Selecting Unlimited PIP Coverage: It’s Important for Your Michigan Auto Insurance Policy

Following Michigan’s updated no-fault auto insurance law, it became even more important to select the right auto coverage. The no-fault insurance reform effectively requires Michigan drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) along with property protection and residual liability.

This legal mandate was meant to simplify what had historically been a complicated process for auto accident claims that were plagued by lengthy timelines for compensation, rehabilitation services, and related legal battles.

At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we have experience navigating the intricacies of auto insurance coverage in Michigan. In the face of catastrophic injuries, severe medical debt, and agonizing mental stress after a devastating car accident, we understand that choosing unlimited PIP coverage on your Michigan auto insurance policy is critical for your long-term financial wellness.

What is PIP Auto Insurance?

As a driver in any state, you could face pricey medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with auto accident injuries. As one of 12 no-fault states, Michigan specifically doesn’t acknowledge who caused the accident — so securing unlimited PIP coverage is important for all drivers in the state.

PIP covers healthcare expenses for injured policyholders and passengers, including those who may not be insured. Coverage includes rehabilitation costs, replacement services, funeral expenses, and survivor benefits.

On the other hand, PIP does not typically cover expenses related to injuries sustained in an auto accident if the driver was working or committing a crime at the time of the incident. Additionally, it does not cover damage to someone else’s property, damage to your car, or injuries to a third party.

Did You Know?

The average PIP claim in Michigan is $81,563.

Source: Forbes Advisor

No-Fault PIP Medical Benefits Coverage Levels

According to Michigan.gov, auto insurance policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2020, are eligible for the following No-Fault PIP medical coverage levels. These levels represent the highest amount a driver’s auto insurance company will pay per person and accident for an injured person’s expenses under PIP medical coverage:

• Unlimited coverage
• Up to $500,000 in coverage
• Up to $250,000 in coverage
• Up to $250,000 in coverage with PIP medical exclusion(s)
• Exclusion is available for a named insured with non-Medicare health coverage that covers auto accident injuries and/or for household members if they have health insurance that will cover auto accident injuries.
• Up to $50,000 in coverage
• Available if the named insured is enrolled in Medicaid and their household members have another auto insurance policy, Medicaid or other health insurance that will cover auto accident injuries.
• PIP medical opt-out
• Available if the named insured has Medicare (Parts A and B). Any of their household members must have another auto insurance policy or health insurance that will cover auto accident injuries.
  

Why is Unlimited PIP Insurance Key?

Because the coverage level you select determines the amount of medical benefits, unlimited PIP insurance is the most reliable option. Our team of trusted advisors believes that unlimited PIP coverage is the best option for all drivers, given the updated no-fault law, ensuring the highest level of protection available.

After a devastating car accident, the comprehensive lifetime benefits of unlimited PIP cover all the expenses you may face, including hospital stays, therapy, prescriptions, rehabilitation services, and more. According to a 2021 study by the U.S. Census Bureau, 19% of American households have medical debt. Choosing unlimited PIP medical coverage provides peace of mind in the face of crippling medical debt, alleviating the burden so you can focus on what’s most important.

Why Relying on an Employer Health Insurance Plan is Risky

While you may have health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan, relying on this coverage for PIP insurance in the event of an auto accident is risky. Notably, if you are involved in a serious auto accident, you may not be able to work for a period of time, which may lead to job loss or a gap in coverage from your health insurance carrier. If this were to happen, and your auto insurance policy had a low PIP medical benefit coverage limit, you would likely face devastating financial losses. Unlimited PIP coverage covers these gaps, offering peace of mind in any situation.

Solely relying on your employer’s health insurance plan is not a reliable option ahead of what could be a life-changing accident with significant financial fallout.