Auto guide · 2 min read

Why did my auto insurance go up — and what a real review looks like

A renewal lands, the number is higher, and the instinct is to call a 1-800 number. Sometimes that is right. Usually the better first step is to understand what moved, because half the time it is fixable without changing carriers.

Reasons that are about you

A new driver, a new car, a claim, a ticket, a move, a lapse in coverage, or a change in how far you drive. These are the ones you can usually see on the declarations page. Some are permanent; some age off. A ticket that raised the rate three years ago may be about to fall away — worth knowing before you switch and reset the clock with a new carrier.

Reasons that are about everyone

Repair costs, parts costs, medical costs, litigation, weather, and the carrier’s own results in Michigan all move base rates. When the whole market moves, switching carriers helps less than people expect — you are moving between companies that all got the same news.

What a review actually does

A review looks at the coverage first, then the price. Are the liability limits still right for what you own? Is there a car on the policy that should have a higher collision deductible, or none at all? Is the PIP level the one you would choose today? Are the discounts you qualify for actually applied — telematics, multi-policy, paid-in-full, good student, safety features? Only after that does it make sense to compare carriers, and then the comparison is like-for-like.

When switching is the right answer

If, after the review, another carrier offers the same coverage for meaningfully less, switch. Do it at renewal to avoid short-rate penalties, and never cancel the old policy until the new one is confirmed in force. A lapse of even a day is expensive in Michigan.

This guide is general information about insurance in Michigan, not advice about a specific policy. Coverage depends on the policy’s terms, limits, exclusions and eligibility, and a request does not bind or change insurance.

Common questions

People also ask.

Will shopping my policy hurt my credit?

Insurance quotes use a soft inquiry that does not affect your credit score.

How often should I review?

Every renewal for a quick check, and any time there is a life change — a new driver, car, home or job.

Can Carly review a policy from another agency?

Yes. Upload the declarations page and she will go through it with you, with no obligation.

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