Can I Register a Car Without Insurance in Michigan?

No, you cannot register a car without insurance in Michigan. Proof of auto insurance is among the main requirements for registering a car in Michigan. According to Michigan’s Auto Insurance law, you’re not allowed to drive or register a car without the required auto insurance coverage. If you are planning to purchase a car anytime soon, it is essential to know what car registration is and why it's mandatory in Michigan.   Additionally, if you’re facing difficulties purchasing car insurance or need a step-by-step guide to register your car, this article explains everything you need to know to register your car and legally drive on Michigan roads.

What is Car Registration?

Car registration is a government-issued process that records a vehicle with the state and allows it to be legally operated on public roads. In Michigan, registering a car confirms that the vehicle meets state requirements, including compliance with mandatory auto insurance laws.  Once your car is registered, you’ll receive registration paperwork, a license plate, and a registration tab (sticker). You must keep a physical or digital copy of your registration available while driving, and the license plate and tab must be properly displayed on the rear of the vehicle at all times.

Why is Car Insurance Required to Register a Car in Michigan?

It is necessary to have auto insurance to register a car in Michigan due to two main reasons, which include complying with the state’s no-fault auto insurance law and ensuring financial protection for drivers and the public in the event of an accident.  For a more in-depth understanding of why car insurance is legally required, and why it’s crucial for financial protection, here’s a detailed breakdown of the two key reasons. 

Tip: If you’re unsure whether your current coverage meets Michigan’s registration requirements or you’re looking for an affordable auto insurance policy, speaking with a reliable auto insurance provider can help. Comparing coverage options and getting expert guidance can make it easier to secure the right policy and register your vehicle without delays.

Legal Requirement

Under Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law, you are legally required to carry active auto insurance before registering or operating a vehicle. The state mandates coverage such as Personal Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to ensure every registered vehicle meets minimum legal standards. 

Without valid insurance, you cannot register or renew your vehicle with the Michigan Secretary of State. Driving or attempting to register an uninsured vehicle may also result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and difficulty reinstating coverage in the future. These car insurance requirements exist to enforce compliance and ensure that all vehicles on Michigan roads are insured under state law.

Financial Protection

Apart from legal compliance, auto insurance provides essential financial protection after an accident. Car accidents can result in significant expenses, including medical treatment, lost income, property damage, and legal costs, expenses that can quickly become overwhelming without insurance.

It’s important to keep in mind that even a single accident can cost you thousands of dollars in liability compensation, legal proceedings, and medical expenses. So, to protect yourself from these unexpected financial burdens and to ensure your financial safety net, car insurance is required to register a car in Michigan.

How Much Car Insurance Do You Need to Register a Car in Michigan?

To register a car in Michigan, you must carry the state-mandated auto insurance with at least the minimum required coverage limits. Without active PLPD and PIP insurance, the Michigan Secretary of State will not process your vehicle registration.  Here’s a breakdown of the minimum PLPD and PIP coverage limits required under Michigan law.

Mandatory PLPD Coverage in Michigan

According to the Michigan Legislature, here’s the mandatory minimum PLPD coverage required to register a car. 

• Up to $250,000 for a person hurt or killed in an accident
• Up to $500,000 for the accident i.e. if multiple/several people are hurt or killed
• At least $10,000 in property damage liability for accidents that occur outside of Michigan
• Up to $1 million in Property Protection Insurance (PPI) for damage you cause to property in Michigan, such as buildings, fences, or parked structures

If you’re unable to afford the minimum mandatory PLPD coverage, there are provisions that allow you to purchase a lower limit which includes: 

• Up to $50,000 for a person hurt or killed in an accident
• Up to $100,000 for the accident i.e. if multiple/several people are hurt or killed
• At least $10,000 in property damage liability for accidents that occur outside of Michigan
• Up to $1 million for PPI coverage within Michigan

Mandatory PIP Coverage in Michigan

Based on Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system, you need to ensure you have the minimum PIP coverage to register a car in Michigan. The good news is that there are six different coverage options that you can choose, depending on your health coverage and eligibility. 

