Uninsured or Underinsured Motorcycle Accident Claims in Michigan

Getting hit by a car is bad enough, but finding out the driver has no insurance or not enough coverage can make everything worse. Unfortunately, these situations are all too common for motorcyclists in Michigan, where no-fault protections don’t always apply and basic liability policies may not come close to covering your losses.

This guide explains what your legal options are after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, how UM and UIM coverage works, and what to do if you’re left with mounting bills and no clear path forward.

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What Happens If the Driver Who Hit You Has No Insurance?

If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t carry auto insurance and you’re on a motorcycle, the financial fallout can be devastating. Michigan law requires drivers to have liability coverage, but thousands of people ignore that law and drive uninsured. When they cause a crash, there’s no built-in safety net unless you’ve planned ahead.

In these situations, your best protection is Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage but it’s optional and must already be included in your motorcycle policy.

If you do have UM coverage:

Your own insurer will step in and pay for your damages, up to your policy limits.
This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If you don’t have UM coverage:

You may have to sue the uninsured driver directly, but most of them don’t have the assets to pay a judgment.
You could be left covering your losses out of pocket or through health insurance and loans.

Uninsured crashes are a painful reminder that the other driver’s lack of insurance quickly becomes your problem, unless you’re protected.

Understanding Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Claims

Sometimes, the at-fault driver has insurance just not enough. That’s where Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage comes in. UIM kicks in after the other driver’s policy is maxed out and your damages are still not fully covered.

Let’s say the driver who hit you has the Michigan state minimum of $50,000 in bodily injury liability, but your hospital bills alone exceed $100,000. If you have UIM coverage, your policy may cover the remaining difference up to your own policy limits.

To help you see how UIM works in practice, here are a few common payout scenarios:

🚗 At-Fault Driver Coverage	💸 Your Total Damages	🛡️ Your UIM Coverage Limit	✅ Payout from UIM?
$50,000	$125,000	$100,000	Yes — UIM pays $75,000
$100,000	$80,000	$250,000	No — not needed
$25,000	$150,000	$50,000	Yes — UIM pays $25,000
$50,000	$200,000	$50,000	Partial — UIM pays $0 (already maxed)

UIM coverage doesn’t stack on top of what the driver pays, it fills in the gap. If your UIM limit isn’t high enough, you could still be left with out-of-pocket losses. That’s why it’s important to choose your policy limits wisely when you first set up your coverage.

Does Michigan Require UM/UIM Coverage for Motorcycles?

No, Michigan does not require motorcyclists to carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. It’s completely optional under the law. But just because it’s not mandatory doesn’t mean it isn’t essential.

Unlike no-fault coverage, which is often triggered in car accidents, motorcyclists don’t automatically receive medical or wage-loss benefits after a crash. That’s why having UM/UIM coverage in place before an accident can be one of the smartest decisions you make as a rider.

A few things to keep in mind:

UM/UIM coverage is usually not included in a basic motorcycle policy. You have to request it.
Some policies allow you to choose limits that match your liability coverage, others may let you go higher.
If you’re not sure whether you have this coverage, check your declarations page or call your insurance agent.

This is one of the few protections that can actually bridge the gap between Michigan’s insurance laws and the real-world costs of a crash.

When Can You Sue an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage or if your losses exceed those policy limits, you may still have the option to sue the at-fault driver directly. However, collecting money through a lawsuit isn’t always guaranteed.

In Michigan, suing is allowed when:

The driver was at fault, and
You’ve suffered a serious injury under Michigan’s injury threshold, and
There’s no adequate insurance coverage to compensate you

But even if you win, it may be difficult or impossible to collect from someone who has no assets, no job, or has already filed for bankruptcy.

