CarInsurance.com Insights
- Michigan auto insurance rates could increase by as much as 1,336% after a high-risk violation, such as a second driving under the influence offense.
- The cheapest insurer varies by violation type: GEICO leads for speeding tickets, Progressive after a first DUI and Auto-Owners after an at-fault accident.
- Michigan’s no-fault system and required PIP coverage significantly impact premiums, but choosing the right tier can unlock major savings.
- Rate shopping at 12 and 24 months after a violation can meaningfully reduce costs over time.
- Specialty insurers (those focused on high-risk drivers) can sometimes offer more competitive rates than standard carriers.
Michigan’s recent insurance reforms have brought rates down by an average of $357 per vehicle. But when you’re considered a high-risk driver, your insurance quotes can still be shocking.
Affordable rates are still possible, even with your driving history. Though the state average is steep (ranging from $3,715 to $8,031), the best insurance company for your situation may charge less than what drivers with a clean record pay elsewhere.
It all comes down to matching the right company to the right violation. And when you understand Michigan’s no-fault car insurance system, you’ll have additional savings leverage most people never use.
What makes a driver high-risk in Michigan?
High-risk drivers have at-fault accidents, DUIs, or two or more traffic violations in their driving record. Michigan uses a 12-point system to track violations on your driving record, and insurance companies can view the points you’ve received. Points stay on your record for two years following a conviction.
The number of points you receive varies depending on severity. Here are a few examples:
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI): 6 points
- 16 mph or more over the speed limit: 4 points
- 11 to 15 mph over the legal speed limit: 3 points
- 6 to 10 mph over the legal speed limit: 2 points
Michigan also has a Super Drunk law, which imposes stiff fines and jail time for high-BAC drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .17, even for first offenses. Super-Drunk offenders must also install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in their vehicle. If you’re in an accident, the other driver could sue you for costs beyond what their no-fault insurance covers, like pain and suffering. And due to the bankruptcy code, you’d have to repay that debt even if you filed for bankruptcy.
How much does high-risk car insurance cost in Michigan?
Moving violations will significantly spike your insurance rates in Michigan.
The average annual rate for Michigan drivers with a clean record is $3,964. A speeding ticket for going 30 or more miles above the speed limit will raise your rates by an average of 89%, to $7,488.
Being found at fault for an accident just about doubles the average rate, from $3,964 to $7,850.
But by far the steepest increases are for driving under the influence. The first DUI offense increases the average rate by 182%, to $11,189. The average cost for a second offense rises 1,336%, to $56,911.
Remember that the rates below are averages, and your rate will vary based on driving record, ZIP code, insurer and other factors.
| Violation | Before | After | $ increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over | $3,964 | $6,788 | +$2,824 | +71% |
| Speeding 11–29 mph over | $3,964 | $6,221 | +$2,257 | +57% |
| Speeding 30+ mph over | $3,964 | $7,488 | +$3,524 | +89% |
| DUI — first offense | $3,964 | $11,189 | +$7,225 | +182% |
| DUI — second offense | $3,964 | $56,911 | +$52,947 | +1,336% |
| At-fault accident | $3,964 | $7,850 (avg) | +$3,886 | +98% |
| Reckless driving | $3,964 | $8,966 | +$5,002 | +126% |
Source: CarInsurance.com analysis of Quadrant Information Services (2026) data. Rates reflect a 40-year-old driver, 2022 Honda Accord, full coverage (100/300/100 liability, $500 deductible). Individual rates vary by ZIP code, carrier, and driver profile.
Which companies are the cheapest after a speeding ticket?
GEICO is the cheapest company after a speeding ticket, with an average rate of $3,619 per year. That’s even lower than the Michigan average for a clean driving record ($3,964).
Progressive’s average rates increase less than GEICO’s ($1,032 vs. $1,648), but the result is more expensive overall, because Progressive’s baseline average rate is higher.
If you’re with The Hanover, be advised that their average rate jumps nearly $9,000 after a single speeding ticket, so watch your odometer carefully.
