The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Detroit, Michigan, in 2026

Auto-Owners has some of the cheapest auto insurance rates in Detroit, starting at $134 per month.

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Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy Sleight
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew Gross
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Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

David C. Marlett
David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
  • Professor of Risk Management

  • 25+ years in insurance

  • Former commercial lines underwriter

David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

Updated

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Detroit drivers pay a steep price for car insurance, averaging $341 per month, according to Compare.com data. That’s substantially more than the national average of $141.

A few reasons for the city’s high insurance costs include its population density, traffic congestion, and vehicle theft and accident rates.

Fortunately, many companies offer rates well below the citywide average. Auto-Owners, USAA, and Chubb are among the cheapest insurers, offering rates as low as $134 per month.

Below, we break down the cheapest insurance companies in Detroit for various driver and coverage types. We’ll also tell you how to pick the best company and tips on how to save on car insurance premiums.

Key Takeaways
  • The cheapest car insurance company in Detroit is Auto-Owners, with rates starting at $134 per month.

  • Detroit drivers pay an average of $266 per month for liability-only coverage and $416 per month for full-coverage insurance.

  • Michigan requires drivers to have 50/100/10 of liability coverage. You also need $250,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $1 million of property protection insurance (PPI).[1]

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Detroit, Michigan

No matter the average rates in the Motor City, you can still save on your car insurance. You can start by comparing quotes from the cheapest companies to find the coverage you need at the lowest price.

The table below shows the cheapest auto insurance companies in Detroit, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$134
USAA$134
Chubb$146
National General$205
Progressive$212
Safeco$214
Liberty Mutual$246
Bristol West$267
Direct Auto$271
State Farm$279
Insurify Car$318
Travelers$322
GEICO$325
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Detroit by Driver and Coverage Type

Although the above companies are a good starting point, your personal auto insurance rates will vary by factors like your age, driving record, ZIP code, and coverage needs.

The table below breaks down the cheapest insurers for different driver backgrounds and coverage types, according to Compare.com data.

Driver/Coverage Type
Cheapest Insurer
Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
State-minimum coverageAuto-Owners$134
Full coverageAuto-Owners$230
TeensAuto-Owners$253
SeniorsAuto-Owners$106
Drivers with a speeding ticketAuto-Owners$170
Drivers with an at-fault accidentAuto-Owners$167
Drivers with a DUIAuto-Owners$195
Drivers with excellent creditAuto-Owners$103
Drivers with poor creditAuto-Owners$200
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

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  • Detroit drivers pay an average of $266 per month for state-minimum coverage. Minimum-coverage insurance covers injuries and damages you cause to another driver in an accident. But most experts recommend buying more than the minimum requirements to protect your finances in a serious accident.

    The chart below shows the five insurers with the cheapest rates for state-minimum coverage, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Liability Rates by Company

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Auto-Owners$134
    USAA$134
    Chubb$146
    National General$205
    Progressive$212
    Safeco$214
    Liberty Mutual$246
    Bristol West$267
    Direct Auto$271
    State Farm$279
    Insurify Car$318
    Travelers$322
    GEICO$325
  • Most drivers should consider full-coverage car insurance because it covers injuries and damage you cause to others and yourself. Full coverage typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. It can also include personal injury protection (PIP) for injuries to you and your passengers.

    If you finance or lease your car, your lender typically requires you to have full coverage to protect their investment. The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Detroit is $416 per month.

    The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Detroit for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Auto-Owners$230
    USAA$232
    Chubb$251
    Progressive$337
    Safeco$364
    Liberty Mutual$436
    National General$442
    State Farm$477
    GEICO$485
    Bristol West$524
    Travelers$551
    Direct Auto$553
  • Teens make riskier decisions while driving, like speeding, using their phones, and not wearing seat belts, which increases their likelihood of causing a crash.[2] That’s why they usually pay the highest car insurance rates of any age group.

    On average, Detroit teens pay $535 per month for car insurance. But you can still find affordable coverage for young drivers if you know where to look.

    Check out the chart below for the five cheapest insurance companies in Detroit for teens, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates for Teens

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    USAA$229
    Auto-Owners$253
    Chubb$281
    Progressive$333
    National General$382
    Liberty Mutual$399
    Safeco$407
    Bristol West$438
    Direct Auto$493
    Insurify Car$499
    State Farm$504
    GEICO$546
    Travelers$625
  • Seniors often pay the least for car insurance of any age group. Older drivers tend to drive less at night and are more cautious when behind the wheel, making them less likely to get into an accident.

