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If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you probably have a lot of questions about what comes next. You might also have questions about what exactly your insurance covers. Many victims are confused about personal liability and property damage (PLPD) insurance—what it is, what it covers, and what to do if you need more compensation than PLPD provides.
In Michigan, personal liability and property damage (PLPD) insurance is the bare minimum. When you need help getting your insurance company to cooperate after you’ve been injured, a Michigan car accident attorney. Christensen Law can help you sort through the picky details and fight for the highest possible compensation you can receive.
What Is PLPD Insurance in Michigan?
First, some background. PLPD is the bare minimum auto insurance required by Michigan No-Fault insurance law. It includes:
- Bodily injury and property damage (BI/PD): Liability coverage for PLPD insurance is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash, as well as $10,000 in property damage coverage.
- Property protection insurance (PPI): PPI addresses any property damage caused in a car accident, but it does not cover damage to cars. However, if drivers hit a properly parked vehicle, it can pay for this damage. It pays up to $1 million.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP helps pay for medical expenses, some lost income, household replacement, and some death benefits, regardless of driver fault. Drivers can choose one of 6 PIP medical coverage options.
PLPD Does Not Cover All Car Accident Expenses
PLPD does not include collision or comprehensive coverage. That means that, if your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision, such as vandalism or hail, you won’t be covered. It also won’t cover a rental car or additional mini-tort coverage (also called limited property damage coverage) beyond $1,000.
Finally, PLPD will not cover you if you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist or a driver whose coverage had insufficient liability limits.
Basically, the PLPD policy goes into effect only if you are at fault in an auto accident; it does nothing to protect you if you are hurt by another driver and will not cover repairs to your automobile. Fortunately, a qualified PLPD insurance lawyer in Michigan can fight for any additional compensation you need, even when you carry the minimum insurance coverage the law requires.
The High Cost of an Accident
The aftermath of a car accident can bring a litany of unexpected expenses. If you’ve recently been involved in a crash, you might be dealing with costs like the following:
- Medical bills, including medication, physical therapy services, and ongoing care
- Household replacement services, such as childcare or help with daily chores
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Lost wages from work and lost potential earnings if the accident severely injured you
Your Michigan accident insurance lawyer will know the ins and outs of Michigan accident law and how to make sure you’re covered after your crash.
What Other Coverage Options Can I Seek to Support My PLPD Coverage?
PLPD is the absolute minimum coverage Michiganders must have in order to drive. While these required polices can have higher coverage options, they may still not be enough to cover you in the event of an auto collision. When seeking coverage, consider:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): These policies can help cover gaps if the driver who hit you does not have auto insurance.
- Comprehensive and/or Collision Coverage: These forms of coverage can address vehicle damage and other forms of loss not covered by your No-Fault policies.
- Mini Tort Coverage: You might also see this called Limited Property Damage Liability Insurance. This is good coverage for small claims car accidents, especially if you are partially at fault for the accident.
- Towing and Rental Coverage: If you need to tow your vehicle or get rental a car after an accident or breakdown, this coverage will help pay for some if bot all of your expenses.
When buying auto insurance or switching policies, make sure you compare plans and coverage options. You can always speak to an insurance representative to discuss your coverage. If you are in an accident, a Michigan personal injury lawyer can discuss you PLPD and optional coverage options to see what can pay for your expenses.
What Impacts my PLPD Costs in Michigan?
Insurance policy costs are subject to many factors. When searching for Michigan auto policies, some factors insurers may consider include:
- Driver Records and History of Insurance Claims: Drivers with a history of accidents and insurance claims can expect to have increased insurance rates.
- Traffic Violations: Motorists who have received a lot of tickets or have been arrested for traffic violations are considered high-risk clients.
- History of Coverage: Lapses in your auto insurance coverage can indicate risk to insurers.
- Location: Where you live and raise or lower your insurance costs. For example, people in urban areas are at a higher risk of accidents than those in rural areas.
- Driving Habits: People who commute a lot for work, for example, have a higher risk of accidents than those who work close to home.
- Driver Age: Younger drivers are considered higher risk drivers, so they may have higher premiums.
- Plan Choice: Your coverage options can impact your premium. For example, some options will offer more coverage, but it will increase the total of your premium.
- Credit Score: Michigan allows auto insurance companies to review policy holder credit scores to determine premium payment options. While your credit score cannot be the reason insurers deny, renew, or cancel your plan, it can limit what premium payment plans are available to you.
- Discounts Offered by Insurance Companies: Every insurer is unique. it may offer discounts based on a variety of factors. For example, if you have a clean driving record for a certain number of years, you may be eligible for a discount on your premium. You may be able to bundle auto policies with your home insurance for a discount. When looking for coverage, compare prices and talk to representatives to see what you may qualify for.
Auto insurance can feel like a financial burden, but it’s important to follow the law and find a policy that will protect you from other drivers.
Get Help from a Michigan PLPD Insurance Attorney
Navigating the consequences of an auto accident by yourself can be overwhelming and disheartening, especially if your insurance policy is not as comprehensive as it could be.
Fortunately, help is available. When you contact a Michigan car accident lawyer at Christensen Law, you’ll get qualified help in your pursuit of compensation. Call to schedule your free consultation.
