Michigan Home Insurance: Costs, Coverage and How to Save
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Michigan has been hit by several weather and climate disasters since 1980. From lake-effect snowstorms burying the Upper Peninsula to tornadoes tearing through Flint and Grand Rapids, the Great Lakes State sees no shortage of weather that can put your home at risk.
Bundling your home and car insurance is simple with Jerry. It’s free to compare quotes and we’ll help you switch insurers once you’re ready, all online. Plus, our licensed agents are just a call away if you’d rather talk to a real person.
Based on cheapest quotes shown for all Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Bundle home + car and save up to 40%.
What Michigan homeowners pay right now
Home insurance costs in Michigan depend on your home’s age and rebuild cost, your claims history and other factors, like your property’s exposure to severe storms, heavy snow and flooding in your area.
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Jerry can help you find competitive prices and strong coverage whether you’re in metro Detroit, West Michigan or the Upper Peninsula. Take a look at some recent examples below of real customers who saved by bundling their home insurance with Jerry:
Recent bundling quotes
Based on Jerry customers who found savings in the past 45 days. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Key takeaway: Home insurance rates in Michigan depend on factors like your home’s age, rebuild costs and local weather risks, but shopping around can help you save.
Mix and match home and car insurance with Jerry
One of the smartest ways to save on home insurance in Michigan is bundling with your car insurance. Combining home and auto insurance with the same carrier can make a real difference. Depending on the insurer, bundling discounts typically range from 5%-25%, but with Jerry they could be as high as 40% off both policies combined.
Here’s what makes Jerry different: You don’t have to use the same insurer for both.
Jerry’s mix-and-match approach lets you pair the best home insurance rate with the best auto insurance rate, even from different carriers. That way, you’re not overpaying on one policy just to get a bundle discount on the other.
Mix and match with Jerry to build your perfect bundle.
Best home insurance in Michigan
There’s no single “best” home insurance company in Michigan. It depends on your home, your budget and what kind of coverage you need. For example, homeowners in older neighborhoods in Detroit may need coverage that accounts for higher rebuild costs and aging infrastructure, while those in lakefront communities near Traverse City or along the Lake Michigan shoreline may prioritize water damage and flood protection.
That said, our data shows some clear trends among Michigan homeowners. Here are the most popular home insurance companies Jerry customers pick:
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Why the variety? Michigan homeowners have different priorities. Some want the lowest premium, many care most about how claims are handled and others look for strong digital tools or a local agent they can talk to.
Also check: The best car insurance in Michigan
Jerry recommends: The easiest way to find the right coverage is to compare home insurance quotes in the Jerry app. We find competitive quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you can find the best coverage at the right price.
Factors that affect home insurance costs in Michigan
From lake-effect blizzards to severe summer storms, where you live and what you own in Michigan plays a big role in what you pay. Here’s what stands out most and how to stay protected.
🌪️ Severe storms and tornadoes
Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes per year, and severe thunderstorms bringing hail, high winds and heavy rain are a regular threat from spring through fall. These storms are responsible for the majority of weather-related home insurance claims in the state, causing damage to roofs, siding and windows.
❄️ Lake-effect snow and winter weather
Michigan’s proximity to the Great Lakes means parts of the state, especially the Upper Peninsula and western Lower Michigan, can see 60 to 120 inches of snow each year. Heavy snow loads can cause roof collapses, ice dams, frozen pipes and burst plumbing. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) notes that standard policies typically cover these winter-related disasters, but homeowners should verify their coverage before the cold season starts.
🌊 Flooding and water damage
Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes and an extensive river system, and many communities face real flood risk from spring snowmelt, heavy rain and rising lake levels. Decreasing ice cover on the Great Lakes has also led to more extreme lake-effect precipitation and coastal flooding. Standard home insurance does not cover flood damage, so homeowners near waterways should strongly consider a separate flood policy.
🏚️ Aging housing stock
Michigan’s housing stock is older than the national average, with a significant share of homes built before 1960, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Many homes in cities like Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids date back to the World War II era or earlier. Older homes often have outdated electrical wiring, aging plumbing and original roofs that can be more expensive to insure. Insurers may charge higher premiums or limit coverage options for homes with systems that haven’t been updated.
🌍 Great Lakes shoreline erosion
Homes along Michigan’s 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline face unique risks from wave action, erosion and fluctuating water levels. These issues can undermine foundations and damage structures over time. Not all policies cover this type of damage, so lakefront homeowners should review their coverage carefully.
Key takeaway: Michigan’s mix of severe storms, heavy winter weather, flooding and aging homes all factor into your rate. Understanding what drives your premium helps you find the right coverage.
Get bundling quotes in minutes, no calls needed.
Get the right coverage without overpaying
For Michigan homeowners, the right mix of coverage can save money over time while protecting you when it counts.
Dwelling coverage is the foundation of your home insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure if it’s damaged by things like fire, wind, hail, lightning or vandalism.
Your dwelling coverage amount is based on your home’s rebuild cost — not its market value — as calculated by your insurer. Jerry can estimate your replacement cost right in the app, so you’ll know you’re covered for the right amount.
Here’s what Michigan homeowners typically pay based on their home’s rebuild value:
$150-299k
dwelling coverage
Typical for smaller homes, condos or older properties.
$300-499k
dwelling coverage
Covers most mid-range homes.