One interesting quirk to note: Rate increases in Michigan don’t always match up with violation severity. If you were ticketed for going 1-10 mph over the speed limit, you’d pay a higher average rate ($6,788) than if you were ticketed for going 11-29 mph over ($6,221).
| Carrier | Rate before | Rate after ticket | $ change |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,971 | $3,619 | + $1,648 |
| Progressive | $2,946 | $3,978 | + $1,032 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,868 | $4,073 | + $1,205 |
| State Farm | $4,323 | $6,667 | + $2,344 |
| Frankenmuth Insurance | $5,197 | $7,535 | + $2,338 |
| The Hanover | $7,837 | $16,756 | + $8,919 |
Source: CarInsurance.com analysis of Quadrant Information Services (2026) data
Sophie’s Tip
If you’ve just received a speeding ticket, the most important thing you can do at renewal is request a quote from another insurer. The same violation that costs an average of $3,619 at GEICO costs $16,756 at The Hanover — a rate difference that could cost you $13,000 per year – more than $1K per month.
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
Which companies are the cheapest after a DUI?
Progressive is the cheapest company for Michigan car insurance after one DUI, with an average rate of $3,715 — $249 less than what the average Michigan driver pays with a clean record ($3,964).
But GEICO, Michigan’s cheapest insurance company for a clean record ($1,971/year), becomes one of its most expensive after a DUI. GEICO’s average rate after one DUI is $13,457, a 583% increase. Progressive’s rates rose only 26% for the same violation.
The most expensive insurer in Michigan after a first DUI offense is Frankenmuth ($22,276), with an average rate that’s $18,561 higher than Progressive’s. That adds up to $55,683 over a standard three-year SR-22 period.
Prices skyrocket with a second DUI. The average cost for insurance with two DUIs in Michigan is $56,911 per year statewide. Progressive remains the most accessible option, with an average rate of $6,023, up 25%. The biggest percentage increase is at GEICO, with a 583% spike in the average rate. In pure dollar terms, the highest average rate is Frankenmuth, at $43,508.
| Carrier | Rate before | After 1st DUI | After 2nd DUI | % change (1st DUI) | % change (2nd DUI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,946 | $3,715 | $6,023 | +26% | +104% |
| Auto-Owners | $2,868 | $6,582 | $14,237 | +129% | +396% |
| State Farm | $4,323 | $10,940 | $24,585 | +153% | +469% |
| GEICO | $1,971 | $13,457 | $22,977 | +583% | +1,066% |
| The Hanover | $7,837 | $15,519 | NA | 98% | NA |
| Frankenmuth Insurance | $5,197 | $22,276 | $43,508 | +329% | 737% |
Source: CarInsurance.com analysis of Quadrant Information Services (2026) data
Which company is the cheapest after an at-fault accident?
The cheapest insurance company in Michigan after an at-fault accident is Auto-Owners, which increases the average rate by just $525, to $3,393. Compare that to the state’s average rate surcharge of 98%.
State Farm’s average surcharge is also relatively low at $827. Frankenmuth’s average rate is $6,176, which is higher than most other insurers’ rates after an at-fault record, though its surcharge of $979 is lower than Progressive’s $1,701.
GEICO, which has the lowest clean-record rate, adds a steep $3,166 surcharge. That makes the rate after an accident ($5,137) more expensive than Auto-Owners and just $13 off of State Farm’s rate ($5,150).
The highest average surcharge is at The Hanover, with $15,889, bringing its average rate after an at-fault accident to $23,726.
| Carrier | Rate before | Rate after the accident | $ change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $2,868 | $3,393 | + $525 |
| State Farm | $4,323 | $5,150 | + $827 |
| Progressive | $2,946 | $4,647 | + $1,701 |
| GEICO | $1,971 | $5,137 | + $3,166 |
| Frankenmuth Insurance | $5,197 | $6,176 | + $979 |
| The Hanover | $7,837 | $23,726 | + $15,889 |
Source: CarInsurance.com analysis of Quadrant Information Services (2026) data
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its average annual full coverage rates.
Do you need SR-22 in Michigan?
