Understanding Michigan No-Fault Car Insurance

Michigan’s no-fault car insurance system can be confusing for many drivers. As a car accident attorney serving clients in Farmington Hills and throughout Michigan, Davis Law Center recognizes the importance of understanding how this unique system works and how it affects you in the event of an accident. This blog is to provide a general understanding of Michigan No-Fault insurance.

What Is No-Fault Insurance?

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system generally requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, with certain exceptions discussed below. If you are injured in an accident, your PIP policy can cover medical expenses, wage loss, medical mileage, and assistance with household chores or home nursing-type services (attendant care). These benefits are payable regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage doesn’t apply to vehicle or property damage, however. Other coverages required by Michigan law are Property Protection Insurance (PPI) and Residual Liability Insurance (BI/PD). An overview of the various coverages is as follows:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP policies cover your medical expenses, lost wages, medical mileage and attendant care if you are injured in a car accident. As of July 2020, Michigan law allows drivers to choose from six levels of PIP coverage:

• Unlimited coverage (recommended)
• $500,000 limit
• $250,000 limit
• $250,000 limit with PIP medical exclusions
• $50,000 limit (Medicaid-eligible only)
• Opt-out (Medicare-eligible only)

Furthermore, PIP coverage extends beyond medical expenses. It can also provide:

• Up to 85% of your lost wages for up to three years if you cannot work due to accident-related injuries.
• Replacement services, such as household help, if your injuries prevent you from doing these tasks.
• Attendant Care (home nursing services provided by either friends or family or an agency.)
• Survivor’s loss benefits to your dependents if you are killed in a car accident.

Property Protection Insurance (PPI)

PPI coverage pays for damage your vehicle causes to other people’s property, such as buildings, fences, or parked cars. The minimum required PPI coverage is $1 million.

It’s important to note that PPI does not cover damage to another person’s vehicle unless it was parked at the time of the accident. You would need to rely on your collision coverage or the other driver’s insurance for damage to other vehicles.

Property Damage (PD)

PD coverage in Michigan requires a minimum coverage of $10,000 to protect you if you cause damage to another individual’s vehicle outside of the State of Michigan. If you have ever taken a damaged vehicle for repairs, you know $10,000 barely covers anything. This is why we recommend at least $100,000 of PD coverage.

Residual Liability Insurance

Residual liability insurance, called bodily injury and property liability coverage in other states, covers injuries and property damage others incur when you cause a crash. The minimum required coverage is:

• $250,000 per person for bodily injury
• $500,000 per accident for bodily injury

While drivers may choose to lower the coverage to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, these are minimum requirements. We believe it’s smart to purchase higher limits to protect yourself in the event of a serious accident. If you are at fault and the other party’s losses exceed your liability coverage, they could sue you for the remaining amount.

Limitations of No-Fault Coverage

While Michigan’s no-fault system provides essential benefits, it also has limitations:

• No-fault insurance does not cover vehicle damage. For this, you need collision and comprehensive coverage.
• Pain and suffering compensation is only available if your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as serious impairment of a body function, permanent disfigurement, or death. You also must prove the other driver was more than 50% the cause of the crash.

How Davis Law Center Can Help With Your Michigan Car Accident Claim

At Davis Law Center, we understand the complexities of Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and how to fight for the compensation our clients deserve. Our skilled car accident attorneys work directly with you, handling all aspects of your claim and advocating for your best interests.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll give you a free consultation, answering your questions, listening to your story, and helping you understand your legal options. With Davis Law Center on your side, you can worry about getting better while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.  Contact us today.