MICHIGAN AUTO INSURANCE GUIDE
Michigan Crash Damages, Serious-Impairment Threshold & Mini-Tort
Michigan’s no-fault system limits tort recovery for noneconomic loss. Under MCL 500.3135, a person may recover noneconomic damages for death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. Michigan also permits limited recovery for certain uninsured property damage to a motor vehicle under the statutory mini-tort provisions.
- Separate PIP benefits from tort damages and avoid duplication.
- Evaluate whether the injury meets the statutory serious-impairment, permanent-serious-disfigurement, or death threshold.
- Document objective impairment, its importance to the injured person’s general ability to lead a normal life, and the duration and consequences of the impairment.
- Analyze vehicle property damage separately, including collision coverage and any mini-tort recovery available under current law.
Primary Michigan Source
MCL 500.3135 — Tort Liability, Serious Impairment & Mini-Tort
Current-law review: September 16, 2026. Threshold and mini-tort analysis is fact-specific and depends on the current statute and proof of injury and property loss.
VictimsGuide 