Michigan OWI and insurance: How much does an OWI raise your insurance?

Does a OWI raise car insurance rates in Michigan?

Michigan car insurance averages $2,352 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a OWI increase to $6,164, which is $3,812 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple OWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $11,291.

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in Michigan?

The cheapest insurer after a OWI is Progressive, with rates averaging $2,412. The next cheapest insurer is Auto-Owners a difference of $2,260 from Progressive. Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA) has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a OWI.

Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also costly. You'll deal with massive fines and higher car insurance premiums for several years. Each insurer evaluates a OWI differently and sets its own rates, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies.

This table displays average car insurance rates for a driver with a OWI in Michigan.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
Progressive	$2,069	$2,412	$3,118
Auto-Owners	$2,085	$4,672	$10,064
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$2,537	$6,476	$12,914
Travelers	$1,817	$7,137	$12,954
State Farm	$3,698	$9,123	$20,311
GEICO	$1,553	$10,831	$18,541
USAA	$1,514	$2,721	$3,090

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Michigan?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Michigan, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and OWI will stay on your record for 10 years.

If someone gets a OWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

Typically, the insurance follows the car, not the driver, so your car insurance won't increase since the OWI won't be on your driving record.

However, your premiums may rise if your car is involved in an accident caused by a OWI. Your vehicle may also be treated as a crime scene after the crash, meaning you won't be able to access it until the police release it.

How long does a OWI affect your insurance in Michigan?

Although a OWI may stay on your driving record permanently, it doesn't impact your insurance rates indefinitely. A OWI influences car insurance in Michigan and stays on your record for 10 years. Your premiums should start to go down after several years of maintaining a clean driving record with no additional violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a OWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a OWI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a OWI is $8,564.

Below are the cheapest insurers after a OWI for each age group:

For teens: Auto-Owners has the most affordable rate at $8,564.
For young adults: Progressive offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $2,757.
For adults: Progressive provides the best rate, averaging $2,412.
For seniors: Progressive delivers the cheapest average rate at $2,198.

This table illustrates how a OWI affects car insurance rates across different age groups.

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Auto-Owners	$3,610	$8,564	$4,954	137%
Progressive	$8,442	$8,578	$136	2%
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$6,061	$10,673	$4,612	76%
Travelers	$10,055	$13,340	$3,285	33%
GEICO	$3,467	$23,349	$19,882	573%
State Farm	$9,735	$25,366	$15,631	161%
Auto-Owners	$3,610	$8,564	$4,954	137%
Progressive	$8,442	$8,578	$136	2%
Auto Club Group - ACG (AAA)	$6,061	$10,673	$4,612	76%
Travelers	$10,055	$13,340	$3,285	33%
GEICO	$3,467	$23,349	$19,882	573%
State Farm	$9,735	$25,366	$15,631	161%
USAA	$3,999	$6,211	$2,212	55%
USAA	$3,999	$6,211	$2,212	55%

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in your city?

The cheapest city in Michigan for car insurance with a OWI is Adrian, while the most expensive city is Dearborn at an average of $9,505. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of a OWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic rates and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance rates since their cars are more likely to be damaged. Those higher rates are then raised significantly with a OWI.

This table shows average OWI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Adrian	$2,115	$6,178	$4,063	192%
Ann Arbor	$2,119	$6,533	$4,414	208%
Burton	$2,589	$7,719	$5,130	198%
Dearborn	$3,305	$9,505	$6,200	188%
Detroit	$3,280	$8,282	$5,002	153%
Gibraltar	$2,708	$8,412	$5,704	211%
Grand Rapids	$2,248	$6,834	$4,586	204%
Huntington Woods	$2,890	$8,705	$5,815	201%
Mason	$2,149	$6,302	$4,153	193%
Michigan Center	$2,256	$6,605	$4,349	193%
Novi	$2,467	$7,520	$5,053	205%
Adrian	$2,115	$6,178	$4,063	192%
Ann Arbor	$2,119	$6,533	$4,414	208%
Burton	$2,589	$7,719	$5,130	198%
Dearborn	$3,305	$9,505	$6,200	188%
Detroit	$3,280	$8,282	$5,002	153%
Gibraltar	$2,708	$8,412	$5,704	211%
Grand Rapids	$2,248	$6,834	$4,586	204%
Huntington Woods	$2,890	$8,705	$5,815	201%
Mason	$2,149	$6,302	$4,153	193%
Michigan Center	$2,256	$6,605	$4,349	193%
Novi	$2,467	$7,520	$5,053	205%

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How to get car insurance after a OWI in Michigan

Insurers will label you a high-risk driver after a OWI, but you can still secure car insurance. Finding suitable coverage following a OWI conviction may require some additional effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a OWI, your insurer will likely continue your policy; however, your premiums will increase at renewal time.

If you need car insurance after a OWI or want the lowest available rates, be sure to compare multiple companies. Request quotes from various insurers to identify the most affordable choice in Michigan, since each company determines its own rates after a OWI.

Michigan OWI insurance requirements and penalties

A OWI in Michigan means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In Michigan, this includes obtaining an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form your insurer submits to the state to verify that you carry at least the minimum car insurance required by law. While the SR-22 itself doesn't increase your rates, the offense that led to it does.

A OWI can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time. Multiple offenses carry even harsher penalties. You may also have to pay attorney fees, towing charges and impound costs.

The table below highlights Michigan OWI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC	Administrative license suspension after a first offense	Limited driving privileges during suspension	Ignition interlocks	Open container laws	Repeat offender laws
0.17	30-180 days	After 45 days	Mandatory for high BAC (0.17) and repeat convictions	Yes	Yes
0.17	30-180 days	After 45 days	Mandatory for high BAC (0.17) and repeat convictions	Yes	Yes

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*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a OWI does your insurance go down?

A OWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a OWI can affect rates for 10 years.

Michigan drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a OWI and expect it to stay on their record for 10 years.

Tips to save money after a OWI

A OWI can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees and increased insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are still ways to lower your rates afterward.

Michigan drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a OWI by:

Raising their deductible to reduce monthly premiums
Looking for discounts, such as multi-policy savings or safety feature discounts
Keeping a clean driving record going forward
Completing a defensive driving course
Improving their credit score
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers

Methodology

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
40-year-old driver
Honda Accord LX
Good credit
A clean driving record
12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

One and two OWI convictions
Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Michigan OWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a OWI?

Depending on the state, a OWI may stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most situations, a OWI influences car insurance rates for three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a OWI in Michigan?

Most insurers won't drop your policy after just one OWI, but your premiums will increase significantly. However, if you have multiple OWIs, your insurer may refuse to continue coverage. The greater the risk you pose, the more difficult it becomes to find car insurance.