Here’s a breakdown of common scenarios and your legal options:

💥 Crash Type	🧾 Is Insurance Coverage Available?	⚖️ Can You Sue?	💡 Realistic Collection Outlook
Driver has no insurance	No	Yes	Low chance of collecting
Driver has minimum limits, you have UIM	Yes	Not needed (use UIM)	N/A
Driver underinsured, no UIM	Yes, but not enough	Yes	Moderate if driver has assets
Hit-and-run driver can’t be found	No	Yes (MACP/UM may apply)	Depends on facts
Driver has high liability limits	Yes	Not usually necessary	Paid through insurer

Suing is sometimes your only path but it’s not always your best one. A good attorney can help you determine whether it’s worth pursuing or whether UM/UIM or MACP claims are more effective.

How to File a UM or UIM Claim in Michigan

If you’ve been in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, and you have UM or UIM coverage, the next step is filing a claim through your own insurance company. While it may seem straightforward, these claims are often treated like lawsuits — even though you’re filing with your own insurer.

Here’s what to expect:

Notification is critical. Most policies require prompt written notice of your intent to file a UM/UIM claim sometimes within 30 days of the crash.
You’ll need proof. That includes police reports, medical records, and documentation of lost wages and property damage.
Expect pushback. Insurers often challenge the extent of your injuries or argue that another policy should apply.
There may be arbitration. Many UM/UIM policies require disputes to go through arbitration, not court.
Time limits apply. Even though it’s your own policy, you must still file within strict legal and contractual deadlines.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can make a huge difference here ensuring all deadlines are met, evidence is properly presented, and your claim is taken seriously from day one.

What If the Driver Fled the Scene? (Hit-and-Run Claims)

Hit-and-run crashes are far too common especially for motorcyclists. If the at-fault driver disappears before police arrive, you may be left with serious injuries, no insurance information, and no clear way to pay your bills.

In these cases, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can provide essential protection assuming your policy includes it. If you don’t have UM, you may still be eligible to file a claim through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) as a last resort.

Here’s how your options play out depending on the situation:

🏍️ Scenario	✅ Is UM Coverage Available?	🆘 Can MACP Help?	📝 Notes
Rider has UM coverage	Yes	Not needed	File with your insurer under UM
Rider has no UM, but crash involved a vehicle	No	Yes	Must prove vehicle involvement for MACP eligibility
No proof of another vehicle	No	No	Likely no recovery options unless another party is identified
Rider was uninsured	No	Unlikely	Ineligible for MACP if you owned the uninsured bike
Passenger on someone else’s bike	Maybe	Maybe	Depends on rider’s coverage and fault factors

Because time and documentation matter in hit-and-run cases, it’s critical to report the crash to police immediately and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Don’t Let a Coverage Gap Derail Your Recovery

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you’re not out of options but acting quickly is key. We’ll review your insurance, explain your rights, and help you pursue every dollar you’re owed. Schedule your free consultation today and get the answers you deserve.

Want to understand how uninsured claims fit into the bigger picture? Visit our Motorcycle Insurance & No-Fault Rules Guide for a full breakdown of coverage, rights, and legal strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About UM/UIM Motorcycle Claims

What’s the difference between UM and UIM coverage?

UM (Uninsured Motorist) covers you when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. UIM (Underinsured Motorist) applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all your losses.

Is UM or UIM coverage required for Michigan motorcyclists?

No. UM and UIM coverage is optional in Michigan — but strongly recommended. It’s one of the few protections motorcyclists have when hit by an uninsured or poorly insured driver.

Can I still sue an uninsured driver if I use UM coverage?

Yes. Using UM coverage doesn’t stop you from suing — but many uninsured drivers don’t have assets, so even if you win, collecting can be difficult.

What happens if the driver fled the scene?

If you have UM coverage, you may still be protected. If not, you might qualify for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP), but strict eligibility rules apply.

What if I don’t know whether I have UM or UIM coverage?

Check your motorcycle insurance policy’s declarations page or call your insurance company. If it’s not listed, you probably don’t have it — and it must be added proactively.

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