Michigan Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents, serious traffic violations, reckless driving offenses, or an OWI may be considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies. These incidents can affect premiums and, in some circumstances, a driver's eligibility for coverage with a particular insurer. 

Michigan's Essential Insurance Act generally requires auto insurance to be available to eligible Michigan residents, although insurers can decline coverage under specific circumstances. A suspended license can also affect your eligibility for auto insurance in some situations. If you have difficulty finding coverage, you can compare insurers because companies may use different underwriting and rating practices. Drivers who cannot obtain coverage through the regular market may also have an agent submit an application to the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility (MAIPF).

Maintaining a good driving record can help Michigan drivers avoid some of the costs and consequences associated with traffic violations and at-fault accidents. Insurers may consider driving history and claims history when setting premiums, and some companies offer discounts or other benefits to drivers with favorable records.  

Here are some potential benefits of maintaining a good driving record: 

• Qualify for Lower Car Insurance Rates: A clean driving record can help you avoid insurance-related surcharges associated with certain traffic violations and at-fault accidents, which may help keep your premium lower.  
• Access Good-Driver Discounts: Some Michigan insurers offer discounts to drivers who maintain a good driving record. Discount amounts, eligibility requirements, and how long you must maintain a clean record vary by insurer.  
• Avoid Premium Increases: Traffic violations and at-fault accidents can affect your insurance costs. Maintaining a clean record can help you avoid rate increases associated with certain driving incidents, although the effect varies by insurer.  
• Potentially Qualify for Accident Forgiveness: Some insurers offer accident-forgiveness programs that may prevent a qualifying accident from increasing your premium. Eligibility and program terms vary by insurer, so accident forgiveness is not automatically available to every Michigan driver.  
• Protect Your Driving Privileges: Repeated traffic violations can result in points and other penalties that may affect your Michigan driving record and, in certain circumstances, your driving privileges.