Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Michigan: What to Know
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance in Michigan that kicks in if you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance.
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Kim PorterInsurance Writer
Co-authored the book “Future Millionaires’ Guidebook”
13 years writing personal finance content
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All 50 U.S. states have financial responsibility laws that require drivers to either carry car insurance or prove they can pay for expenses after causing a car accident.
But around 12% of drivers across the U.S. choose to forgo this requirement. The number jumps to 20% in Michigan, which has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation, according to Insurify data.
A car accident with an uninsured driver can make recouping your losses challenging, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.
With uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your insurance company pays for your medical bills and property damage if a driver without insurance causes an accident.[1]
Learn how this car insurance coverage works in Michigan.
Quick Facts
Uninsured motorist coverage can kick in after a hit-and-run.
You may have to pay a deductible for UM property damage coverage.
Michigan doesn’t require drivers to carry UM coverage.
Does Michigan require uninsured motorist coverage?
Michigan doesn’t require drivers to have uninsured motorist insurance by law, but including it in your auto policy is still a good idea. This type of auto insurance protects you financially if a person causes an accident and doesn’t have insurance to pay for your medical bills and car repairs.
These are Michigan’s minimum car insurance requirements:[2]
$50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
$100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
Your chosen medical coverage limit for personal injury protection (PIP)
Up to $1 million in property protection insurance (PPI)
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What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for medical bills for you and your passengers when an uninsured driver causes an accident. It also pays for your car repairs. The primary benefit of UM coverage is that you won’t have to pay out of pocket when another driver is at fault — even if they don’t have insurance.
After an accident, your insurance company will try to recover the payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer. But it won’t be able to get payment if the other driver doesn’t have coverage. The same is true if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident. UM coverage can pay for your costs up to your coverage limits. It simplifies the claims process because you file through your insurer.
Uninsured vs. underinsured motorist coverage
In some cases, an at-fault driver may carry liability insurance, but their coverage limits fall short of what’s needed after an accident. In these situations, you may use underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
What uninsured motorist coverage includes
If your policy includes uninsured motorist insurance, you can use the coverage when a driver causes an accident with you but doesn’t have car insurance. Because the coverage is through your policy, you’ll file a claim with your insurance company.
You can also file an uninsured motorist claim after a hit-and-run, which happens when someone hits your car but drives away without giving you their contact details and car insurance information.
This insurance includes two primary coverages:
Bodily injury coverage, which pays your medical bills up to your coverage limits
Property damage coverage, which pays for your car repairs up to your coverage limits
You and your passengers may also receive compensation for:
Lost wages if you can’t work after the accident
A rental car if your vehicle is out of commission because of an accident with an uninsured driver
Pain and suffering from emotional trauma after the accident
Diminished value if your car loses value in the accident
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How to file an uninsured motorist coverage claim in Michigan
After an accident in Michigan, it’s important to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Follow these steps for a smooth process:
1. Call emergency services
The police can direct traffic safely, and first responders will help assess any injuries. Keep any records you receive from them, and be sure to obtain a copy of the police report.
2. Gather information
Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other parties once it’s safe to do so. Take photos and videos of the incident, including both cars and the scene of the accident. Note whether the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Your insurance company will need to know this for UM coverage to kick in.
3. Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Depending on the company, you may be able to do this using a mobile app, completing a claims form online, or talking with a representative by phone. Ask if and how your UM or UIM coverage will apply.
4. Wait for your claim
Depending on your case and insurance company, the process can take a couple of months. In Michigan, insurers have 60 days from the filing date to settle a claim. Document all communication with your insurance company, and follow up as needed.
Uninsured motorist coverage in Michigan FAQs
If you still have questions about uninsured motorist coverage in Michigan, check out the following answers.
Who needs uninsured motorist coverage?
Michigan law doesn’t require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. But if you live in a state with a high population of uninsured drivers — including Michigan — then adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy can help protect you financially.
How much uninsured motorist coverage should you buy?
A general rule of thumb is to choose uninsured motorist bodily injury policy limits that match your liability coverage limits.
Does Michigan require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
No. Michigan doesn’t require drivers to buy uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. But you can choose to add it to your car insurance policy.
What are the pros and cons of uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you financially if someone else causes a car accident and lacks the coverage to pay your bills. The downside is that you may invest in coverage and never use it.
Sources
- III. "Protect yourself against uninsured motorists."
- Michigan Auto Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions."
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Kim PorterInsurance Writer
Co-authored the book “Future Millionaires’ Guidebook”
13 years writing personal finance content
Featured in
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
David MarlettAdvisor