Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Basics and Best Practices

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Michigan has a mandatory insurance law that requires all motorcyclists to have liability insurance to cover damages or injuries they cause to others.

In Michigan, you can be ticketed and fined if you're found riding without insurance.

To operate a motorcycle in Michigan, you must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.

You can obtain this endorsement by passing a motorcycle safety course or by completing a riding test with the Michigan Department of State.

Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Basics

You need motorcycle insurance in Michigan, just like in any other state. It's a requirement for riding on public roads, so make sure you have it before hitting the roads.

Michigan requires you to have a motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle on public roads. This license is separate from your car driver's license and requires a separate test to obtain.

If you're planning to store your motorcycle for an extended period, you may want to consider laid-up motorcycle insurance. This type of insurance covers your motorcycle while it's not in use, which can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Credit: youtube.com, Motorcycle Insurance Laws in Michigan | WLNS Legal Edge

Motorcycle helmet laws vary by state, and in Michigan, riders are required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. This is to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Here's a summary of the key points to keep in mind when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Michigan:

  • Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance? - Yes, it's a requirement for riding on public roads.
  • What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover? - It covers damages to your motorcycle and other vehicles, as well as medical expenses in the event of an accident.
  • Laid-Up Motorcycle Insurance - Available for storing your motorcycle for an extended period.
  • Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State - In Michigan, riders are required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.
  • Motorcycle License Requirements - You need a separate motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle on public roads.

Insurance Options

Michigan motorcycle insurance options can be complex, but understanding the basics can help you make an informed decision.

Liability insurance is a mandatory requirement in Michigan, covering damages to other parties in the event of an accident.

You can choose from various liability coverage limits, including 50/100/25, 100/200/100, and 250/500/250.

The state also requires a $10 deductible for property damage liability.

Optional insurance coverage includes collision, comprehensive, and personal injury protection (PIP).

Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your motorcycle in the event of an accident, regardless of who's at fault.

Comprehensive coverage covers damages from non-accident events, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

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PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs if you're injured in a motorcycle accident.

You can also add additional riders to your policy, such as roadside assistance or accessory coverage.

Some motorcycle insurance policies may offer discounts for things like completing a motorcycle safety course or having a certain level of education.

Minimum Requirements and Coverage

Michigan motorcycle insurance has specific minimum requirements that all riders must meet. These requirements include liability insurance with at least $20,000 in bodily injury per person, $40,000 in bodily injury per incident, and $10,000 in property damage per incident.

Liability insurance is the only form of insurance required by law for motorcycles, and it helps shield you from having to pay medical bills or repair costs for others injured in an accident that you were involved in.

The minimum amount of property coverage under Michigan law is $10,000, which protects a negligent motorcyclist from property damage he or she may cause in a crash.

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Here are the minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance in Michigan:

It's worth noting that these minimum requirements may not be enough to fully protect your assets, and it's often recommended to purchase more coverage than the minimum amount.

Minimum Requirements

In Michigan, motorcycle insurance is required by law, and there are specific minimum requirements you need to meet.

The minimum amount of liability coverage required is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability. This coverage pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident.

Property damage liability coverage is also required, with a minimum amount of $25,000 per accident. This coverage pays for property damage you cause to others in an accident.

It's worth noting that property damage liability coverage doesn't cover damage to your own bike. If you want to protect your bike, you'll need to purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage.

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Here's a breakdown of the minimum requirements:

Remember, these are the minimum requirements, and it's always a good idea to purchase more coverage to protect yourself and your assets.

Medical

Medical coverage is a crucial aspect of motorcycle insurance in Michigan. Medical benefits coverage is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended to protect yourself from costly medical bills.

A single night's stay in a hospital like Beaumont Hospital or McLaren Hospital can cost over $10,000. Medical coverage can help defray these costs, especially if you're involved in a bad motorcycle wreck.

No, medical coverage is not the same as no-fault coverage. No-fault insurance is only required for motor vehicles, not motorcycles.

You should purchase medical coverage in $5,000 increments to ensure you're adequately protected. This way, you can choose the level of coverage that suits your needs and budget.

Having medical coverage provides peace of mind, knowing you're financially protected in case of an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motor Vehicle

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In Michigan, at least 25% of vehicles are not insured, and in some cities like Detroit, the number is even higher. This is why uninsured motorist coverage is crucial for motorcycle operators and their passengers.

Having uninsured coverage will pay for pain and suffering resulting from injuries caused by an uninsured car, truck, or motorcycle. It's a type of coverage that leaves injured individuals in horrible situations following a bad motorcycle wreck.

Underinsured coverage is similar, but it covers accidents caused by drivers with insufficient insurance. For example, if you're rear-ended by a truck with only the $50,000 minimum liability insurance, and your injuries are worth $250,000, underinsured coverage can collect an additional $200,000 in compensation.

In Michigan, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory, but uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are not. MoneyGeek recommends a full coverage policy of at least 50/100/25.

Motorcycle insurance is not cheap, but it's essential to protect yourself and your family from the increased dangers of riding a motorcycle.

