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.
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.
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 |
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 coverage | Auto-Owners | $134 |
| Full coverage | Auto-Owners | $230 |
| Teens | Auto-Owners | $253 |
| Seniors | Auto-Owners | $106 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Auto-Owners | $170 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Auto-Owners | $167 |
| Drivers with a DUI | Auto-Owners | $195 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Auto-Owners | $103 |
| Drivers with poor credit | Auto-Owners | $200 |
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Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.*
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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumAuto-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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumAuto-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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumUSAA $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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumAuto-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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumUSAA $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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumAuto-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
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumAuto-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.
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
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.
| 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 |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
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.
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.
Above-average customer satisfaction rating in North Central region
Rideshare coverage available
Many discounts available
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.
Michigan Auto Insurance Requirements
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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:
$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
$10,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage
$1 million in property protection insurance (PPI)
$250,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
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.
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
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Information on Purchasing Auto Insurance."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
- J.D. Power. "2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study."
- J.D. Power. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
- 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.
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.
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