Does a OWI raise car insurance rates in Michigan?

Michigan car insurance averages $3,964 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a OWI increase to $11,189, which is $7,225 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 $56,911.

How much does a OWI raise your insurance in Michigan?

After a OWI in Michigan, the average cost of car insurance is $11,189, but your actual rate will vary a lot depending on the company. Progressive has the lowest average rate at $3,715. It's important to compare companies because each one calculates risk differently.

Auto-Owners is the second-cheapest option, with a rate that is $2,867 higher than Progressive. State Farm is the third-cheapest.

A OWI affects more than just your insurance. You will also have to pay fines, court costs, legal fees and expenses related to a suspended license or impounded vehicle.

Because each insurer handles OWIs differently, getting multiple quotes can help you avoid overpaying.

This table shows average car insurance rates after a OWI in Michigan.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
Progressive$2,946$3,715$6,023
Auto-Owners$2,868$6,582$14,237
State Farm$4,323$10,940$24,585
GEICO$1,971$13,457$22,977
The Hanover$7,837$15,519$224,730
Frankenmuth Insurance$5,197$22,276$43,508

People ask

What happens when you get a OWI in Michigan?

If you're convicted of a OWI in Michigan, the consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, and car insurance rates will increase for 7 years.

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

If someone else gets a OWI while driving your car, the OWI goes on their driving record, not yours. Your insurance rates will not go up just because of their OWI. However, your rates could increase if that driver causes an accident and you file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing.. Your insurer may also review your policy if that person lives with you or regularly drives your car.

Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.

How long does a OWI affect your insurance in Michigan?

A OWI affects your insurance rates in Michigan for about 7 years., but it may stay on your driving record longer. Your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. will slowly go down if you avoid more violations and maintain continuous coverage.

Insurance companies look at your recent driving history when setting your rates. Each company has its own rules for how long it considers a OWI.

As time passes, your rates will improve, depending on your insurer and your overall record.

It is a good idea to compare quotes at renewal because another company may stop charging extra for your OWI sooner.

People ask

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a OWI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a OWI, 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 OWI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates..

How much does a OWI raise insurance by age group?

A OWI raises insurance rates for drivers of all ages, but younger drivers pay the most. Teens and young adults already have higher rates because they have less experience. After a OWI, the average rate for a teen is $11,820, but it varies by company.

These are the cheapest companies after a OWI by age:

  • For teens: Auto-Owners is the cheapest at $11,820.
  • For young adults: Progressive offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $4,206.
  • For adults: Progressive, with an average rate of $3,715.
  • For seniors: Progressive has the most affordable average rate at $3,344.

This table shows how a OWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Auto-Owners$4,797$11,820$7,023146%
Progressive$13,895$14,486$5914%
GEICO$4,348$29,018$24,670567%
State Farm$12,249$32,469$20,220165%
The Hanover$22,548$40,055$17,50778%
Frankenmuth Insurance$10,916$47,640$36,724336%

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

The cheapest city in Michigan for car insurance with a OWI is Lansing, while the most expensive is Dearborn at an average of $14,489. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of whether you have a OWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance premiums because 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.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% increase
Lansing$3,598$10,049$6,451179%
Ann Arbor$3,529$10,333$6,804193%
Grand Rapids$3,905$11,345$7,440191%
Sterling Heights$4,296$12,167$7,871183%
Livonia$4,121$12,186$8,065196%
Troy$4,355$12,654$8,299191%
Westland$4,316$12,698$8,382194%
Warren$4,679$12,751$8,072173%
Detroit$4,928$13,574$8,646175%
Dearborn$5,213$14,489$9,276178%

How to get car insurance after a OWI in Michigan

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver, but you can still get car insurance after a OWI in Michigan. You can stay with your current insurer or look for companies that cover high-risk drivers. Start by checking if you need to file any state forms, then compare quotes from several insurers.

If you have car insurance and get a OWI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.

If you need car insurance after a OWI or want to find the lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in Michigan, since each insurer offers different rates after a OWI.

Michigan OWI insurance requirements and penalties

A OWI in Michigan means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Michigan, you will need an SR-22. A OWI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.

The table below indicates Michigan OWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC0.17
Administrative license suspension after a first offense30-180 days
Limited driving privileges during suspensionAfter 45 days
Ignition interlocksMandatory for high BAC (0.17) and repeat convictions
Open container lawsYes
Repeat offender lawsYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a OWI does your insurance go down?

Michigan drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a OWI for 7 years.

If you avoid new tickets, accidents, and lapses in coverage, your rates should improve over time. Still, the OWI can affect your eligibility for certain insurers or discounts even after your rate starts to drop.

It is a good idea to compare quotes at each renewal. Another insurer may offer a lower rate sooner than your current one.

Tips to save money after a OWI

You can save money after a OWI by comparing quotes, avoiding additional violations and taking advantage of discounts. While these steps will not remove the OWI, they can help reduce your overall costs.

While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay.

Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through our data partner, Quadrant Information Services. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

Base rate averages are based on our full coverage data setand the following parameters:

  • 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:

  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75
  • Rates after a OWI

Michigan OWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a OWI?

OWIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a OWI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.

Most insurers won't drop you after one OWI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple OWIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.

Yes, you are required to obtain an SR-22 after a OWI in Michigan as proof that you carry the minimum insurance required by law. Your insurer files the form with the state. The filing fee is generally small, but the OWI conviction that triggered the requirement can substantially increase your premium.

Yes, you can get full coverage car insurance after a OWI, but it will generally cost more and fewer insurers may be willing to offer it. Full coverage includes liability, collision and comprehensive insurance. Comparing quotes from several companies can help you find the best coverage at a more affordable rate.

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