Does Michigan No-Fault Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accidents?

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Michigan, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether no-fault insurance will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs. Michigan’s no-fault system is designed to provide quick access to benefits but when it comes to motorcycles, the rules are different and far more complicated.

Unlike drivers and passengers in cars, motorcyclists are not automatically entitled to no-fault benefits unless a motor vehicle (like a car or truck) was involved in the crash. Understanding when no-fault applies and which insurance company is responsible can make the difference between full coverage and paying thousands out of pocket.

This page breaks down the key rules you need to know, including who qualifies, what’s covered, and what to do if no-fault doesn’t apply to your case.

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How Michigan No-Fault Insurance Works

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system is designed to ensure that anyone injured in a car accident receives immediate benefits regardless of who caused the crash. These benefits are called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and are paid by an insurance company according to the state’s no-fault laws.

PIP benefits typically cover:

Medical expenses related to the crash (hospital bills, rehab, surgery)
Lost wages during recovery (usually up to 85% of pre-injury income for up to 3 years)
Replacement services (e.g., help with household chores)
Attendant care for seriously injured individuals needing in-home supervision
Mileage and transportation to medical appointments
Home or vehicle modifications if needed after a catastrophic injury

For most car accidents, these benefits are paid by your own auto insurance company. But for motorcycle crashes, no-fault benefits only apply in limited situations, which we’ll cover next.

Are Motorcyclists Covered by Michigan No-Fault?

Not automatically. Unlike drivers and passengers in cars or trucks, motorcyclists in Michigan are not entitled to no-fault benefits by default. Instead, no-fault coverage only applies if the crash involves a motor vehicle, such as:

A car, truck, SUV, or commercial vehicle
A parked motor vehicle that causes the motorcycle crash
A car that forces a motorcycle off the road even without contact

Physical impact between the motorcycle and another vehicle is not required. As long as the crash involved a motor vehicle in a way that contributed to the accident, the injured rider may qualify for no-fault benefits.

On the other hand, if the crash involves only the motorcycle (like a single-vehicle slide-out or a collision with a tree), no-fault coverage typically does not apply unless you qualify through another legal exception or have additional insurance.

When Does a Motorcyclist Qualify for No-Fault Benefits?

To receive no-fault insurance benefits after a motorcycle crash in Michigan, two key conditions must be met:

The accident must involve a motor vehicle such as a car, truck, or SUV.
The motorcyclist must not be excluded from coverage (e.g., by owning an uninsured motorcycle).

If both of these criteria are met, the injured rider may be entitled to full no-fault benefits including medical expenses and lost wages.

Here’s how different crash scenarios affect no-fault eligibility:

🚨 Scenario	✅ Covered by No-Fault?	📝 Notes
Motorcycle is hit by a car at an intersection	Yes	Involvement of a motor vehicle triggers coverage
A car swerves into your lane and causes you to crash (no contact)	Yes	Direct involvement counts even without physical impact
Motorcycle hits a parked car	Yes	Involves a motor vehicle and may qualify for PIP
Motorcycle hits loose gravel or an animal	No	No motor vehicle involvement = no coverage
Rider crashes alone into a tree or road hazard	No	Single-vehicle crash without car involvement
Rider owns an uninsured motorcycle involved in a crash	No	Michigan law bars no-fault benefits in this case

Even if your crash involved another vehicle, insurance companies may still deny coverage which is why understanding the rules (and your rights) is essential.

Who Pays No-Fault Benefits After a Motorcycle Accident?

Even when no-fault coverage applies, the motorcyclist’s own insurance company is not always the one that pays. Michigan uses an Order of Priority to determine which insurer is responsible. This list is specific to motorcycle crashes and is different from the order used in car accidents.

If you’re eligible for no-fault benefits, the insurance companies are prioritized as follows:

🔢 Priority Level	🏢 Responsible Insurer	📋 When This Applies
1	Insurer of the owner or registrant of the motor vehicle involved	Applies if the vehicle that caused the crash is insured
2	Insurer of the driver of the motor vehicle involved	If the vehicle operator is not the owner but has insurance
3	Motorcyclist’s own auto insurance policy (if they own a car)	Applies only if above insurers are not available
4	Auto insurer of the motorcycle owner or registrant (if different from rider)	Rare cases where the rider doesn’t own the motorcycle
5	Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP)	Used if none of the above insurers apply or exist — capped at $250,000 for medical expenses

If no applicable insurance is available, you may still apply through the MACP but coverage is limited, and strict deadlines apply. Filing with the wrong insurer or waiting too long can result in a denied claim.

