When it comes to homes, the number-one rule is location, location, location — and Michigan is one amazing location. With about 3,000 miles of shoreline, Michigan boasts more freshwater shorelines than any other state except Alaska (want to see what it's like to buy home insurance in Alaska? We've got you covered). In addition to its famous Great Lakes, it’s also home to more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of stream. In fact, there is so much activity and industry on the water that Michigan boasts a fully functioning floating post office.
While Michigan's official nickname is the Wolverine State, a callback to the time when wild wolverines used to roam the state, most people know it as the Great Lakes State. In fact, the state's name came from the Native American word Michigama, meaning great or large lake. Michigan comprises two peninsulas: the Lower Peninsula, known for its mitten shape, and the Upper Peninsula, which is home to some of the best views in the state. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula, for example, offers spectacular lakeside views. With so much water to enjoy, it’s no wonder Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.
As special as they are, there’s so much more to Michigan than its beautiful lakes. With a population of just under 10 million, the Great Lakes State prides itself on its rich history and culture, including Motown Records, a wealth of amazing sports teams, and Henry Ford. Known as the nation's automotive capital, Michigan has a storied past with the Big Three automakers — General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford — which all began in Michigan in the early 20th century. Even now, Michigan is home to 17% of total US vehicle production and 11% of North American vehicle production.
But there’s more to Michigan’s industry than cars. Businesses of all kinds choose Michigan for its diverse and abundant workforce, business-friendly environment, low cost of living, and global supply chain assets. In fact, the state boasts the highest concentration of engineers in the nation. And it’s easy to recruit talent in such a desirable location with an affordable cost of living. Michigan’s cost of living is 8.1% lower than the country's average, with a median home value of just $153,000 at the start of 2021 — less than half of the US average of $340,000.
If you enjoy kayaking, boating, fishing, camping, or hunting, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy rugged outdoor adventures. From the picturesque Petoskey stones to the magnificent Mighty Mac, Michiganders take pride in the many things that make the state so unique.
But what you've heard about Michigan winters is true. In the colder months, heavy snowfall is common due to the proximity of the Great Lakes. So if you’re moving to Michigan, be sure to set aside some money in your budget for a good coat, winter boots, and plenty of rain gear. This water-hugged state gets an average of between 30 and 40 inches of precipitation each year.
With winters lasting on average 141 days, the cold weather can have a definite impact on your home's systems, both visible and invisible. If you have a sump pump, freezing ground temperatures can cause blockages in the pipe. This will force water to back up into the house, leading to the possibility of damage, leaks, mold, and mildew in your home. And heavy snow can also cause damage to your landscaping (which is easy to see), and your roof (which isn't as easy to identify). And if that wasn’t enough, there are often tornadoes in the spring and summer months in the Lower Mitten. High winds can topple trees and branches, causing damage to your roof or other parts of your house. This wind can strip trees bare, blowing leaves into your gutter and clogging downspouts. A compromised drainage system can quickly cause water leaks, flooding basements, and cracking foundations.
But it isn’t all bad news. On average in 2020, homeowners insurance in Michigan costs just $1,059, and Hippo can save you up to 25% on your policy. That’s because Hippo uses real-time data to keep assessments about your property up to date and keep you fully insured. We also reduce your costs by tailoring the policy to your specific needs and removing coverages that don't apply to you or your property.
Getting a quote takes just 60 seconds, with coverage available in under four minutes. We are confident our policies will suit Michigan's needs while saving money. We even offer each of our customers a complimentary smart home kit to help prevent major damage in the first place. But in the unfortunate event that you do need to file a claim, we offer excellent customer service that’s up to even the Midwest’s exacting standards. Hippo’s Claims Concierges will walk you through the claims process with kindness, understanding, and attentive, responsive care from start to finish.
We are proud and thankful to find a new home in Michigan. Hippo can streamline your homeowners insurance policy, and our hands-on care will do more than surprise you if you ever require our services. If you're ready for a new kind of homeowners insurance, get a 60-second quote or give us a call at (877) 838-8866 to see what Hippo can do for you.
