What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan

How Michigan Car Insurance Actually Works

Michigan has what's called a "no-fault" insurance system, and it works differently than most states. If you've never dealt with it before, it can be confusing. Here's the short version: after an accident, your own insurance company pays for your repairs, no matter who caused the crash.

So What Does "No-Fault" Actually Mean?

It means you don't have to wait around for the other driver's insurance to accept blame. Your insurance handles your car. Their insurance handles theirs. This usually speeds things up, so you're not stuck waiting weeks just to get your car into a shop.

What to Do Right After an Accident

1. Get somewhere safe. If you can move your car out of traffic, do it. Check on everyone involved.
2. Call the police. You'll need that police report when you file your claim. Don't skip this.
3. Take photos of everything. The damage, the other car, the road, street signs. The more the better.
4. Swap info with the other driver. Name, phone, insurance company, policy number.
5. Call your insurance. The sooner you report it, the faster things move.

You Get to Pick Your Own Shop

This is a big one. In Michigan, your insurance company cannot tell you where to get your car fixed. That's your choice, not theirs. If they push you toward a specific shop, know that you don't have to go there.

At Buff X Collision, we work with every major insurance provider and handle the back-and-forth so you don't have to.