My Car Was Burned and is a Total Loss Now?
Reader’s Question:
I live in Detroit, Michigan, Last night somebody burned my car and it was a total loss, I just want to know if it is true that I can get five hundred dollars from my car insurance company with mini tort?
James
Detroit, MI
The mini-tort or the limited property damage liability, provision of the no-fault law creates another case in which you can sue or be sued. If you are 50% or more at fault in a crash and damages to the other party’s vehicle are not completely covered by his or her auto insurance, then under the mini tort you may be sued and may have to pay up to $500 in damages- meaning you may sue the other motorist for damages to your vehicle which are not covered by your car insurance if the other motorist is 50% or more at fault.
Since your vehicle was burned and not damaged in a vehicular accident where there is another motorist to be found at-fault, and therefore no one to sue for the mini-tort amount of $500.
For your vehicle to be covered by your insurance company at all you would need comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy. Your vehicle being burned should fall under this comprehensive coverage to cover your vehicle for vandalism and fire.
Tips On Filing a Car Insurance Claim in Michigan
Reader’s Question:
I was rear ended in Livonia, Michigan (where I also live) last week it was not really my fault. I do not have collision coverage and I suffered neck and back pains and my vehicle has been totaled. What should I do now? The other driver’s insurance provider is offering to pay me only $500 for the damages. Is this all I can get?
Gary
Livonia, MI
The same thing happened to me a few years ago. We had to go into a settlement negotiation. Here is what you need to remember:
1) Negotiate. Do not take their initial offer to pay for the damages. In my my case, they end up paying for doctor, and all medical bills.
2) Do not take the $500 amount that is being offered to you yet. Insurance providers will try to settle immediately, by offering a lump sum and having you shoulder any future damages.
3) It may be a rear end collision that would seem to have not much damages but it is possible that the injuries or damages will take about a week or two to become evident. In my case it took about a week before I felt back pain that lingered for two months, missed days of work and had to go through therapies. You must wait until you have a good idea of how much damage becomes evident like I said.
4) Make sure you document everything including all the medical expenses specific details of your pain you are experiencing. This would help you strengthen your position when you file for car insurance claim..
5) You probably should consider seeking legal help and ask an attorney before you negotiate a settlement, if this develops into a significant amount of money. Get advise from a lawyer on how to approach the negotiation.
6) Lastly speak to your own car insurance carrier in Livonia, Michigan, who may act on your behalf during negotiations.
I Got In an Accident and Now Have To File an Auto Insurance Claim?
Reader’s Question:
I got involved in an accident , I got rear ended and I just felt the pain in my neck and back a week later. Can I still make a car insurance claim for this in Pontiac, Michigan?
Al
Pontiac, MI
Generally, if there are injuries associated with car accident was just discovered days or weeks after the incident you can still make a car insurance claim for them. Typically you will have to get proof that the back or neck pain was caused by the car accident in that you got involved in. Usually this is done with a medical diagnosis from a doctor.
With the no fault laws in Pontiac, Michigan these injuries typically would be reported and claimed through your own car insurance company, even though it was not your fault in this accident since you were rear-ended. In Michigan normally your insurance provider will pay for all necessary medical bills and the insurance claim must be made within a year from the date of the accident.
You may contact your insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance company if you are feeling back and neck pain so they may be aware of your injuries and also get medical attention.
Can I Use an International Drivers License In Michigan?
Filed under: Non owner Michigan insurance, SR22 Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I will be staying in Clinton, Michigan, will I be needing US drivers license to insure my vehicle for just three to six months? Can I use my international drivers license to drive in Michigan?
Robert
Clinton, MI
If you are going to purchase an insurance policy in Clinton Michigan you should expect to have an US driver’s license or obtain one for you to be be insured in the US.
It may be possible auto insurance companies that will sell you a policy you in the United States using your international drivers license, but many insurance carriers would require you to get a drivers license in the state you live in, (in your case, in Michigan) before buying car insurance or within thirty days after getting insurance coverage.
I am not aware of any specific insurance company that allow this but when getting a car insurance quote online (you can begin here by typing your zip code! it is free!) and check if there is an option to list if you have an international license or you can shop around in Clinton Michigan for insurance carriers that allow this.
Some insurance carriers will likely require you to have a drivers license or in the process of getting a US drivers license. It is wise to start getting car insurance quotes now so you may know how much car insurance you should expect to pay when you get here and purchase insurance.
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