- California vs Michigan: Compare car insurance rates
- California vs Michigan: Average premium by company
- Minimum car insurance requirements: California vs. Michigan
- Best car insurance companies in California and Michigan
- California vs Michigan: Auto insurance trends
- California vs. Michigan: car insurance rates by city
- Methodology
- California vs. Michigan: FAQs
California vs Michigan: Compare car insurance rates
On average, California car insurance averages $2,416, and coverage in Michigan averages $2,352. However, rates depend on the type of coverage you choose.
The minimum required coverage in California is 15/30/5 and averages $551 a year. Michigan minimum coverage limits are 50/100/10 and costs an average of $654 a year.
When comparing 50/100/50 liability-only coverage rates, California averages $864, and Michigan averages $694.
We also analyzed full coverage rates based on 100/300/100 liability coverage with $500 deductibles. The full coverage rates averaged $2,416 in California and $2,352 in Michigan.
The table below compares average car insurance rates for minimum, liability, and full coverage in California and Michigan.
| State | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $2,416 | $201 |
| Michigan | $2,352 | $196 |
People ask
Is car insurance cheaper in California than Michigan?
Car insurance rates are cheaper on average in Michigan than California. However, many factors, such as age, driving record, and vehicle, are used to determine rates, so costs vary widely by driver.
California vs Michigan: Average premium by company
Overall, the cheapest car insurance in California is $1,919 of Geico, and the cheapest car insurance rate in Michigan is $1,553 from Geico.
In California, the next two cheapest insurance companies for full coverage are Mercury Insurance and Progressive.
In Michigan, the next two most affordable insurance companies for full coverage are Travelers and Progressive.
This table compares top car insurance companies in California and Michigan.
| State | Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Geico | $1,919 | $160 |
| California | Mercury Insurance | $2,031 | $169 |
| California | Progressive | $2,179 | $182 |
| California | Kemper | $2,429 | $202 |
| California | Travelers | $2,460 | $205 |
| California | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,466 | $205 |
| California | CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,600 | $217 |
| California | Allstate | $2,627 | $219 |
| California | State Farm | $2,701 | $225 |
| California | Nationwide | $2,799 | $233 |
| California | Farmers | $3,035 | $253 |
| California | USAA | $1,827 | $152 |
| Michigan | Geico | $1,553 | $129 |
| Michigan | Travelers | $1,817 | $151 |
| Michigan | Progressive | $2,069 | $172 |
| Michigan | Auto-Owners | $2,085 | $174 |
| Michigan | Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA) | $2,537 | $211 |
| Michigan | Pioneer State Mutual | $2,662 | $222 |
| Michigan | Frankenmuth Insurance | $2,851 | $238 |
| Michigan | Michigan Farm Bureau | $2,948 | $246 |
| Michigan | State Farm | $3,698 | $308 |
| Michigan | USAA | $1,514 | $126 |
Minimum car insurance requirements: California vs. Michigan
Each state determines the minimum amount of car insurance drivers must carry. The auto insurance laws in California and Michigan differ, and your insurance policy may need to be changed if you move from state to state.
The table below outlines the minimum car insurance requirements in California and Michigan.
| State | State minimum limits | Annaul premium |
|---|---|---|
| California | 15/30/5 | $551 |
| Michigan | 50/100/10 | $654 |
Remember, minimum coverage may be insufficient because the limits are low and don't include coverage for your vehicle. To ensure you're fully protected, experts recommend adding coverage and increasing limits.
"Full coverage is physical damage coverage to your vehicle, typically requiring a deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. to be met before coverage applies. It is not required by the state but is required by a financial institution if you have a loan or lease," said Zack Pope of David Pope Insurance.
So, even though no state requires full coverage, you may still need it if you have a loan or lease,
People ask
How do I handle car insurance if I am relocating from California to Michigan?
Many top insurers offer car insurance in multiple states, so you may be able to stay with your company when you move from California to Michigan. If your insurer doesn't offer coverage in Michigan, you'll have to shop around.
