Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Coverage: what every driver and passenger needs to know

Michigan’s insurance system is unique.

In most states, when another driver hits you, you recover your medical bills and wage loss from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Michigan is usually different. Michigan has a “no fault” insurance system, meaning you typically get certain insurance benefits whether the crash was your fault or not.

How does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System work?

Generally, if you are in a Michigan crash, you go to your insurance company for your Michigan no-fault benefits, which include medical bills, wage loss, and other benefits. Your insurance company pays your no-fault benefits whether you were at fault for the crash or not.

To obtain no-fault benefits, you must submit an application for no-fault benefits to the correct insurance company within a year of the crash. Michigan has special rules for determining which insurance company is the correct insurance company. It is important to know these rules because failing to submit an application to the correct insurance company by the deadline will bar you from receiving no-fault benefits, forever.

The Michigan no-fault law also impacts the damages you can recover from the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company.

If you are in a Michigan crash, you often have two claims: (1) a no-fault claim with your insurance company and (2) a negligence claim against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company. The payments you can recover differ depending on the type of claim. You generally recover pain and suffering damages from the negligence case against the at-fault driver and your medical bills, wage loss, and other benefits from the no-fault claim with your insurance company. There are some exceptions based on the changes to the Michigan no-fault law that went into effect in 2020, but that is how it generally works.

Who does the Michigan No-Fault Act apply to?

The no-fault law applies to all Michigan motor vehicle accidents, including all drivers and passengers. Exactly how it applies depends on the circumstances, such as whether you are a Michigan resident or an out-of-state resident.

Why should I hire a Michigan lawyer for a Michigan crash?

The Michigan no-fault system is complex. You need a Michigan lawyer who specializes in this area of law to ensure you get full compensation, not 25%, not 50%, not 75% – you deserve full compensation. Out of state lawyers generally don’t know the details of Michigan’s complex no-fault law, and their inexperience could be the difference between your family receiving full compensation or not.

Experience and expertise matter. When it comes to your rights and your family, choose a law firm with both. Choose Conybeare Law.