Insurance FAQ
Auto and homeowners insurance — straight answers in plain English.
Auto Insurance
Michigan auto insurance works differently than in any other state. Here are the answers our clients ask for most — then let us compare rates across 20+ carriers for you.
Last updated: October 2026
How does Michigan no-fault auto insurance work?
Under Michigan’s no-fault system, your own auto insurer pays your medical bills and certain other benefits after a crash, regardless of who caused it. That’s your Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You generally can’t sue the at-fault driver for medical costs unless your injuries meet a high legal threshold — but you can still pursue them for vehicle damage through the mini-tort (see below).
What are my PIP medical coverage choices in Michigan?
Michigan lets you choose: unlimited lifetime medical, $500,000 per person per accident, $250,000 per person per accident, $250,000 with exclusions for household members with their own coverage, $50,000 if you’re on Medicaid, or a Medicare opt-out if you have Medicare Parts A and B. Lower limits cost less but expose you to real risk after a serious crash. We walk every client through this choice — it’s the most important box on a Michigan auto policy. (Source: Michigan DIFS, “Selection of PIP Medical Coverage.”)
How much does auto insurance cost in Michigan?
Michigan has historically had some of the highest auto rates in the country, but what you pay depends on your driving record, vehicle, mileage, garaging ZIP code, coverage limits, and deductible. Rates for the same driver can vary by hundreds of dollars between carriers — which is exactly why we quote across 20+ of them.
What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and do I need it in Michigan?
It pays your medical bills, lost wages, and related costs when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough of it. Michigan has a meaningful share of uninsured drivers, and state minimum liability limits are low — this coverage protects you from other people’s bad decisions. We recommend it on nearly every policy.
What is Michigan’s mini-tort?
The mini-tort (MCL 500.3135(3)(e)) lets you recover up to $3,000 from the at-fault driver for vehicle damage your own policy didn’t cover — most commonly your collision deductible. The other driver must have been more than 50% at fault, and it covers vehicle damage only, not injuries. The $3,000 limit applies to accidents on or after July 1, 2020.
What factors determine my auto insurance premium?
Your driving record, the car you drive, how many miles you drive, where you garage it, and the coverages and deductibles you choose. And 2026 PA 98 (Senate Bill 1013), signed September 21, 2026 and effective immediately, added MCL 500.2027a, which makes price optimization in ratemaking an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice in Michigan. (Source: Michigan DIFS press release, September 23, 2026.) — insurers can’t charge you more just because their data says you’ll tolerate a higher price. Your rate has to reflect your actual risk. If your renewal jumped and the explanation didn’t add up, get a second quote.
What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive?
Collision covers damage to your car from a crash or rollover — hitting another car, a pole, a ditch. Comprehensive covers almost everything else: theft, hail, falling objects, fire, vandalism, hitting a deer, cracked windshields. If your car is financed or leased, your lender will require both.
Should I choose broad, standard, or limited collision in Michigan?
Michigan offers three collision flavors. Limited is cheapest but only pays if the other driver was more than 50% at fault. Standard pays regardless of fault, but your deductible always applies. Broad form waives your deductible when you’re not at fault — it’s the most popular choice for a reason. We explain the trade-offs in dollars before you pick.
Does bundling auto and home insurance save money?
Yes — multi-policy discounts are among the biggest a carrier offers. If your auto and home are with different companies, you’re very likely overpaying on at least one of them. We quote both together as standard practice.
What should I do right after a car accident in Michigan?
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries. Then: move to safety if you can, exchange information with the other driver, take photos of everything, get a police report, and notify your insurer promptly — your PIP medical claim goes through your own policy. Don’t admit fault at the scene. Then call us: 734-419-1267.
Have more questions? Get a free quote — call or text 734-419-1267 or start your quote online.
Homeowners Insurance
Shopping for homeowners insurance in Westland? Start with the questions our clients ask most — then call us for a quote tailored to your home.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Michigan?
2026 industry analyses put the average Michigan homeowners premium around $1,800–$2,500 per year depending on coverage — ValuePenguin cites $1,783 per year for $350,000 in dwelling coverage, and NerdWallet cites $2,415 for $400,000 in coverage. Your price depends on your home’s rebuild cost, age, roof condition, deductible, claims history, and ZIP code. The fastest way to know your number is a quote: as an independent agency, we compare rates across 20+ carriers for the same coverage so you see the real range.
What does a standard Michigan homeowners policy cover?
A standard HO-3 policy covers your dwelling (the house itself), other structures (garage, shed), personal property (furniture, clothes, electronics), loss of use (hotel and living costs if your home is unlivable after a covered loss), personal liability (if someone is hurt on your property), and medical payments to others. Covered perils typically include fire, wind, hail, theft, and vandalism.
How much dwelling coverage do I need — market value or replacement cost?
Replacement cost — not market value. Market value is what a buyer would pay, and it includes the land, the neighborhood, and the school district. Your policy only needs to rebuild the structure itself: labor and materials at today’s prices. Insuring for market value can leave you undercovered (or overpaying for coverage you don’t need). We run a replacement-cost estimate on every home quote.
What is a deductible, and how does it affect my premium?
Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — commonly $1,000 or $2,500. A higher deductible lowers your premium because you take on more of the small-loss risk. Choose the highest deductible you could comfortably pay after a bad day, not the lowest one on the quote screen.
Does bundling home and auto insurance save money in Michigan?
Yes — multi-policy (bundling) discounts are among the largest discounts most carriers offer. If your home and auto are with different companies, there’s a good chance you’re leaving money on the table. We quote them together by default.
What discounts can lower my homeowners premium?
Common ones: protective devices (smoke detectors, burglar alarm, deadbolts), claims-free history, newer roof, loyalty/renewal discounts, and bundling with auto. Some carriers also discount for smart-home water sensors. We check every discount you qualify for on each quote — most shoppers miss at least one.
Do I need extra coverage for jewelry, watches, or collectibles?
Probably, if they’re valuable. Standard policies cap payouts on categories like jewelry, firearms, silverware, and art — often at $1,000–$2,500 per category. A scheduled personal property endorsement covers individual high-value items for their appraised value, usually with no deductible. Tell us what you own; we’ll tell you if the base policy is enough.
What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value for my belongings?
Replacement cost pays what it costs to buy a new equivalent item today. Actual cash value (ACV) subtracts depreciation — so a 5-year-old TV is valued as a 5-year-old TV. Replacement-cost contents coverage costs a bit more and pays meaningfully more after a loss. Michigan law requires homeowner policies to cover at least actual cash value; we recommend replacement cost for most households.
I rent — do I still need insurance?
Yes. Your landlord’s policy covers the building, not your belongings — and not your liability if you accidentally damage the unit or someone gets hurt. Renters insurance (HO-4) is one of the cheapest policies in insurance, often under $20/month, and it also covers your stuff when it’s away from home.
Why use an independent agency instead of buying insurance online?
Captive agents and direct websites sell one company’s product. As an independent agency in Westland, we quote your home across 20+ carriers and recommend the best combination of coverage and price — then we’re still here at claim time, renewal time, and whenever you have a question. One call instead of five websites.
Renters insurance
Do I need renters insurance in Michigan?
Michigan law doesn’t require renters insurance, but many landlords do — check your lease. Even when it’s not required, it protects your belongings and covers liability if someone is injured in your rental. It’s typically one of the most affordable policies you can buy.
What does renters insurance cover?
Renters insurance typically covers your personal belongings against fire, theft, and certain water damage; liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property; and additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable from a covered event. It doesn’t cover the building itself — that’s your landlord’s policy.