• Unlimited coverage 
• Up to $500,000 in coverage 
• Up to $250,000 in coverage 
• Up to $250,000 in coverage with PIP medical exclusion(s) (applicable with adequate health insurance coverage) 
• Up to $50,000 in PIP coverage if you are enrolled in Medicaid and no household member has access to another insured vehicle. 
• PIP medical opt-out, available only if you have Medicare Parts A and B 

If you do not select a specific PIP coverage option, your policy will default to unlimited PIP coverage, which meets Michigan’s registration requirements.

Learn more about Michigan auto insurance requirements.

What to Do If You’re Unable to Obtain Standard Car Insurance?

There can be situations when it’s quite difficult to obtain standard car insurance, especially if you’re labeled as a high-risk driver. You’re typically classified as high-risk if you have a poor driving record, such as multiple traffic violations, license suspensions, at-fault accidents, or a history of frequent insurance claims. 

After purchasing a car, you need to have proof of insurance to register and drive the car. So, if you’re experiencing difficulties getting standard insurance based on your driving profile, you need to find a reliable insurance agency that offers non-standard auto insurance or an SR22 certificate to high-risk drivers.

How to Register a Car After Acquiring Car Insurance?

After obtaining the required auto insurance coverage, registering your car in Michigan is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow at the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) to complete your vehicle registration. 

• Gather the Required Documents: You will need a valid photo ID, vehicle title, proof of Michigan auto insurance, and any lienholder information if applicable.   
• Find and Visit Your Local SOS (Secretary of State) Office: Find the nearest Michigan Secretary of State office and visit in person or schedule an appointment if required.   
• Fill Up the Form with the Required Details: Complete the vehicle registration application with accurate vehicle and owner details.    
• Submit Your ID, Proof of Vehicle Title, and Auto Insurance: Provide the required documents needed to verify ownership and insurance compliance.   
• Pay Your Car Registration Fees, and Taxes: Pay the required registration fees, plate fees, and any applicable taxes.   
• Receive License Plate and Registration Papers: Make sure to obtain your registration paper, license plate, and tab after getting your car registered.  

Note: If you’re renewing your car registration by physically visiting the Secretary of State office, you should get your registration paper, license plate, and tab. But if you’re renewing it online, then it may take 2 to 3 weeks to get delivered to your mailing address. Keep in mind that only car registration renewals can be done online. If it’s a new registration, then you need to visit the local SOS office in person.

The Bottom Line: Stay Insured to Register/Renew Your Car Registration

Remember, it is a mandatory requirement in Michigan to have a valid car insurance policy to register and renew your car registration. Also, as it is a state requirement to drive a car on the street, you should consider staying insured without any lapse.

Often, the minimum requirements aren’t enough for adequate financial protection, especially due to accidental damage or unexpected events. So, consider purchasing a higher limit, and essential optional coverage like collision and comprehensive coverage.

If you need expert advice to choose the right car insurance coverage at an affordable rate within your budget, you should contact us for a free quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Michigan?

Yes, you must provide proof of valid Michigan auto insurance to register a car with the Michigan Secretary of State. Without proof of insurance, your vehicle registration cannot be processed or renewed. 

What happens if I cancel my car insurance after registering my vehicle?

If you cancel your insurance after registration, you may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, and difficulty renewing your registration. Michigan requires continuous insurance coverage to legally drive. 

Can I register a car in Michigan with out-of-state insurance?

In most cases, no. You cannot register a car in Michigan with out-of-state insurance unless the policy fully complies with Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law. Since most out-of-state policies do not meet these requirements, you’ll typically need to purchase a Michigan auto insurance policy to register your vehicle. To avoid delays or registration issues, it’s recommended to obtain coverage from a licensed Michigan auto insurer. 

Is minimum car insurance enough to register a car in Michigan?

Yes, meeting Michigan’s minimum insurance requirements is enough to register a car. However, higher coverage limits may provide better financial protection after an accident.