Can I Register a Car Without Insurance in Michigan? What You Need to Know
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Getting an automobile is just the beginning. Each state sets its own rules for titles and insurance that car owners need to follow, but many Michigan drivers don't know where to start when it comes to understanding car insurance and registration requirements.
For instance, you may wonder, “Can I register a car without insurance in Michigan?” Let’s break down Michigan’s car insurance requirements so you know what to do.
Understanding Michigan's Car Registration Requirements
In every state, you must register your vehicles with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Michigan is no exception.
Here’s what Michigan requires to register a vehicle:
- Proof of your identity (for example, a driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Completed Form TR-11L (application for Michigan Vehicle Title)
- Payment for vehicle registration fees
- Proof of valid Michigan no-fault auto insurance policy
Once you collect all these documents, submit them and the payment at your local DMV office. You’ll receive your Michigan vehicle registration and title soon after.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Is Insurance Required for Car Registration in Michigan?
Yes, you need to meet minimum car insurance requirements to register a vehicle in Michigan. Even if you never intend to drive the vehicle, you still need insurance coverage.
Michigan’s mandatory no-fault insurance law
Under Michigan auto insurance laws, you need to maintain no-fault automobile coverage on your vehicle. Bear in mind that no-fault coverage is the minimum. You can still buy more coverage for better financial protection and peace of mind.
Basic no-fault insurance will cover damage to other people’s property, your medical expenses, and wage loss benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle. If you only have basic no-fault insurance and your car gets damaged in an accident, you are responsible for paying for the repairs out of pocket.
Consequences of attempting to register without insurance
If you try to register your vehicle without no-fault insurance in Michigan, your registration will not go through. The DMV will reject your application in the vehicle registration process until you meet the insurance requirements. You won’t get your license plates and will not be legally allowed to drive the car.
Driving without a valid registration is a misdemeanor crime in Michigan. You may face up to 90 days in jail, fines, or both.
Uninsured drivers also face penalties for driving without insurance that vary by state. In Michigan, it's illegal to drive a car without insurance. Instead of risking legal action, buy at least the minimum insurance coverage and use it to properly register your car before driving anywhere.
Types of Coverage You Need for Registration
Your no-fault insurance policy must include three types of coverage to register a vehicle in Michigan: liability coverage, personal injury protection coverage, and property protection insurance.
Liability coverage
Generally, Michigan’s no-fault laws protect drivers from being sued for vehicle accidents. In the unusual situation that you’re found legally responsible for an accident, the liability insurance portion of your no-fault policy provides Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD) coverage.
The minimum liability insurance in Michigan must include at least $20,000 in coverage for the death or injury of one person, $40,000 for the death or injury of multiple people, and $10,000 for property damage in other states.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
Personal injury protection coverage is the part of your no-fault policy that covers your medical expenses from car accidents. For example, if you break your arm in an auto accident and need a $20,000 surgery to fix it, your PIP coverage would pay for that surgery.
If you cannot work as a result of your injury, PIP also pays up to 85% of the income you would have earned for up to three years after the accident.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI)
Property protection insurance covers the damage your vehicle does to someone else’s property within Michigan. For example, if you lose control of your vehicle and crash through someone’s fence in Lansing, PPI will pay up to $1 million to cover that damage.
PPI also covers damage your car does to vehicles that are parked properly in Michigan. However, PPI will not pay for damage to moving or improperly parked vehicles anywhere.
Proof of Insurance for Registration
You need to show proof of valid Michigan no-fault insurance to register your vehicle in the state. This proof is a certificate of insurance from your auto insurance company or insurance card. Michigan will accept a paper or electronic version of the certificate, so choose the more convenient option for you.
Shop Around for the Best Quotes
If you’re shopping for car insurance in Michigan to register a vehicle, don’t waste time endlessly searching for rates from different insurance companies. Instead, use EverQuote to get a custom comparison of auto insurance rates in your area. The best way to get great coverage and affordable rates is to compare custom options today.