$500-749k
dwelling coverage
Typical for larger or newer homes.
$750k-1M
dwelling coverage
Common for high-value properties.
Key takeaway: Your dwelling coverage should match your home’s rebuild cost, not its market value. Jerry shows you real-time pricing at every level so you can find the right balance.
Learn more: What does home insurance cover?
4 ways to save on home insurance
Michigan is one of a handful of states where insurers cannot use your credit score to deny, cancel or non-renew your home insurance policy. That’s good news for homeowners who might face higher rates in other states because of their credit. But your premium is still influenced by factors like your home’s condition, claims history and location.
Here are four ways to lower your costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 1: Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Every insurer prices coverage differently, which means the same home can cost hundreds more to insure depending on who you’re with. This is especially true in Michigan, where factors like your home’s age and proximity to water can vary widely from one carrier’s model to another. Comparing quotes side-by-side with Jerry is the fastest way to find a better rate.
Recent quotes
Why it matters: Two Michigan homeowners with similar homes can pay very different rates depending on their location and carrier. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side to help you find coverage that fits your home and budget.
Jerry Agent Tip 2: Stack discounts for a cheaper rate
From paying in full to getting security system credits, most homeowners qualify for at least a few discounts, and stacking them can add up to real savings. But insurers don’t always apply all of them, which is why Jerry automatically finds the discounts you qualify for.
Besides bundling, here are some common Michigan home insurance discounts:
🔒 Security system discount
Installing safety devices like alarms, smart home systems and deadbolts can qualify you for a lower rate. Many carriers offer protective device discounts of up to 15% when you combine security systems like advanced burglar protection and automatic water leak valves.
🆕 New home discount
Newer homes are less likely to have costly claims, and insurers reward that. Depending on the carrier, homes built within the last 10 to 15 years may qualify for savings of up to 15% for the first year you’re with an insurance company.
🎓 Claims-free discount
The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. Most insurers offer this discount after three or more claims-free years, with some offering savings of up to 20%.
🔧 Home renovation discount
Updated your electrical, plumbing or heating systems? This is especially valuable in Michigan, where many homes have aging infrastructure. Some carriers offer discounts when these systems have been replaced within the last 10 to 15 years, since modern systems reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
🏡 HOA or gated community discount
If your home is in a homeowners association or gated community, you may qualify for a lower premium. Insurers view these properties as lower risk due to added security and regular maintenance.
💳 Pay-in-full discount
Paying your full annual premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can earn you a discount with many carriers, typically between 5-10%.
⏳ Loyalty discount
Staying with the same insurer year after year can lead to increasing savings. Some carriers start rewarding loyalty after just one year, with discounts growing the longer you stay. But still, it never hurts to shop around when your policy is up for renewal.
📋 Quote-in-advance discount
Shopping early can pay off. Some insurers offer a discount of up to 15% when you get a quote before your previous policy expires.
🚭 Non-smoker discount
Since smoking increases the risk of house fires, some carriers offer lower rates to non-smoking households.
Key takeaway: Most homeowners qualify for multiple discounts, from bundling and security systems to claims-free credits. But insurers don’t always apply them automatically. Jerry can help you find all the discounts you’re eligible for to maximize your savings.
Jerry Agent Tip 3: Pick the right deductible
Your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — has a direct impact on your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 25%, depending on your location, insurer and home’s replacement cost.
A higher deductible means a lower premium, but more out of pocket if you file a claim. To find the right balance:
- Check what you can afford out of pocket. If a $2,000 expense after a storm would be manageable, a higher deductible could save you hundreds a year. If it would strain your budget, stick with a lower one.
- Consider how often you’d actually file a claim. Most homeowners only file a claim once every 8 to 10 years, so the premium savings can add up long before you ever pay that deductible.
The Jerry difference: Jerry lets you compare quotes for different deductible amounts to see how it affects your home insurance costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 4: Winterize your home to prevent claims
Michigan’s long, harsh winters are one of the biggest drivers of home insurance claims in the state. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services notes that wet heavy snow can cause roofs, porches, awnings and outbuildings to collapse, and frozen pipes, ice dams and water leaks are all common sources of winter-related damage. Taking steps to winterize your home can help you avoid costly claims and keep your premium lower over time.
Here’s what Michigan homeowners can do before winter hits:
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics and crawl spaces to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to reduce the risk of ice dams, which can force water under your shingles and into your home.
- Have your roof inspected before the snow season, especially if your home is older. Addressing wear and tear early can prevent bigger issues down the road.
- Service your furnace and heating system annually. A well-maintained heating system is less likely to cause a fire or breakdown in the middle of a Michigan winter.
Keeping your home in good shape is one of the most practical ways to lower your risk of filing an insurance claim in Michigan. Some carriers also offer discounts for things like updated roofing, modern heating systems, or water leak detection devices, which means winterizing your home could help you save at quote time, too.
Key takeaway: Michigan winters are hard on homes. Taking proactive steps to winterize your property can help prevent claims and may lead to lower premiums over time.
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FAQ
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💰 How much does home insurance cost in Michigan?
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🏠 Is homeowners insurance required in Michigan?
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📊 Does my credit score affect home insurance rates in Michigan?
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🌊 Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Michigan?
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❄️ Does home insurance cover frozen pipe damage in Michigan?
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🛡️ What is the Michigan FAIR Plan?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.