Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Michigan can be a haven for motorcyclists — from riding through forested areas to rivers and around lakes. Even riding your motorcycle back and forth to work every day can be pleasurable. But, you must have motorcycle insurance, no matter what type of riding you do. Your motorcycle not only must have motorcycle insurance, but it must be registered and titled.

Safety Requirements

The State of Michigan does not have a law stating that an insurance company cannot cover you if you don’t abide by the safety requirement laws. However, an insurance company can decline to pay a claim or may even drop you if it finds out your breach of one of the laws contributed to the accident.

If you are under 21 years of age and are driving a motorcycle, you must wear a helmet. If you are driving a moped and are under 19 years of age, you must wear a helmet. If you are over the required age limit and want to drive without a helmet, you must have at least $20,000 in first party medical benefits. You must also have had a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years before you can ride without a helmet. You may also pass the motorcycle safety course if you have not had your endorsement for two years. There are no restrictions on helmet speakers.

Eye protection is required, unless you have a windscreen. Even with a windscreen, it is advisable to wear eye protection unless you are wearing a full-face helmet with the face shield lowered. Additionally, the State of Michigan requires that you have at least one mirror on your motorcycle; and that your handlebars are no higher than 15 inches above the seat.

Off Road Safety Restrictions

If you are riding off road, whether riding for pleasure, racing or jumping, you must wear a helmet and eye protection. Children under the age of 16 cannot operate a three-wheeled ATV and children under the age of 10 cannot operate a four-wheeled ATV. Further, children under 18 must be under direct adult supervision. A rider education certificate is required for children under 16 years of age. No license is required. Off road vehicles must be registered and titled.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

The State of Michigan requires you to carry a minimum of $20,000 in insurance for bodily injury or the death of one person in any one accident. You must also carry $40,000 for the bodily injury or death of two or more people in any one accident. Further, you must also carry $10,000 in insurance to cover any property damage caused in the occurrence of any single accident. In the State of Michigan, cars and trucks can register for no fault insurance. Motorcycles are not eligible for no fault insurance.

These are just the state minimums. Depending on how often you ride and the type of motorcycle you ride, you may elect to increase coverage. Always carry your insurance card with you. The penalties for no proof of insurance can be steep, especially if it is not the first time you’ve been stopped without insurance.

Even if you do all of your riding off road, you should get insurance on your bike so that it is protected.

Penalties for Not Maintaining Insurance

If you fail to show proof of insurance on your motorcycle, your license will be suspended. You must pay a $50 fine plus reinstatement fees in addition to getting insurance coverage if your coverage lapsed.

Registration of a Motorcycle in the State of Michigan

Before you can register your motorcycle in the State of Michigan, you must have the title and proof of insurance. You must visit the Secretary of State’s branch office in person. A new registration cannot be completed online or over the phone.

The registration price is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the bike. It adjusts downward as your bike gets older.

If you need to renew your registration, you can do it online or by phone if you have your proof of insurance certificate and your renewal notice.