Yes, you’ll need an SR-22 filing in Michigan after certain serious violations. An SR-22 is a formal certificate of financial responsibility. Your insurer will file it with the Michigan Secretary of State to show that you’ve purchased the mandatory minimum liability car insurance (with limits of 20/40/10). Not all insurance companies will file an SR-22, so you’ll need to shop around.
A conviction of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs will suspend your license and trigger the SR-22 requirement. You’ll typically need to maintain the SR-22 for three years. If your policy lapses while the SR-22 is active, the insurer notifies the state, and the clock resets.
You could also be required to file a certificate of insurance with the state after a lapse in insurance coverage at the time of an at-fault accident.
A drunk-driving conviction stays permanently on your driving record in Michigan, so it can take several years for your rates to return to normal. You’ll pay higher rates for the whole three-year SR-22 period. Though your rates could begin to slowly come back down, they could stay high for up to seven years past your conviction date. That’s why it’s important to maintain affordable insurance coverage and shop for a new carrier regularly.
How does Michigan’s no-fault system affect your rate?
Michigan has a no-fault insurance system, where drivers file claims with their own insurer after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. But the high cost of its mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage requirements led to an estimated 26% of its drivers going without auto insurance.
In Michigan, PIP is mandatory coverage that helps pay for an injured person’s medical care, lost wages, and replacement services. Michigan changed its auto insurance laws in 2019 to phase in PIP reforms to lower prices. The reforms introduced new controls on medical costs and reduced insurer payouts.
Michigan drivers can choose from various PIP coverage tiers, ranging from $50,000 (for Medicaid enrollees) to unlimited coverage, with the option to opt out if the policyholder has Medicare Parts A and B.
The Insurance Information Institute reported that Michigan’s liability rates fell by nearly 25% between 2019 and 2023 due to PIP reforms.
For high-risk drivers, choosing the right PIP tier can save more per year than switching carriers. But most Michigan drivers do not know that if they don’t choose their desired PIP tier, they could be assigned unlimited coverage, which can be expensive.
One more factor affecting your rate in Michigan: Every Michigan policy carries a per-vehicle charge from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA). The MCCA is a state fund that covers catastrophic injury claims. Starting in July, this fee is $84 for drivers with unlimited PIP and $19 for other levels.
This is part of why Detroit-area rates are among the highest in the country, even for clean-record drivers.
| PIP tier | Who may qualify | Effect on your premium |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | Any Michigan driver | Highest premium — full medical coverage with no cap |
| $500,000 cap | Any Michigan driver | Moderate reduction from unlimited |
| $250,000 cap | Any Michigan driver | Moderate reduction |
| $50,000 cap | Medicaid-eligible drivers | Significant reduction |
| Medical-only / opt-out | Drivers with qualifying Medicare or private health insurance | Largest potential savings — requires confirming your health plan covers auto accidents |
Source: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (michigan.gov/difs).
Which carrier should you start with?
As a high-risk driver in Michigan, you should base your search on your violation type to find the best savings. GEICO is a good place to start for drivers with a speeding ticket, while Progressive is a good starting point when you have one or two DUIs or a reckless driving conviction. For someone with an at-fault accident on their record, start with Auto-Owners.
If all insurance companies have declined to insure you, your next stop should be MAIPF (Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility). It’s the insurer of last resort for Michigan drivers. To access it, you’ll need to purchase through a licensed agent, which you can find by searching the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
| Situation | Start here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding ticket | GEICO ($3,619/yr) then Progressive ($3,978/yr) | Both land under the state average for all three speed tiers |
| First DUI | Progressive ($3,715/yr) | Lowest post-DUI rate in the data — +26% vs. +583% at GEICO for the same violation |
| Second DUI | Progressive ($6,023/yr), then specialty carriers | Frankenmuth and GEICO are the most expensive options here |
| At-fault accident | Auto-Owners ($3,393/yr) then State Farm ($5,150/yr) | Both apply far smaller surcharges than the rest of the market |
| Reckless driving | Progressive and Auto-Owners | Same dynamics as DUI — reckless driving is treated at a similar severity by most carriers |
| Declined by all carriers | Contact MAIPF | State-backed last-resort coverage — available to eligible drivers, rates higher than standard market |
How to lower your rate
You can take concrete steps to reduce your auto rates, even when you’re classified as a high-risk driver in Michigan.