Best car insurance companies in California and Michigan
The best auto insurance company in California is Geico, and the best company in Michigan is Auto-Owners. However, the best insurer for you combines the lowest rates with the best service and the coverage you need. Compare multiple companies to determine which is your best fit.
The table below shows the best insurance companies in California and Michigan based on [reasons].
| State | Company | AM Best rating | Average annual premium | J.D. Power score | NAIC Complaint Index | Insurance.com score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Geico | A++ | $1,919 | 830 | 0.91 | 4.02 |
| California | Progressive | A+ | $2,179 | 809 | 0.65 | 3.69 |
| California | Travelers | A++ | $2,460 | 810 | 0.49 | 3.65 |
| California | State Farm | A++ | $2,701 | 826 | 0.7 | 3.47 |
| California | Mercury Insurance | A | $2,031 | 794 | 0.84 | 3.47 |
| California | Allstate | A+ | $2,627 | 816 | 0.65 | 3.35 |
| California | CSAA Insurance (AAA) | A | $2,600 | 822 | 0.75 | 3.28 |
| California | Nationwide | A+ | $2,799 | 794 | 0.64 | 3.2 |
| California | Farmers | A | $3,035 | 810 | 0.8 | 2.91 |
| California | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | A+ | $2,466 | 832 | 2.21 | 2.89 |
| California | Kemper Insurance | A- | $2,429 | 736 | 2.16 | 2.05 |
| Michigan | Auto-Owners | A++ | $2,080 | 833 | 0.5 | 3.82 |
| Michigan | Travelers | A++ | $1,355 | 806 | 0.49 | 3.77 |
| Michigan | Geico | A++ | $1,553 | 831 | 0.91 | 3.37 |
| Michigan | Progressive | A+ | $2,069 | 816 | 0.65 | 3.19 |
| Michigan | State Farm | A++ | $3,601 | 837 | 0.7 | 2.79 |
| Michigan | Automobile Club MI (AAA) | A | $2,526 | 786 | 0.77 | 2.46 |
California vs Michigan: Auto insurance trends
Car insurance rates are on the rise across the country. Advanced technology, increased repair costs, and inflation cause drivers to see increased rates each year.
Take a look at how car insurance rates have changed in recent years in both California and Michigan.
| State | Year 2019 | Year 2022 | Year 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,018 | $2,110 | $2,416 |
| Michigan | $3,489 | $2,158 | $2,352 |
California vs. Michigan: car insurance rates by city
Where you live in California and Michigan also affects car insurance rates. Drivers in urban areas with higher traffic volume and theft rates typically pay more than drivers in rural areas because their vehicles are more likely to be damaged or stolen.
The table below shows average car insurance rates in various cities in California and Michigan.
| State | City | Average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| California | Anaheim | $2,572 |
| California | Bakersfield | $2,477 |
| California | Fresno | $2,385 |
| California | Long Beach | $2,681 |
| California | Los Angeles | $3,149 |
| California | Oakland | $2,802 |
| California | Sacramento | $2,665 |
| California | San Diego | $2,324 |
| California | San Francisco | $2,777 |
| California | San Jose | $2,406 |
| Michigan | Ann Arbor | $2,119 |
| Michigan | Dearborn | $3,305 |
| Michigan | Detroit | $3,280 |
| Michigan | Grand Rapids | $2,248 |
| Michigan | Lansing | $2,234 |
| Michigan | Livonia | $2,794 |
| Michigan | Sterling Heights | $2,680 |
| Michigan | Troy | $2,617 |
| Michigan | Warren | $2,645 |
| Michigan | Westland | $3,058 |
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned average car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Rates were fielded at state minimum coverage levels as well as liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage at limits of 100/300/100 with $500 deductibles.
California vs. Michigan: FAQs
Is California a no-fault state?
No, California is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who caused the accident is responsible for injuries and damages to others. Their insurance will help cover medical costs and damages up to their policy limits.
Is Michigan a no-fault state?
No, Michigan is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who caused the accident is responsible for injuries and damages to others. Their insurance will help cover medical costs and damages up to their policy limits.
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