We know you care about having the right protection for you and your family. We also know the new auto reform law can seem complicated.
As one of Michigan's largest insurance companies, we have the expertise to help guide you through reform. With our clear sight into the changes ahead, we're ready to help you see clearly, too.
As the changes take effect, we'll introduce new tools and resources to help you explore your options and make the selection process fast and easy.
Reform at a glance
July 2, 2020 effective date of most auto reform changes
At least $120 savings per vehicle on Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association assessment, 10% to 100% potential personal injury protection (PIP) premium savings
$250K/$500K coverage is the default minimum limit if you don't take action, $50K/$100K is the minimum bodily injury (BI) allowed
Choose from 6 personal injury protection (PIP) medical options. if you do not choose a limit, you will default to unlimited PIP
$500,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) medical coverage per person covers 99% of claims
Independent agents are the #1 resource to help you navigate your auto reform options
Frequently-asked questions about Michigan auto reform
The new law requires new selections from you. We know there is a lot to consider before choosing the right level of coverage. We have answers to your questions. Need more guidance? We recommend that you work with your independent insurance agent to be sure you have the best combination of protection, value and price.
What is personal injury protection (PIP) coverage?
PIP covers medical bills and lost wages when you or your passengers are injured in a car accident. The cost of PIP coverage varies based on your coverage limit selection. 99% of all PIP claims are covered with a $500,000 limit.
What is bodily injury (BI) coverage?
BI pays for injuries to others in a car accident in which you are at fault. Your BI coverage limit must meet the new state required minimum of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Senate Bill 1 was signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on May 30, 2019, taking effect as of June 11, 2019. The new law is designed to provide more affordable auto insurance in the state by providing drivers with more coverage options. Here is what has changed:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) options. With the new law, drivers will no longer be required to purchase unlimited no-fault PIP and can instead choose their coverage level. Qualifying drivers may also choose to opt out of PIP coverage.
- Bodily injury (BI) minimum limits. BI minimum limits will increase from $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident to $50,000/$100,000, with a default minimum of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident.
- Driver savings. Drivers can save anywhere from 10% to 100% on their PIP coverage, depending on their election and their healthcare coverage.
- Rating prohibitions. Insurance carriers may no longer factor in gender, marital status, home ownership, education, occupation, credit score and postal zone to premium rates.
For more details and other notable changes, see our summary of the law.
Your savings will depend on your personal injury protection and bodily injury selections. The new law calls for a reduction of PIP premium cost based on the coverage selected, starting at 10 % savings. Additionally, policies with unlimited PIP coverage will see a 55 % reduction in Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) fees, from $220 to $100 per vehicle. This fee will only be charged to those who choose to maintain unlimited PIP coverage, while those who choose lower limits may avoid the fee altogether.
The new law also requires insurance carriers to increase bodily injury minimum limits from $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident to $50,000/$100,00. BI coverage will default to $250,000/$500,000 under the new law, but consumers may choose lower limits by completing a selection form.
It is important to consider a balance of coverage and price when making a coverage decision.
The new law provides you with six options. The limit you select is what your auto insurance will pay per person, per accident, should you or a resident family member be injured in an accident. If you do not choose a PIP medical coverage limit, the unlimited option will apply by default and your PIP savings will be reduced.
PIP medical options | To consider |
---|---|
Unlimited |
|
$500,000 |
|
$250,000 |
|
$50,000 in coverage |
|
No PIP medical coverage for anyone covered on the policy |
|
No PIP medical coverage for excluded insureds, limited $250,000 for non-excluded insureds |
|
Citizens and Michigan go together
As a company with headquarters in Michigan, we understand the auto insurance market better than most. In fact, we wrote the very first auto insurance policy in the state and have been protecting drivers in Michigan for more than 100 years.
Protecting Michigan
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Can't believe how fast my car was taken care of. A week to get it fixed and given back. Thanks."
- Debra, Big RapidsEvery step of the way, representatives from Citizens insurance took care of everything with courtesy, promptness and professionalism. "
- An Ann Arbor customerEvery step of the way, representatives from Citizens insurance took care of everything with courtesy, promptness and professionalism. "
- An Ann Arbor customerResources to help you get ready for reform
No-fault auto reform basics
Read our Michigan auto reform legislative summary for need-to-know information.
Peace of mind protection
An umbrella policy picks up where your auto policy leaves off.
Insurance made clear
Learn how independent agents make insurance easier to understand.
Working with an independent insurance agent is the best way to help ensure you select the best combination of protection and value. Your agent can answer your questions, help assess your insurance needs and point out coverage gaps. They are trusted advisors that will make auto reform easier and clearer for you."
- Dan Halsey, President, Personal LinesWorking with an independent insurance agent is the best way to help ensure you select the best combination of protection and value. Your agent can answer your questions, help assess your insurance needs and point out coverage gaps. They are trusted advisors that will make auto reform easier and clearer for you."
- Dan Halsey, President, Personal LinesWorking with an independent insurance agent is the best way to help ensure you select the best combination of protection and value. Your agent can answer your questions, help assess your insurance needs and point out coverage gaps. They are trusted advisors that will make auto reform easier and clearer for you."
- Dan Halsey, President, Personal Lines