Protect you and your family in the case of an accident, road hazard, weather hazard, theft, or vandalism with the right auto insurance policy in Michigan. There are various protection options available to provide you with the right level of coverage for the right price.
Ask about our discounts for good students, teachers, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy.
Recently, there were changes to Michigan’s auto insurance, giving Michigan Auto policyholders a choice to opt-out of buying personal injury protection (PIP). But there are stipulations to the new auto reform.
Contact Frost & Remer today to schedule an appointment for your free full risk assessment.
Basic auto insurance coverage requirements in Michigan
If you don’t have the minimum required coverage, penalties include:
- Potential misdemeanors
- Fines
- Suspension of driver’s license
In the event of an accident, you won’t receive any insurance benefits and could be subject to a lawsuit, paying costs that insurance would otherwise cover.
In Michigan, to be a legal driver, you must have three types of auto insurance coverage. These make up your Personal Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) coverage.
Liability
Liability coverage pays for bodily injuries and property damage that you cause in an accident.
- Bodily Injury: BI helps cover the costs of another person’s injuries if you cause an accident. The new required minimum for BI coverage is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: PD helps pay the costs of damage you cause to another person’s property while driving, resulting from an at-fault, out-of-state car accident. A minimum of $10,000 of PD coverage is required. Keep in mind PD does not cover damage caused within the state of Michigan.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP pays for your medical expenses or the expenses of another injured person as a result of an accident, as well as costs incurred because of those injuries, including lost income, attendant care (such as in-home nursing), and replacement services (such as child care).
Now that Michigan has implemented a no-fault reform law, drivers can choose from six coverage options.
The PIP coverage you choose will likely depend on the details of your health coverage.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI)
PPI provides coverage up to $1 million for damage that you cause. This could include:
- Buildings
- Trees
- Fences
- Parked vehicles
- Road signs
- Road construction equipment
Other types of coverage and add-ons
Add-ons are typically optional unless you are leasing a vehicle or paying on an auto loan. In these two situations, your lender may require more coverage.
Collision
This coverage pays for damage to your vehicles that result from an accident, regardless of who is at fault. In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is totaled, collision coverage may help to replace the vehicle. It also covers costs for property damage.
Comprehensive
Includes coverage to help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged from incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, or a natural weather disaster. It covers costs up to your vehicle’s fair market value, minus your deductible.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
This coverage will help pay if you’re in an accident where an uninsured driver or driver with an inadequate policy is at fault.
Mini Tort Coverage or Limited Property Damage
Coverage pays for up to the first $1,000 of damage to a vehicle that isn’t otherwise insured. With Michigan Auto Reform, the maximum amount of coverage is now $3,000.
Gap Coverage
Gap coverage will pay the difference between what you owe on a loan and your vehicle’s actual cash value or worth.
Accidental Death
Life insurance coverage that goes into effect if you or a passenger is killed in an automobile accident.
Changes in the auto reform
Michigan residents purchasing insurance policies will now have the choice to opt-out of buying personal injury protection (PIP). For those who choose to opt-out, you may notice lower insurance payments.
While opting out of PIP may sound beneficial, it may not be the best choice in the long run. It would be wise to weigh your options carefully before committing to a decision.
Without unlimited PIP, you can be sued by other drivers if you cause an accident, and have to pay out of pocket for expenses like lost wages, medical bills, child-care, long-term care, attorney fees, car repairs, and property damage.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I purchase auto insurance?
To be a legal driver in Michigan, you must at least purchase no-fault insurance. If you are caught driving without coverage, you could get your license revoked for 30 days, charged with a misdemeanor that will cost you up to $500, and up to one year of jail.
What insurance coverage do I need to purchase in Michigan?
You must purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Protection (PPI), and Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD).
Can I opt-out of PIP if I have Medicare?
Yes.
If I renewed my policy before July 1, 2020, do I need to contact my insurance company, or will changes happen automatically?
Yes, you should reach out to your insurance agent if you want to change your policy, or it will stay the same.
Choose a policy that will suit your needs
While meeting the minimum requirements may sound ideal, there are personal risks to not having higher levels of coverage. Before making any decisions, make sure you choose the amount of coverage that can protect your health and finances if you’re injured in an accident, your vehicle is damaged, or if you’re found at fault for harming another person or their property.
To make the best decision, consider both the cost and quality of your coverage so that you don’t take on unnecessary risks.
While you may now choose to no longer have full no-fault coverage, understand that it can put you at risk for being sued for the percentage you contribute to an accident, which is the Contributory Negligence.
Next Steps?
Contact us to schedule a virtual appointment for your full policy review and risk assessment from Frost & Remer. We will make recommendations to ensure that you have the best coverage possible, with a premium you can afford.
Schedule your free consultation and let us tell you about our discounts for students, teachers, multiple vehicles, and policies, as well as the many other benefits of being insured with Frost & Remer.