Who pays for my medical care after a car accident in Michigan?
Your own auto insurance company, through personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, no matter who caused the crash. PIP pays for reasonably necessary care, recovery and rehabilitation, up to the PIP medical level you chose on your policy. If no one in your household has auto insurance, you can apply to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
What PIP medical level do I have?
Since July 2, 2020, Michigan drivers choose one of these limits, per person, per accident. Check your policy's declarations page.
| PIP medical choice | Who can choose it |
|---|---|
| Unlimited | Anyone. This applies if no choice was made. |
| Up to $500,000 | Anyone |
| Up to $250,000 | Anyone. A version with exclusions is available to people whose health insurance covers auto injuries. |
| Up to $50,000 | A named insured enrolled in Medicaid |
| Opt out | A named insured with Medicare Parts A and B |
If your care costs more than your limit, you may owe the difference, so tell us your limit at your first visit.
Is there a deadline?
Yes. Give your auto insurer written notice of the injury within one year of the accident. As a rule, PIP also can't pay for care given more than one year before a claim is filed. Report the crash to your insurer as soon as you can.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- Your auto insurance company, claim number, and the adjuster's name and phone
- The date of the accident and the police report number, if you have it
- Your health insurance card, in case your policy coordinates with health insurance or you chose an exclusion
- Photo ID and a list of your medicines
Our team checks your claim before the first visit and bills your auto insurer directly.
What if I don't have auto insurance?
If no one in your household has an auto policy, you can apply for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. Apply as soon as you can, because the same one-year time limits apply.
What can PIP pay for besides medical care?
PIP can also pay part of lost wages for up to three years, help at home you can no longer do yourself (replacement services), and mileage to medical appointments. Ask your adjuster which benefits apply to your claim.
What does Specialty Medical Center treat after a crash?
Neck and back pain, whiplash, headaches, shoulder and knee injuries and nerve pain, with pain management, spine care, physical therapy and walk-in urgent care. Some injuries take days to show symptoms, so get checked even if you feel fine.
If you have a lawyer, they can request records from our attorneys page. Just had a crash? See what to do after a car accident, step by step.
This page explains Michigan law in general terms. It isn't legal advice; for questions about your claim, talk with your insurer or an attorney.