What No-Fault Benefits Can Injured Motorcyclists Receive?

If you’re eligible for Michigan no-fault benefits after a motorcycle crash, you can access a wide range of financial support, the same core benefits available to drivers and passengers in motor vehicles. These are designed to help cover medical care, daily needs, and lost income during your recovery.

💵 Benefit Type	📋 Description	⚠️ Notes / Limitations
Medical Expenses	Covers hospital bills, rehab, surgery, and doctor visits	Subject to PIP policy limits or MACP $250,000 cap
Lost Wages	Up to 85% of pre-injury income for up to 3 years	May require proof of employment and disability
Replacement Services	Up to $20/day for help with chores and household tasks	Available during period of disability
Attendant Care	In-home care for severe injuries (e.g., bathing, medication)	Often disputed — requires strong medical documentation
Mileage Reimbursement	Travel costs for doctor visits and therapy	Keep detailed records of dates and locations
Home/Vehicle Modifications	Adapting your home or car to accommodate injuries	Often applies in catastrophic injury cases only

These benefits are not unlimited and delays, denials, or misfiled claims are common. That’s why it’s critical to submit proper documentation and meet all legal deadlines.

What If No-Fault Doesn’t Apply to Your Crash?

If your motorcycle accident doesn’t qualify for Michigan no-fault coverage either because no motor vehicle was involved or you were riding an uninsured motorcycle you owned, you may still have options, but they’re more limited.

Here’s what you can do if no-fault benefits aren’t available:

Use your health insurance to cover medical expenses
File a third-party lawsuit if another person’s negligence caused the crash
Apply to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) if no applicable insurance exists but be aware of the $250,000 medical cap and strict filing rules
Explore private insurance coverage, such as MedPay or supplemental policies (if purchased)

Even if you believe no-fault doesn’t apply, you should never assume you’re out of options. A qualified attorney can help determine if there’s a path to compensation through another insurance policy, third-party claim, or alternative route.

Why You Should Speak With a Lawyer About No-Fault Motorcycle Claims

Michigan’s no-fault laws are already complicated and they’re even more confusing when motorcycles are involved. Between determining eligibility, navigating the order of priority, and dealing with insurance denials, it’s easy to make a mistake that could cost you thousands in lost benefits.

A motorcycle accident attorney can:

Determine if no-fault applies to your crash
Identify the correct insurance company to file with
Dispute wrongful denials or delays in payment
Make sure your benefits are calculated and paid correctly
Protect your rights if a lawsuit is necessary

If you’re recovering from a serious crash, you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and get answers about your no-fault coverage before it’s too late. For a full breakdown of motorcycle insurance laws, coverage questions, and legal options after a crash, visit our Motorcycle Insurance & No-Fault Rules Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle No-Fault Coverage

Does Michigan no-fault automatically cover motorcycle crashes?

No. Michigan no-fault benefits only apply to motorcycle accidents when a motor vehicle is involved — such as a car, truck, or SUV. Without vehicle involvement, no-fault generally doesn’t apply.

Is physical contact with a car required for no-fault to apply?

No. Physical contact is not required. If a vehicle causes the crash — even indirectly (like forcing the motorcycle off the road) — no-fault may still apply.

What if the rider owns an uninsured motorcycle?

If the injured rider owns the motorcycle and it’s uninsured, they are barred from receiving no-fault benefits under Michigan law — even if another vehicle was involved.

Can I still get medical bills paid if no-fault doesn’t apply?

Yes, but options are limited. You may be able to use health insurance, pursue a third-party claim, or apply through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan — though it has a $250,000 medical cap.

Who decides which insurance company pays the benefits?

Michigan law uses an Order of Priority to determine which insurer pays. It typically starts with the car owner’s insurer and moves down the list. If none apply, the MACP assigns a provider.

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