Tip 1 — Check PIP options before comparing carriers
Before you get a single quote, call your health insurance company and ask them one question: Does my plan cover medical bills from a car accident? If the answer is yes and your deductible is under $6,579, you may qualify for a lower PIP tier that lowers your rate more than a carrier switch would.
Even if the answer is no, you may still have lower-priced options besides unlimited coverage.
Tip 2 — Match the carrier to the violation, not just the price
There is no single best insurance company in Michigan. The best fit depends entirely on what is on your driving record. For instance, GEICO leads after a speeding ticket, Progressive leads after a DUI, and Auto-Owners leads after an at-fault accident.
Tip 3 — Re-shop at 12 and 24 months post-violation
Insurance companies update their pricing as your violation ages. The market for affordable coverage at the 12-month mark is meaningfully better than on day one, and better again at 24 months. Setting a calendar reminder to shop every 12 months can save hundreds per year, even if you change nothing else.
Tip 4 — Update your address if you have moved
Pricing varies more by territory in Michigan than in almost any other state, so keep your address up to date with your insurance company. Moving from the costly Detroit area to a lower-rated ZIP code without updating your policy address could be an expensive mistake.
Tip 5 — Include specialty carriers in the comparison
While standard carriers apply large surcharges for high-risk drivers, specialty carriers can sometimes offer more competitive rates. The General, Dairyland, Bristol West, Kemper, and National General focus specifically on high-risk drivers, so they’re worth including in your rate shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions: Michigan high-risk drivers
What is the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Michigan?
The cheapest high-risk insurance in Michigan depends on the type of violation on your driving record. For a speeding ticket, the cheapest average rates are with GEICO, while Progressive is the cheapest for a DUI and Auto-Owners for an at-fault accident. Start your search for affordable coverage by matching your violation to the best insurer for your needs, and re-shop regularly to find better rates.
How long does a DUI affect car insurance rates in Michigan?
Your rates should begin to return to normal between 3 and 7 years after a DUI conviction. Insurers typically consider only the most recent years of your driving history (the lookback period) when setting insurance rates, not your entire record. Keeping safe driving habits and a clean record can help lower your rates. However, be aware that while the points on your license eventually fall off, a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record permanently.
What is Michigan’s Super Drunk law, and how does it affect my insurance?
Michigan applies more severe DUI penalties when you’re found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .17 (twice the legal limit). In addition to steeper fines and jail time, your insurer could drop you or not renew your policy. If you do find coverage, it’s likely to be twice as expensive as before — or more. Plus, your insurer will need to file an SR-22 for three years following your conviction.
Does Michigan’s no-fault system make insurance more expensive for high-risk drivers?
Yes, Michigan’s no-fault system can exacerbate the problem of high insurance costs for high-risk drivers. PIP coverage is mandatory under Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, as is a fee to cover catastrophic injury. If you’re not paying attention, you could be paying steep rates for unlimited PIP medical coverage. Finding out whether you can opt for a lower PIP tier could help you save money. However, the main driver behind your higher costs is the violation, not the PIP.
What is MAIPF, and when would I need it?
MAIPF is the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility, the state’s insurer of last resort. You’ll need coverage through MAIPF if all other standard and specialty carriers decline to insure you. Working with a Michigan-licensed insurance agent, you’ll be assigned to an insurance company through the MAIPF program.
Resources
- Michigan Department of State. “Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC).” Accessed May 2026.
- Milliman Report. “The Impact of Michigan Auto Insurance Reform.” Accessed May 2026.
- Michigan State Police. “Impaired Driving Law.” Accessed May 2026.
- Legal Information Institute. “11 U.S. Code § 523 – Exceptions to discharge.” Accessed May 2026.
- Insurance Information Institute. “Michigan Drivers Benefit From No-Fault Reforms; Rulings Constrain Gains.” Accessed May 2026.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates. The rates are based on sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers with full coverage policies, limits of 100/300/100, and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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