Do you have to have car insurance in Michigan?
Asked by: Dr. Bernhard Hessel MD | Last update: September 14, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (21 votes)
What happens if you do not have car insurance in Michigan?
You could be fined up to $500 and/or go to jail for a year. Your license will be suspended and you will be unable to renew your plates until your vehicle is insured. If you're in an accident, you will be disqualified from compensation and No-Fault benefits.
Is it a law to have car insurance in Michigan?
Michigan car insurance law requires vehicle owners to carry No-Fault auto insurance that covers personal injuries, property damage, and liability for bodily injury. These coverages help pay for medical bills and lost wages, and legal liability if a driver injures another person or causes damage to property.
Can Michigan police pull you over for no insurance?
Yes, driving without valid insurance in Michigan is a primary offense so the police can absolutely stop you for that sole reason.
Is Michigan still a No-Fault state?
NO-FAULT INSURANCE is required by law in Michigan. Every owner of a car must buy certain basic coverages in order to get license plates. It is against the law to drive or let your car be driven without no-fault insurance.
Car insurance coverage in Michigan - What you need to know
Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state Michigan?
If your car is properly parked and hit by another car, the other driver's no-fault coverage will pay for the damage to your car. Except for this one situation, the only kinds of auto insurance that will pay for repairs to your car are collision and comprehensive coverage.
How long can you go without car insurance?
It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.
Can Michigan cops see if you have insurance?
In Michigan, the police can tell if you have insurance by running your plates because every 14 days Michigan auto insurance companies must notify the Michigan Secretary of State of the vehicles they insure and that data is available to them through the LEIN system which they access on their in-car computers.
Do police have to tell you why they pulled you over in Michigan?
Remain calm and comply with the officer's instructions. Right to Know the Reason for Detention: Ask, “Why am I being detained?” Police must provide a legitimate reason for detaining you, usually based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
What states is it illegal to not have car insurance?
New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't mandate car insurance. However, drivers who choose not to buy car insurance must prove they have sufficient funds to meet the state's financial responsibility requirements (PDF) in the event they cause an accident.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Michigan?
In Michigan, there are three exceptions when someone else drives in which they may not be covered by your No Fault insurance: your policy excludes the driver, the driver lives out of state and doesn't own a vehicle registered in Michigan, the person didn't have permission to drive your car.
What car insurance is mandatory in Michigan?
To drive legally in Michigan, state law requires the purchase of no-fault automobile insurance.
Do you need car insurance if you're not driving your car?
Do you need insurance for a car in storage? Legally, you don't need insurance coverage for a car that's not being driven and is in storage. However, if the vehicle gets stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident or weather-related event, you'll be responsible for any resulting expenses if you don't carry insurance.
Can I get pulled over for no insurance in Michigan?
The first thing a police officer asks for when someone is pulled over is their license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation or other driving related offense without proof of valid insurance, then you may be charged with a crime.
Why do cops ask if you have insurance?
It's the law to have it, that's why they ask. Because most states now have an insurance requirement law in order for a vehicle to be legally driven.
What do police see when they run your plates?
When a police officer runs your license plate, they receive a range of information about you and your vehicle. The main information provided is your license plate number, which allows them to access the vehicle's registration details and owner information.
What happens if I haven't had car insurance?
License suspension or fine: In some situations, the department of motor vehicles in your state will be notified that you are without insurance. They can then suspend your license or fine you. You may also be required to carry an SR-22 for several years, which is an added expense on your next auto policy.
What happens if I let my car insurance cancel?
Suspension of Car License And/Or Registration
As most states also require insurance companies to inform them of policy cancelations, you may lose your car's registration when you allow your policy to lapse. Your license may also be suspended.
Should I cancel my car insurance if I don't have a car?
Non-owner car insurance can provide liability coverage in the event of an accident. You should still have insurance coverage if you're a licensed driver who regularly borrows or rents vehicles. Not all companies offer non-owner insurance policies, so you'll have to shop around.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in Michigan?
In Michigan, driving without insurance is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail or both. Drivers may also have their license suspended for 30 days or until they can provide proof of insurance. Drivers will also pay a license reinstatement fee of $125.
Why is Michigan so expensive for car insurance?
Urban Areas with High Traffic Density and Accident Rates
Urban areas in Michigan have higher traffic density and accident rates. This notably contributes to the state's expensive auto insurance. Cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids see heavy traffic daily. More vehicles on the road means a higher chance of accidents.
What age does insurance go down in Michigan?
Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75. At age 75, the average premium begins trending upward.