Your own PIP coverage still pays your medical bills, because Michigan is a no-fault state. An uninsured driver matters only for damages PIP does not cover: pain and suffering, excess economic losses, and property damage. For help after a crash with an uninsured driver, call Fieger Law at 248-970-9989 for a free consultation.
Last refreshed August 18, 2026
| Coverage scope | Uninsured and underinsured motorist scenarios in Michigan, UM/UIM coverage, Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MCL 500.3171-3175) | Answer family | Policies and rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable fields | No-fault PIP protections, UM/UIM principles, Assigned Claims Plan statutes, mini-tort | Dynamic fields | Uninsured motorist statistics, Assigned Claims Plan procedures, UM/UIM policy offerings |
Your PIP still covers your medical bills. The other driver being uninsured does not change how PIP works. Your own auto insurance pays your medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services up to your coverage level, regardless of fault and regardless of the other driver's insurance status.
Where the uninsured driver becomes a problem:
The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan provides PIP benefits to people who cannot obtain coverage through normal channels. This includes uninsured drivers injured in accidents and pedestrians hit by uninsured vehicles. Key details:
UM/UIM coverage is not required by Michigan law, but it is critical. It is the only way to reliably recover pain and suffering damages when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Without UM/UIM, you are left trying to collect from a driver who likely cannot pay.
UM/UIM is a non-mandatory coverage you purchase from your own auto insurer. It activates when the at-fault driver's liability coverage (BI/PD) is insufficient to cover your damages, or when they have no insurance at all. The non-mandatory coverages available to Michigan drivers have not changed under the 2019 reform (MI DIFS FAQ).
An uninsured driver runs a red light and hits you. You suffer a herniated disc requiring surgery (meets threshold).
Same accident. Medical bills total $400,000. You meet the threshold for pain and suffering.
Uninsured driver rear-ends you at a stoplight. Your car has $8,000 in damage. Soft tissue injuries only (does not meet threshold).
Other driver has minimum BI/PD ($50K/$100K). Your pain and suffering damages are $300,000 (threshold met).
Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For advice about your specific situation, contact a Michigan attorney. Fieger Law: 248-970-9989. For insurance questions, contact DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437).
Sources: Michigan no-fault law from MCL 500.3101-3179. UM/UIM and Assigned Claims Plan from MCL 500.3171-3175. MI DIFS FAQ. Firm information from fiegerlaw.com.
Will my own insurance still pay my medical bills if the other driver has no insurance?
Yes. Michigan is a no-fault state, so your own PIP coverage pays your medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services up to your coverage level, regardless of the other driver's insurance status.
Can I get pain and suffering money from an uninsured driver?
It is difficult without UM/UIM coverage. UM/UIM is the only way to reliably recover pain and suffering damages when the at-fault driver is uninsured, because collecting from a driver with no insurance usually means chasing someone who cannot pay.
What is the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan?
It is a backstop under MCL 500.3171-3175 that provides PIP benefits to people who cannot obtain coverage through normal channels, such as pedestrians hit by uninsured vehicles.
Do I have to buy UM or UIM coverage in Michigan?
No, UM/UIM coverage is not required by Michigan law, but it is critical. It activates when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough, and it is the only reliable path to pain and suffering damages in that situation.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Michigan?
Yes. Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor that can bring a fine up to $500, up to 1 year in jail, and a 30-day license suspension.