    The average cost of car insurance for Detroit seniors is $297 per month, according to our research. But even with low average rates, several companies typically offer even better deals.

    The chart below highlights the five cheapest auto insurers in Detroit for seniors, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates for Seniors

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Auto-Owners$106
    USAA$109
    Chubb$111
    National General$162
    Progressive$184
    Safeco$187
    Liberty Mutual$205
    State Farm$220
    Direct Auto$223
    Bristol West$224
    Travelers$258
    GEICO$259
    Insurify Car$277
  • Getting a ticket can raise your car insurance rates because insurers see you as a higher risk of filing a claim. In fact, our research shows that even one speeding ticket can increase average premiums by 36% nationwide.

    Detroit drivers with a recent ticket pay an average of $402 per month for auto insurance, according to our research. Fortunately, several insurers offer lower-than-average rates, even if you have a ticket in your driving history.

    The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Detroit for people with a recent speeding ticket, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With a Ticket

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    USAA$168
    Auto-Owners$170
    Chubb$181
    National General$248
    Progressive$250
    Safeco$273
    Liberty Mutual$305
    Bristol West$327
    Direct Auto$331
    State Farm$344
    Insurify Car$375
    Travelers$406
    GEICO$414
  • You could see a substantial rate increase in your car insurance rates if you cause an accident. Our research shows average premiums increase by 40% nationally after a single at-fault accident.

    Drivers in Detroit with a recent accident pay an average of $396 per month, according to our data. But you may find an even better deal from one of the five insurers highlighted in the chart below.

    Here are Detroit’s cheapest insurers for drivers with a recent accident, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With an Accident

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Auto-Owners$167
    USAA$170
    Chubb$183
    Progressive$246
    National General$257
    Safeco$281
    Liberty Mutual$307
    Bristol West$332
    Direct Auto$348
    State Farm$348
    Insurify Car$369
    GEICO$404
    Travelers$410
  • A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is the most serious driving infraction and can cause the most significant increase in your insurance costs. Average rates increase by 61% nationally after a DUI conviction, according to our research.

    Detroit drivers with a DUI pay an average of $549 per month for auto insurance. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying expensive premiums. Some insurers specialize in working with high-risk drivers, even with DUIs.

    The chart below breaks down the five cheapest car insurance companies in Detroit for drivers with a DUI conviction, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Michigan are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With a DUI

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Auto-Owners$195
    USAA$204
    Chubb$223
    National General$313
    Progressive$341
    Safeco$355
    Liberty Mutual$375
    Bristol West$407
    Direct Auto$414
    State Farm$426
    Travelers$491
    GEICO$493
    Insurify Car$512

Our Picks for the Best Auto Insurance in Detroit

No single car insurance company is the best for everyone because every driver has unique needs. We chose the following companies because they have a solid mix of affordable rates, discounts, customer reviews, and available coverages.

Nationwide
User Reviews
4.4
Details
4.4
Best choice in MichiganBased on 23 verified guest reviews and ratings
Nationwide's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.03.2
Customer service3.53.6
Discounts3.02.9
Policy transparency3.53.1
Value3.52.9
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7 Nationwide reviews
David
Verified Review
Too late to change to another company
I would shop around depending on how much coverage you need. Nationwide has handled my past claims, although, as you might suspect, there were some frustrating times spent trying to glean information from representatives. Nationwide has changed since I first started with them. They used to have independent agencies; now they seem to be just representative agencies with no real concern for people—just customers who pay their bills every month if they "accept" your business.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
688
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Nationwide earns above-average ratings in nearly all recent J.D. Power studies, except for digital shopping experience, in which it scores below average. That said, it ranks No. 1 for digital service, making it a good fit for tech-savvy customers.

Its SmartRide telematics program also earned the top spot in the 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Drivers can earn up to 40% in savings depending on their driving behaviors.

That said, Nationwide can be more expensive for some drivers. The company also doesn’t have many local agents, so if you want personalized service, you may want to look elsewhere.

