The reformed Michigan no-fault law now offers drivers more choices, as well as changes to their auto insurance. While some of these changes will be phased in over time, most will go into effect on July 2, 2020. At Johnson & Associates Insurance, we want to help our customers understand how their insurance coverage is affected.

What’s on the horizon for Michigan drivers

Previously, it was mandatory for drivers to carry unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, but starting July 2, 2020, drivers will be able to choose from different coverage options:

1. Unlimited PIP coverage
2. $500,000 limit
3. $250,000 limit
4. $250,000 limit with PIP medical exclusion(s); this option is for drivers who have qualified health coverage (not Medicaid or Medicare) that covers auto accident injuries. (This option is available if your spouse and other relatives who live with you have qualified health coverage that will cover auto accident injuries.)
5. $50,000 limit; this option is only for drivers who are enrolled in Medicaid. (This option is available if your spouse and other relatives who live with you have qualified health coverage that will cover auto accident injuries.)
6. Opt-out of PIP coverage entirely; however, you, your spouse, and all relatives who live with you must have Medicare or qualified health insurance to be eligible.

Additionally, these changes will take effect on July 2, 2020:

• Insurance companies must reduce PIP premium rates, and guarantee that they will be reduced for eight years. The rate reduction applies only to PIP premiums, which is one part of your entire auto insurance costs. The average reduction takes into account both the PIP premium and Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) vehicle assessment fee, which cannot be reduced by insurance carriers. The reduced amount will depend on the PIP coverage that a driver selects – the higher the coverage, the lower the reduction. For example:
• • Unlimited coverage would receive on average a 10% reduction
  • $500,000 in coverage would reduce on average by 20%
  • $250,000 in coverage would reduce on average by 35%
  • $50,000 in coverage would reduce on average by 45%
  • Individuals with Medicare or qualified health insurance could opt out and receive a 100% rate reduction on certain portions of PIP, depending on their individual circumstances. MCCA deficit fee would still apply (MCCA has announced the deficit fee is $0 for 2020).
• Non-driving factors can’t be used to set insurance rates for personal auto policies. Factors include postal zone, credit scores, homeownership, education level, and occupation.
• Minimum liability coverage limits will be increased from $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident to $50,000/$100,000. The policy will default to $250,000/$500,000 (or $510,000 for commercial auto policies) if the policyholder does not make a choice. Policyholders must sign a selection form to choose limits lower than $250,000/$500,000 (or $510,000). If a selection is made following the first renewal after July 2, 2020, policyholders may keep that option until they request a different option. All following renewals will be issued with the previously selected option. Policyholders will be sent selection forms at each renewal so a different selection may be made; however, policyholders may choose a different option at any time.
• Policyholders will be given the option to select their PIP coverage at each renewal; selection forms will be sent at each renewal. If a selection is made following the first renewal after July 2, 2020, policyholders may keep that option until they request a different option. All following renewals will be issued with the previously selected option; however, policyholders may choose a different option at any time.
• Tort damages will be recoverable for excess allowable expenses and work loss. And, the “Mini-Tort” damage cap will increase from $1,000 to $3,000 for accidents occurring after July 1, 2020.
• The order of determining who will pay for a no-fault claim – called the “order of priority” – has changed in some cases involving:
  • Relatives who do not reside in the household of the named insured unless they are away at school. These relatives (such as your children) would need to have their own insurance policy, even if they are driving a car you own.
  • Non-relatives who reside in the household, even if they are listed, drivers. They would need to have their own insurance policy.

We’re committed to helping our customers navigate Michigan’s new no-fault law. If you’ve got questions, give us a call today.

This information was originally published by Frankenmuth Insurance, and appears with permission.