Obtain Proper No-Fault Auto Insurance In Michigan?

Answer 1

Vehicle owners in Michigan must purchase liability insurance in order to be in compliance with state law. Michigan requires drivers to obtain insurance for protection against damages they cause. The law also requires vehicle owners to purchase personal injury protection. Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning that insurance companies must pay for medical costs after a vehicle-related accident. Proof of no-fault insurance and liability coverage must be kept in the vehicle being driven, and must be shown to law enforcement personnel upon request.

Liability Insurance Minimums In Michigan

All liability insurance policies obtained by vehicle owners in Michigan must protect in amounts equal to or greater than:

• $20,000 for bodily injury sustained by a non-fault individual
• $40,000 for all bodily injuries per accident
• $10,000 to cover repairs to vehicles or property belonging to innocent victims

The required PIP and personal property insurance will automatically be added by a licensed agent generating a price quote. Michigan no-fault law requires insurance companies to pay for medical expenses immediately, regardless of who caused the accident. Claims filed by the at-fault and non-fault parties will be processed and settled at a later date. This required PIP insurance is meant to lessen the frequency of fraudulent insurance claims.

Uninsured motorist protection is not required by Michigan law. Insurance agents may offer this protection when a quote is given, and shoppers have the option of waiving this protection entirely.

Driving Without Liability Insurance

Those who operate a motor vehicle in Michigan without proper insurance coverage are breaking the law. A monetary penalty of up to $500 may be handed down by the court. Individuals may also have their driving privileges suspended until they provide proof of coverage. If a driver has multiple traffic violations on record, reinstatement of the license may depend the obtaining of SR-22 insurance from a licensed agent. An SR-22 certificate shows proof of financial responsibility as well as the purchase of Michigan no-fault insurance and liability coverage. Agents are required by law to report any lapse in coverage to the state government.

Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol

Michigan has very stiff penalties for driving while intoxicated. An individual who refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test will automatically have all driving privileges suspended for one year. The penalty for a first offense of driving under the influence in Michigan is a fine of not less than $100 and a license suspension for three months. Some defendants may be granted a restricted license for the purpose of commuting to and from work. Community service work of up to 360 hours may also be added to the fine and license suspension. Traffic points will be added to the individual's driving record. Michigan has a lookback period of seven years where driving under the influence is concerned.