Avoiding Car Accidents Information | Michigan Car Accident Lawyers

Is it Illegal to Drive Without Auto Insurance in Michigan?

Some states don’t require car insurance. However, Michigan isn’t one of them. That means it is illegal to drive without auto insurance anywhere in Michigan.

As a basic requirement, the state of Michigan mandates that all drivers carry liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in the event of an accident.

Failure to comply with this requirement can result in major consequences. In fact, Michigan carries some of the harshest penalties in the entire country for drivers without car insurance.

What Auto Insurance Limits Does Michigan Require?

Michigan requires drivers to have coverage limits with their liability insurance, which is the maximum amount that a car insurance company will pay if an accident occurs.

Michigan has split these limits into the following three categories for policies issued after July 1, 2020:

• Bodily injury per person ($250,000) – This is the maximum amount that an insurance company will pay if just one person gets injured in a car accident
• Bodily injury per accident ($500,000) – This is the total dollar amount that insurance pays if more than one individual is injured in a car accident
• Property damage ($10,000) – This amount is the maximum an insurance company will pay for damage from an accident that occurs outside of Michigan 

However, a Michigan driver also has the option to sign a waiver in order to lower the bodily injury coverage limits to $50,000 and bodily injury per accident coverage limits to $100,000.

What Happens if You’re in an Accident and You Don’t Have Insurance?

Section 500.3102 of Michigan law states that driving without insurance is a misdemeanor.

So even though the cost of car insurance is high in Michigan, it is far better to pay for it than have to deal with the consequences of driving without insurance.

These consequences include:

• A $200-$500 fine
• Having your driver’s license suspended
• Not having your license plates renewed
• Up to one year of jail time
• Having to pay for your own medical care and treatment
• No reimbursement for lost wages due to the accident
• Inability to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering
• Paying for your own vehicle repairs
• Being held responsible for injuries or death caused by you
• Paying for other people’s medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damages along with court costs

These penalties and consequences can be financially crippling and even life-altering, which highlights how seriously Michigan takes this act.

The state of Michigan places such high importance on liability insurance because it operates on a no-fault insurance system. This means that your own insurance company is responsible for covering your medical expenses and certain damages, regardless of who was at fault with the accident.

But without proper coverage, this system no longer applies to you. That means you may be personally liable for medical bills and other expenses.

It’s important to note that you may also be held legally responsible if you allow someone else to drive your car without no-fault car insurance.

What to Do if the Other Michigan Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance

If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, you should take the same steps as you normally would for any other car accident.

The good news is that you can still collect no-fault benefits from your own auto insurance company, since Michigan is a no-fault state.

However, it may be difficult to collect pain and suffering damages unless you have ‘uninsured motorist coverage’ selected in your auto insurance policy.

Having Kajy Law’s experienced Michigan car accident lawyers on your side can help you maximize the compensation that’s owed to you and answer any questions you may have about your accident.

Reasons You May be Denied Car Insurance Coverage in Michigan

Even though car insurance is legally required for all Michigan drivers, certain situations may cause some to be denied coverage.

Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services provides the following reasons you may be denied car insurance:

• Your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked
• You have been convicted of insurance fraud in the past five years
• You have been convicted of a felony with a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failed to stop at the scene of an accident, or reckless driving in the past three years
• You have had your car insurance canceled due to not paying your premium
• Your car does not meet Michigan’s safety requirements
• You have too many eligibility points on your record, which are the result of certain traffic violations

It’s essential to review your insurance policy carefully and understand the terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of any exclusions or limitations.

If you still have car insurance-related questions about your accident, let the car accident attorneys at Kajy Law explain insurance and anything else surrounding Michigan car accidents.

Need More Info About Michigan’s Car Insurance Requirements?

A car accident in Michigan involves more than just forms, numbers, and phone calls. Drivers often need to get medical help and treatment, which insurance companies may try to deny responsibility for.

If you need personal help or answers about Michigan insurance matters relating to your accident, talk with our attorneys for free. Simply fill out our contact form or call us today.

Our accident attorneys fully understand how to get the legal system on your side to make insurance companies pay your bills along with providing the financial compensation you’re owed after your Michigan car accident.

Having helped Michiganders with their Detroit car accidents, Southfield car accidents, or accidents anywhere else in Michigan, we’re ready to provide the help you need to get the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers For Help

Kajy Law has experienced accident attorneys ready to help you after your Michigan car accident. Whether it’s answering your questions, providing practical assistance, or standing up to the insurance companies, we’re ready to fight for you.

Call 248-702-6641 or use our contact form to set up a free accident consultation today.