Michigan’s no-fault system means your own auto insurance pays many of your crash-related losses, no matter who caused the accident. These are called personal injury protection, or PIP, benefits. They are valuable — and insurers don’t always pay them willingly.
What no-fault PIP benefits cover
- Medical expenses — hospital care, surgery, doctor visits, therapy, rehabilitation, prescriptions and medical equipment, up to your policy’s coverage level.
- Wage loss — generally 85% of your gross income for up to three years after the accident, subject to a monthly maximum that is adjusted each year.
- Replacement services — up to $20 a day for household help you can no longer do yourself, such as cleaning, yard work and childcare.
- Attendant care — help with daily needs after a serious injury. Care provided at home by family members is now limited to 56 hours a week under Michigan law.
- Medical mileage — travel to and from treatment.
- Survivors’ benefits for the dependents of someone killed in a crash.
Your PIP medical coverage level matters
Since Michigan’s 2019 auto insurance reform, drivers choose how much PIP medical coverage they carry:
| Coverage level | What it means |
|---|---|
| Unlimited | The traditional Michigan coverage, still available |
| $500,000 | Per person, per accident |
| $250,000 | Per person, per accident (with an option to exclude people who have qualifying health coverage) |
| $50,000 | Available only to people enrolled in Medicaid |
| Opt-out | Available only to people with Medicare Parts A and B |
Maximum penalties for a typical first offense under Michigan law. Prior convictions, weapons, injuries and other factors can increase them. Actual sentences are usually far below the maximum and depend on Michigan’s sentencing guidelines and the facts of the case.
If your injuries exceed your PIP limit, the at-fault driver may be responsible for the rest. Learn about claims against the at-fault driver.
When the insurer denies or cuts off benefits
Common tactics include delaying payment, sending you to an “independent medical examination” with a doctor the insurer chose, disputing whether treatment is necessary, and claiming your injury came from something other than the crash. Keep every record, follow your doctors’ advice, and get help early. Michigan law penalizes insurers that pay late with interest on overdue benefits.
Frequently asked questions
My no-fault insurer denied or stopped paying my benefits. What can I do?
Denials and cut-offs are common — often after an “independent medical examination” by a doctor the insurer chose. You can challenge a denial, including in court. Michigan law requires insurers to pay interest on overdue benefits, and in some cases to pay your attorney fees when benefits were unreasonably refused.
How long do I have to file a no-fault claim?
You generally must give your insurer written notice of your injury within one year of the accident. There are also strict rules limiting how far back you can recover unpaid benefits in a lawsuit. Don’t wait — call us if your insurer is delaying.
Which insurance company pays my PIP benefits?
Usually your own auto insurer, or the insurer of a spouse or relative you live with. If none of you has auto insurance, the insurer of a vehicle involved may pay, and as a last resort the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.