Minimum car insurance in Michigan

Michigan's minimum is often written as 50/100/10. That means your policy pays up to $50,000 for injuries to any one person you hurt in a crash, up to $100,000 in total for everyone injured in that crash, and up to $10,000 for damage to other people's cars or property.

These limits pay for other people. They don't pay to repair your own car or treat your own injuries; that takes optional coverage.

Michigan policies default to 250/500 bodily injury, but you can choose 50/100 in writing. $10,000 property damage applies to crashes in other states, and $1 million of property protection insurance covers damage in Michigan. You choose a PIP medical level, from unlimited down to $50,000 (Medicaid enrollees), or opt out with qualifying Medicare.

Is Michigan a no-fault state?

Yes. After an accident in Michigan, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills first, no matter who caused the crash; the required minimum is $50,000. Lawsuits against the other driver are limited to more serious injuries.

Is the state minimum enough?

For most drivers, no. Hospital bills from a single serious crash can pass $100,000 quickly, and anything above your limits can come out of your own pocket. A common recommendation is 100/300/100 liability, plus:

  • Collision: repairs your own car after an accident, whoever is at fault.
  • Comprehensive: theft, hail, flooding, fire and hitting an animal.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: protects you when the other driver has little or no insurance.
  • Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement: inexpensive extras that help when your car is in the shop.

Insurance doesn't cover mechanical breakdowns. For engine, transmission or electrical failures, see what common repairs cost and how a vehicle service contract can help.

How to lower your car insurance in Michigan

  • Compare quotes from several companies. Prices for the same driver can vary by hundreds of dollars a year.
  • Raise your collision and comprehensive deductibles if you have savings to cover them.
  • Ask about discounts: bundling home and auto, safe driver, good student, paying in full and paperless billing.
  • Keep continuous coverage. A gap, even a short one, usually raises your price.
  • Review your coverage every year, especially after paying off a car loan.