, which is comparable to the state average of $146 and higher than the national average of $104.
One reason car insurance in Michigan is costly is the number of uninsured drivers in the state. The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that roughly 19.6% of drivers in Michigan don’t carry insurance — the fifth-highest rate in the nation.6
More cities in Michigan
The cost of car insurance in Kalamazoo is about the middle of the road compared to other Michigan cities. The table below shows the average monthly cost of car insurance in other popular Michigan cities and how they compare to Kalamazoo.