If you ride a motorcycle in Michigan, you need to make sure that you understand Michigan's insurance laws and how they uniquely apply to you. Here are three things you need to know about Michigan insurance laws in regards to motorcycles.
#1 You Only Have To Carry Liability Insurance
As a motorcycle owner, you are not required to carry what is commonly referred to as "no-fault" insurance like drivers of regular automobiles are required to carry in the state of Michigan. Instead, you only have to purchase liability insurance for your motorcycle.
If you only carry the minimum amount of insurance required by law, all that will be covered if you get into an accident is the damage your motorcycle causes to another persons' vehicle or property. Damage to your vehicle is not covered, nor are any of your medical expenses through your insurance.
#2 You May Be Covered By The Other Driver's No-Fault Insurance
If you get into an accident with another vehicle, such as a truck, car or commercial vehicle that is required to carry no-fault insurance, you may benefit from the insurance that they carry.
When you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, even if it was your fault, you can make a claim against the other driver's insurance. The other driver's no-fault insurance may cover your medical costs, rehabilitation costs, as well as lost wages. You would make a first party claim for benefits against the other driver's insurance company. A motorcycle attorney could assist you with this.
#3 You Are Responsible For Medical Costs In A Single Vehicle Accident
Although you can get away without carrying personal bodily damage, which is what is included in no-fault insurance, it could be costly if you are involved in a single-vehicle accident.
In the event of a single-vehicle accident, you would be responsible for all medical costs that you incur as a result of an accident if you are only carrying the required minimum for motorcycle owners. Even if you have no-fault insurance on another vehicle, you will most likely not be able to transfer that coverage to your motorcycle unless you add that type of coverage to your motorcycle policy.
It would be smart to carry first-party personal bodily damage coverage on your motorcycle in order to ensure that you have the medical coverage you need should you ever get in an accident.
As a motorcycle owner, make sure that you understand the type of insurance coverage you need to stay safe. If you are unsure, talk to an attorney like one from Powers Law about what coverage you need to protect yourself, depending upon the situation you find yourself in.
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