Pros
  • Affordable rates

  • Highly rated telematics program[4]

  • Many discounts available

Cons
  • Higher-than-average rates for some drivers

  • Below-average digital shopping experience score[3]

  • Few local agents

State Farm
User Reviews
3.9
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.7 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$143/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$245/mo
Details
3.9
A solid option in MichiganBased on 909 verified guest reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.52.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.52.9
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 352 State Farm reviews
Robert
Verified Review
Longtime State Farm Customer, but I’m Going to Have to Look Elsewhere Due to Renewal Cost
State Farm is very good. However, the premiums are very high. I’m going to have to look at other options before my renewal.
Michael
Verified Review
Overpriced!
Way too overpriced for the coverage I get. I’m in the market for other insurance.
James
Verified Review
Very Disappointed!!
The claims rep will not follow up on the total loss of my 2015 Toyota Camry. They want to offer around one-third of the car’s value. I’ve had State Farm for over 50 years. As soon as I get this settled, I will move all four of my vehicles elsewhere.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
665
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Rideshare drivers in Detroit should consider State Farm, which offers specialized coverage that picks up where rideshare company policies fall short. From basic liability coverage to customized full-coverage policies, a local State Farm agent can help you find the policy you need.

State Farm also offers a range of discounts for teens and young drivers, potentially making it a more affordable choice than other insurers in the area. But it can have higher rates for high-risk drivers. The insurer also offers fewer optional coverages than some competitors.

Pros
  • Above-average customer satisfaction rating in North Central region

  • Rideshare coverage available

  • Many discounts available

Cons
  • Higher-than-average rates for spotty driving records

  • Fewer coverage options than some competitors

  • Few local agents

Find the Best Company for You

Local rates start as low as $134 per month.

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Michigan Auto Insurance Requirements

Close-up of a metal manhole cover with the word "DETROIT" embossed on it, set against a textured concrete surface.

Michigan has some of the most robust auto insurance laws in the country. Drivers must have the following minimum insurance to legally drive in the state:

Even with laws aimed at lowering costs, Michigan still has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers. More than 22% of drivers don’t have insurance, despite it being illegal to drive without coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.[5]

Though optional, you should consider including uninsured motorist coverage in your auto policy to cover damage uninsured drivers may cause to your vehicle or property.

Is minimum coverage enough in Detroit?

Most experts recommend buying more coverage than the state’s minimum requirements. More coverage helps protect your assets in case you cause a serious accident.

Despite being a no-fault state, Michigan allows seriously injured victims to sue for pain and suffering and medical costs that exceed liability coverage.[6] Higher limits can cover legal fees and legal settlements.

You also usually need comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle. It’s a good idea to talk with an agent if you’re unsure how much or what type of coverage you need.

Detroit Auto Insurance FAQs

If you still have questions about car insurance in Detroit, we’re here to help. Below, we answered some common questions drivers ask about auto coverage.

  • Car insurance in Detroit costs an average of $341 per month, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only rates average $266 per month, while full coverage costs an average of $416 per month.

  • Auto-Owners is the cheapest auto insurance company in Detroit, according to Compare.com data. Its average monthly rate is $134.

  • Yes. Drivers in Detroit pay an average of $341 per month for car insurance, while the national average rate is $141 per month, according to Compare.com data. But your personal rates will vary depending on your age, driving record, vehicle type, and coverage needs.

  • Accident and vehicle crime rates, auto insurance laws, and high rates of uninsured drivers are a few reasons auto insurance is so expensive in Michigan. Driving safely and comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the cheapest rates for your driving profile.

  • Detroit has some of the highest car insurance rates in the U.S., largely due to its high crime rate and dense population, which increase the risk of accidents and vehicle theft. Drivers in the city pay the highest rates in the state, at an average of $341 per month for car insurance, according to our data. 

  • It depends. Michigan’s 2019 auto insurance reform law bans insurers from using your actual credit score when setting car insurance rates. But insurers can still use your credit-based insurance score, which can be partly based on your credit history. That means your credit can still indirectly affect your premium.

  • Yes. For car insurance in Detroit, $500 per month is expensive. The average Detroit driver pays around $341 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. Liability coverage costs an average of $266 per month, and full coverage costs $416 per month, on average.

  • You can lower your full-coverage car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple insurers, increasing your deductible, asking about discounts, and bundling your auto policy with homeowners or renters insurance for discounts. Michigan also allows drivers with qualifying health insurance to lower their personal injury protection (PIP) limits, which can help reduce costs.

  • Auto-Owners, GEICO, and USAA are among our choices for the best insurance companies in Detroit. These insurers offer competitive rates, solid financial strength and customer service ratings, noteworthy discounts, and robust coverage.

Sources

  1. Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Information on Purchasing Auto Insurance."
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
  3. J.D. Power. "2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study."
  4. J.D. Power. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
  5. Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
  6. Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Brief Explanation of Michigan No-Fault Insurance."

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

About Compare.com

Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
  • Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew GrossEditor
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCU
Reviewed byDavid C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
David C. Marlett
David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
  • Professor of Risk Management

  • 25+ years in insurance

  • Former commercial lines underwriter

David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

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