What Is The Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Michigan?

 

June 29, 2008 by author · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Minimum Requirements 

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.

Non Owner Auto Insurance in Michigan

 

June 12, 2008 by author · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Non owner Michigan insurance 

Reader’s Question:

Are you required to carry some type of car insurance in the state of Michigan if you have a driver license, even if you don’t own a vehicle? Is that what non-owner insurance is?

Rachel

Flint, MI

The Michigan Secretary of State states that the owners of passenger vehicles, vans, and light trucks must purchase Michigan no-fault insurance before registering their car. Out-of-state insurance policies can’t be used to meet Michigan insurance requirements for registering a car.

You are required by the Michigan law to keep your Michigan no-fault insurance certificate in your car or carry it with you when you operate a vehicle. If you can’t show proof of insurance to a police officer, the court may order the Secretary of State to suspend your driver license. Until proof of insurance is provided, the Secretary of State will not renew, transfer, or replace your car’s license plate. You may be required to show proof that the vehicle is insured for not less than 6 months and pay $50, plus any other fees required by Michigan law. The license plate may also be canceled if proof of insurance is not shown.