Locate cheap car insurance in Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, which moved there from Detroit in 1837. The university is a major economic driver, employing about 30,000, and high-tech companies have located there since the 1930s when International Radio Corp. introduced the mass-produced AC/DC radio. The revolutionary Argus camera company was founded here in 1936, and the city had more cars and telephones per capita anywhere in the world back in 1929. A city known for having some of the most lenient marijuana laws in the country, Ann Arbor is a young town: the median age is only 27. Long-time Ann Arborites often refer to themselves as “townies.”

Driving Conditions in Ann Arbor

Interstate 94, U.S. 23 and Michigan 14 form a loop that roughly follows the city limits. Its downtown streets form a grid pattern with major corridors going outward. City officials in 2017 have discussed the possibility of reducing lanes on some roads to create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians, though others argue against reducing capacity on congested corridors such as Huron Parkway. The average commute time for Ann Arbor is 18.6 minutes, shorter than the U.S. average of just under 26 minutes, according to Census Bureau data. The Michigan Department of Transportation provides real-time traffic maps, cameras through downloadable apps and through its website.

Unique Laws in Ann Arbor

In Ann Arbor, a new ordinance aimed at reducing vehicle emissions took effect in 2017. The anti-idling ordinance allows police to ticket drivers for certain types of unnecessary idling or in designated no-idling zones. Fines are $100 per offense. Operators of commercial vehicles are prohibited from leaving the vehicle idling for more than 5 minutes while unoccupied.

Meanwhile, some outdated Michigan laws prohibit cursing in front of women and children, though it is unknown whether women and children can be charged if they are the guilty party. The laws also state that the Star Spangled Banner must be performed as an “entire and separate composition without embellishments,” so medleys involving the National Anthem are out. Thankfully, the Michigan code continues to be enforced regarding duels, which are basically a gunfight between disagreeing parties. Michigan residents also may not scalp steamboat tickets or put deformed humans on exhibit except for scientific and medical purposes.

Ann Arbor Crime Statistics

Ann Arbor recently landed at No. 6 on a Safest Cities in America ranking published by Niche.com.

Data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 2016 states there were 213 violent crimes in Ann Arbor for the year, only one of which was murder. The local violent crime rate of 180 offenses per 100,000 residents is far below the average violent crime rate of 386 offenses per 100,000 in the U.S.

The property crime rate in Ann Arbor was 1,742 offenses per 100,000 residents, also below the U.S. average of 2,451 incidents per 100,000 residents. Within the city, 112 vehicles were stolen in 2016, FBI data shows, a rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, less than half of the national average of 236 incidents per 100,000 people.

Ann Arbor Safety Requirements

Michigan law requires children younger than 4 be secured in an approved safety seat. After age 4, they must be in a booster seat until age 8 or until they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall – whichever comes first. Everyone else in the car must wear seat belts unless they are 16 years of age or older and riding in the back seat. Texting and driving are prohibited statewide. As of 2013, teenagers 17 and younger with a Level 1 or 2 probationary license may not use a cellphone behind the wheel.

Ann Arbor Impaired Driving Laws

Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher are charged with driving OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated, in Michigan, which also has an OWVI, or Operating While Visibly Impaired, law for drivers who are under .08 but are obviously impaired. Charges are enhanced if a driver's BAC is .17 or more. The BAC drops to .02 for those under 21. First offenders face up to 93 days in jail, plus fines, license suspension for 30 days and a possible ignition interlock device, which is not cheap either. For those with an enhanced charge for high BAC, it's up to 180 days in jail, higher fines and up to 360 hours of community service for a first offense. No matter what you circumstances, we can help find cheap car insurance rates in Ann Arbor.