Nine ways to get the best deal on car insurance (even in Michigan)

LANSING —  Michigan drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country. 

It's in part because of no-fault insurance and because a unique provision in the state's no-fault law mandates that insurers provide unlimited lifetime coverage for medical expenses related to auto accidents.

But that doesn't mean there aren't a few ways that car-owners can shop smart and save  some money. 

More:Auto-Owners Insurance acquires California insurance company

Talk to a real person

You can buy or alter your car insurance policy on your phone in a few minutes, but that convenience can be costly. 

“More and more people want to be quick and do things on their phone," said Jim McDaniels, a Farm Bureau agent and the owner of McDaniels Insurance Agency. “It pays to talk to somebody who knows what they’re doing."

Talking with an agent — even if it's over email — can help ensure you're getting the discounts you might qualify for and that you're properly insured. 

Think about bundling

You can also save yourself money by bundling your car insurance with your home or renter's insurance, McDaniels said. Many people get a discount when they get home and auto insurance policies from the same insurer. 

Check in with your agent

A lot can happen in your personal and financial life in a year, so it's good to check in with your agent about once a year or so to see where you can make changes, said Stacy Lewis, an agent with State Farm. 

"If I don’t know your situation, I can’t find you a discount," Lewis said.

Thinking about safety features when buying a car

There aren't specific vehicles you should avoid buying, Lewis said, but drivers should consider purchasing vehicles with safety features such as anti-lock brakes and lane change and back-up warnings.

Shop around 

Even if you've been with the same company for years, that doesn't mean you're getting the best rates. 

“There's never one that’s the best. There’s so many factors," said Paul Rathbun, the president of the Rathbun Agency in Lansing. “It’s not a bad idea every two to three years to shop around."

Talk to your friends

Ask friends, family and coworkers about their insurance companies and whether they've had good experiences working with their insurers after a loss, said Tom Humphreys, director of Risk Management and Insurance at Olivet College. 

Just don't ask them what their rate is. 

There are many factors that go into determining insurance rates, which makes it difficult to compare one person's rate to another. Insurance companies base their rates on your credit history, driving record, your commute and vehicle, among other factors, Humphreys said. 

“You can’t really compare one person to another even if you're neighbors across the street with similar cars, similar driving records," he said. 

Think before you file a claim

It's good to be strategic about filing claims, Humphreys said. Most insurance companies look at claims histories to determine rates, so policy holders should weigh whether filing a claim makes sense long term, he said. 

“You really want to save the claims for something significant," he said. 

Don't cut corners

Shopping for insurance isn't like shopping for a new sweater. A cheaper policy doesn't mean you're getting a better deal, Humphreys said. 

“You don’t want to try to save a few pennies that could cost you a lot later on by cutting coverage," he said. 

Drive safely

This is sort of a no-brainer, Humphreys said, but it's still worth mentioning. Even a few extra speeding tickets can change your rates, so slow down and keep your eyes on the road.

MORE: How Michigan got — and kept — no-fault auto insurance

MORE: No-fault car insurance in Michigan: Here's how it works

Contact reporter Haley Hansen at (517) 267-1344 or hhansen@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @halehansen.