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.
18 Year Old – Young Driver Car Insurance in Michigan
Reader’s Question:
My 18 year old daughter lives at home and drives my vehicle that has full coverage. We have another vehicle with just PLPD. I’m the only person insured on them. Will my daughter be covered if she is not listed as driver? I’m in Redford, Michigan, a ‘no fault’ state. I was just thinking why I should have to list her if I’m already paying full coverage on the car and the older vehicle is insured. As long as, I pay my auto insurance and the vehicles are in my name, is it really necessary to list my teenage daughter on my policy as a driver?
Jane
Redford, MI
Right now, your cars are insured. However, they are insured for you – not your teen daughter. You will need to add your daughter as driver on your car insurance policy, or you run the risk of having your insurance company deny a claim for an accident. Insurance providers want you to list all of the household members who will be driving your cars. Insurance carriers also want you to list as drivers on your insurance policy those people who do not live with you but will be driving your cars on a regular basis. If they do not live in your household and they occasionally drive your cars, you may not have to list them to your insurance policy. The reason to add your teenage daughter (and other drivers) is it permits the insurance carrier know who will be driving your car(s) and permit them to collect the proper car insurance rate.
Physical damage coverage consists of comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision insurance generally covers damage to your car caused by collision with another object or by upset. Comprehensive insurance on the other hand covers damage to your car from vandalism, glass or theft breakage.) Most lien holders require physical damage coverage if you are leasing or financing your car. Also coverage is just that…coverage. It is not permission for a person to drive. Also, if your teen daughter is going to be driving your car(s), I suggest that you call your insurance provider in Redford MI as soon as possible to add your daughter on to your policy as a driver.
What Is The Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Michigan?
Reader’s Question:
Is there any state by state minimum car insurance requirements? I live in Michigan.
Ruth
Battle Creek, MI
Yes there are, Ruth.
You need to understand that every state requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance on their cars. Such minimums are usually expressed in 3-part numbers. Say, in Michigan, that’s 20/40/10. The first two numbers, 20 and 40, normally refers to bodily injury liability insurance, the 1st number being the per person limit, while the 2nd as the per accident limit. The 3rd number is usually for property damage liability coverage. So based on Michigan law of 20/40/10, if you have a minimum insurance required, then you would normally have $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person injured with $40,000 maximum per accident, and $10,000 as property damage liability insurance.
It may or may not be good to carry additional coverage as these are the only legal minimum requirements. Although, carrying more is also a good idea. Be aware though that these minimums will only cover damage to other motorists 3rd party property and not for your own. You have to get comprehensive coverage for your own coverage like medical, collision, and other-than-collision coverage.
With regard to state minimums, Alaska and Maine are the ones which have highest at 50/100 and at least $25,000 for property damage while Mississippi has the lowest minimums of 10/20/5.
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