A lot of drivers who are shopping around for the cheapest car insurance in Michigan may think doing a fair share of comparison shopping from difference insurance companies and going with the one with the right coverage for the lowest cost is all it takes to buy a policy, but there’s a bit more to it. In fact, many drivers may find themselves disappointed when they find out they have to pay more for insurance–something they could have been prepared for had they did a little homework beforehand.

How much insurance do you need to drive legally in Michigan? State law requires that motorists carry a minimum of $20,000 of Bodily Liability Injury coverage per injured person up to $40,000 per accident; a minimum of $10,000 Property Damage Liability coverage; and a minimum of $1,000,000 of Property Injury Protection coverage for Medical and Work Loss. You are not required to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage, but you may want to consider buying it depending on your situation. Michigan is a No-Fault state, meaning that your insurer will pay your injury claims regardless of who is at fault, up to a specified amount.

Various factors are considered when insurance companies rate an auto insurance policy. Where you live and work, how far you drive to work and/or how much you drive your vehicle in general, the purpose of your vehicle, where you park it, as well as your driving record and history and even your credit history are all weighed. The more positives you have in each category, the higher your chances of finding the cheapest car insurance in MI. If you have a blemished driving record, you may still be able to find affordable car insurance, just don’t count on it being the cheapest.

In addition to a good driving record, a good credit history is also something insurance companies like to see. It’s a good sign that your premiums will be paid on time, and the insurance company won’t have to worry about canceling your policy because you didn’t keep up your payments.

Even if you fall under those group of drivers who may not be able to get the cheapest car insurance in Michigan, almost everyone may qualify for discounts on car insurance. There are discounts for good drivers, drivers who are A students, drivers who have maintained insurance for a specified amount of time, drivers with more than one vehicle, drivers who don’t drive their cars that much and drivers who complete driver safety or defensive driving courses. You can also get a discount for having anti-theft or other safety devices on your vehicle.