Portage Car Insurance
Portage, MI is a city known for its biking and walking trails, but most transportation that takes place here happens in cars. Vehicle owners in this city are required to carry a Portage auto insurance policy that meets or exceeds Michigan’s state-mandated minimums. Whether you are zipping along down US 131, passing a tractor-trailer on I-94 or just driving down W. Milham Avenue on your way to Southland Shopping Center, you face the risk of a collision. Fortunately, you can rest assured knowing that if that happens, your auto insurance can protect you from facing large financial damages in its wake.
When you are shopping for a policy that comes at a good price, it is a good idea to compare rates from a few reputable insurance companies. Comparison shopping is easy when you work with an independent insurance agent in our network. These agents are free to work with several different insurance providers, so they can gather you a selection of competitively priced Portage car insurance quotes that you can review together. Find an agent near you to get started.
- National average cost per year: $1,311
- Michigan average cost per year: $2,476
- #1 most expensive auto premium in U.S.
The average car insurance rates in the state of Michigan are nearly double the national average, so shopping around for the best price is extremely important. The average listed above can only give you a ballpark idea of how much you might expect to pay. Your actual Portage auto insurance costs are calculated based on several different factors such as these:
- The value, make, model, year and safety features of your vehicle (as indicated by its vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Your driving record and claims history
- The age, sex, and marital status of the drivers on your policy
- The amount of liability coverage you want to purchase
- The amount of your deductible
- Your credit score
Each insurance company calculates your cost accord to their assessed risk, and each is therefore likely to come up with a different price for your premiums. This is why it is to your advantage to compare a few Portage car insurance quotes.
Michigan Car Insurance Requirements
- Bodily injury liability: required
- Property damage liability: required
- Personal injury protection (PIP): required
- Uninsured motorist coverage: not required
- Minimum liability limits: 20/40/10: Coverage up to $40,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $20,000 per individual, and $10,000 coverage for property damage
Failure to carry car insurance that meets or exceeds Michigan’s minimum requirements is illegal and can result in the suspension of your driver’s license for 30 days, a fine of up to $500 and even possible jail time. If you have a lot to lose, the state’s minimum coverage requirements may not be enough to fully protect your assets if you are responsible for a serious accident. For this reason, it may be a good idea to purchase a Portage car insurance policy with higher liability limits. Your agent can help you determine how much you can reasonably afford by offering you rates for different levels of coverage.
Number of Uninsured Motorists in Michigan
- Number of uninsured U.S. drivers: 12.6%
- Number of uninsured Michigan drivers: 21.0%
Despite the penalties, drivers in the state of Michigan are among the most likely to be uninsured in the country. Approximately one out of every five drivers you pass on this state’s roadways may be driving without insurance, and that puts law-abiding motorists at significant risk. That is because if you are in a collision that is the fault of an uninsured driver, that person is responsible for covering your damage – including any related medical bills. Unfortunately, it can be hard to collect this money. In some cases, if the responsible party simply does not have any assets or wages to garnish, you may never see a cent.
That is why it is a good idea to include uninsured motorist coverage with your Portage car insurance. That way, if you find yourself in this situation, your insurance company compensates you for your losses right way and then pursues payment from the responsible driver on its own behalf. This insurance also covers damage and injuries resulting from collisions with hit-and-run drivers.
Number of Auto Thefts in Michigan
- National number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
- Michigan number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 3.33
Auto theft rates in Michigan are higher than the national average, but the risk of car theft is lower in Portage. In recent years, there were only 36 auto thefts reported in this city. That equates to 0.76 thefts per every 1,000 cars – well below the national rate. This is something that is factored in when calculating your Portage auto insurance rates.
Even if you are not likely to spend all of your time in Portage, you are not immune from the risk of auto theft. If your car is stolen, you can receive compensation for your loss only if your Portage car insurance policy includes “other than collision,” or comprehensive, insurance. This insurance also covers other noncollision-related damage, such as that caused by falling objects, flying debris, floods, fires, and vandalism. This coverage is usually required by lenders or dealerships if you finance or lease your car.
Find the Best Portage Car Insurance Policy
Naturally, you don’t want to pay more than you have to for your car insurance. However, if you purchased a policy without first taking the time to get quotes from other insurers, chances are you are doing just that. That is why savvy car owners in Portage turn to independent agents in our network for help when they are shopping for suitable and competitively priced policies. Our agents make comparison shopping easy by contacting insurance companies and collecting quotes on your behalf. They can then help you review the different offerings so that you can make an informed decision and choose that policy that best fits your coverage needs.
Find an agent with an office near you today to learn more about your Portage car insurance options.