Towing & Labor

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Having a reliable bike can be a lifesaver, but even the best bikes can break down. Towing and labor coverage will kick in if your bike breaks down and you need to hire a tow service.

If your bike breaks down due to a reason covered in the policy, labor costs can also be recovered. Typically, this includes issues like low fluid, a dead battery, or a flat tire.

Having a plan in place for unexpected bike breakdowns can save you time and money. Towing and labor coverage can give you peace of mind, knowing you're protected in case of an emergency.

Pricing and Quotes

The cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan can vary greatly depending on several factors, including your age, driving history, location, type of bike, and coverage selection. The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan is around $456 per year for a full coverage policy, which is 20% more than the national average.

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GEICO and Progressive offer some of the cheapest motorcycle insurance quotes in Michigan, with prices starting at around $162 per year for a liability-only policy. For a full coverage policy, Progressive comes out on top with an average annual cost of $376.

If you're looking for the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Michigan, Progressive has the lowest quotes, with a full-coverage policy costing around $22 per month. This is 42% cheaper than the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Michigan.

Here's a breakdown of the average costs of motorcycle insurance in Michigan:

Keep in mind that these prices are just averages, and your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate for your motorcycle insurance.

Insurance Companies and Providers

Progressive is the highest-scoring company in Michigan, with a score of 94.32 as per MoneyGeek's study. It offers affordable rates, customizable policies, and a range of discounts.

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You can easily get a quote online by providing information about yourself, your motorcycle, and the coverage you need. Progressive's Loyalty Rewards program automatically enrolls you for discounts and accident forgiveness.

Here are the top three motorcycle insurance providers in Michigan, along with their scores and average prices:

The Companies

Progressive is the highest-scoring company in Michigan, with a score of 94.32 as per MoneyGeek's study. It offers affordable rates, customizable policies, and a range of discounts.

Dairyland ranks third in Michigan with a score of 86.92, offering several types of coverages, including bodily injury, comprehensive, and collision coverage. It also offers protection for a range of motorcycles, including those from Indian, Honda, and Harley-Davidson.

GEICO ranks second in Michigan with a score of 89.87, offering a range of coverage options, including accessories and roadside assistance. Its average rate for liability-only coverage is $162 per year.

Progressive has the cheapest full-coverage motorcycle insurance in Michigan, with a monthly rate of $22. This is 42% cheaper than the state average.

Here's a comparison of the cheapest motorcycle insurance companies in Michigan:

Dairyland is a good option for daily riders, offering rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. Its full coverage costs around $32 per month in Michigan, which is 16% cheaper than average.

Why Choose Doyle & Ogden

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When you're looking for a reliable motorcycle insurance provider, consider Doyle & Ogden. They're a local, independent insurance agency with a reputation for being trustworthy.

Their advisors take pride in being able to find you the best coverage for the right price. With over 10 insurance companies to choose from, they're confident in their ability to provide you with a great deal.

You can contact Doyle & Ogden by calling (616) 949-9000 or filling out an online contact form.

Saving Money and Tips

Saving money on motorcycle insurance is definitely possible in Michigan. Bundling policies can save you some cash.

Taking an approved driver safety class can also get you a discount. Many insurance companies offer this incentive, so it's worth looking into.

Saving Money

Saving money on motorcycle insurance is possible.

Riders can save on insurance by bundling policies with other types of insurance, such as auto insurance.

Taking an approved driver safety class can also lead to discounts on motorcycle insurance.

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By learning new things and completing a safety class, riders can save some money.

In Michigan, riders can find the cheapest motorcycle insurance companies by comparing quotes from top insurance companies.

ValuePenguin analysts rated Michigan motorcycle insurance companies based on customer service, cost, and coverage availability.

To find the cheapest companies, quotes were compared for a full-coverage policy with higher liability limits than the state minimum, plus collision and comprehensive coverage.

Signing up for a safety class can be a great way to save money on motorcycle insurance while also learning new things.

Custom Parts & Accessories

Custom parts and accessories can be a major expense, but did you know that comprehensive and collision coverage will usually cover repair or replacement for custom parts up to $3,000?

If you have a highly customized bike, you'll want to consider custom parts, equipment, and accessories coverage, which can provide an additional $30,000 in coverage.

This type of coverage is essential for bike owners who have invested a lot in customizing their ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is insurance cheaper if you own the motorcycle?

Yes, motorcycle insurance is often cheaper due to lower repair costs, making it a more affordable option. This is one of the key reasons why owning a motorcycle can be a cost-effective choice.

Can you register a motorcycle without insurance in Michigan?

No, you cannot register a motorcycle in Michigan without insurance. Motorcyclists must have current insurance coverage that meets the state's minimum requirements.

Can I insure a motorcycle with a regular license?

You can insure a motorcycle, but most insurers require a valid motorcycle license or a legitimate license holder's insurance to approve your application. Check with your insurer for specific requirements and details.

Angelo Douglas

Lead Writer

Angelo Douglas is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Angelo has established himself as a trusted voice in the world of finance. Angelo's writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including mutual funds and mutual fund costs and fees.

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