As a cyclist this was driven home two years ago on a zoom call with attorneys who deal with cycling issues.

Michigan used to have a mandatory unlimited no-fault medical coverage for auto insurance. This was modified a couple years ago to allow auto drivers to opt for lower personal injury coverage. (It passed into legislation based on the lie that medical was driving up Michigan drivers' auto insurance bills which STILL remain high. But that is another issue).

1. Unlimited coverage

2. Up to $500,000 in coverage

3. Up to $250,000 in coverage

4. Up to $250,000 in coverage with PIP medical exclusion(s)

5. Up to $50,000 in coverage Available if the named insured is enrolled in Medicaid a

6. PIP medical opt-out

I didn't copy and paste all the details of the exceptions for items 4 & 5.

If you get injured due to an auto crash, your medical coverage is what you chose above. Everyone knows a serious injury will eat up even half a million dollars in the hospital quite quickly.

But what many don't know is that if you are a pedestrian or cyclist and are UNINSURED and get hit by a car, that car driver's coverage will apply to your injuries and hospital costs! Which means if you are SERIOUSLY hurt, but the driver chose $250K- when that money runs out, you will be on the hook for any further costs even if the accident was not your fault! Having an umbrella policy will help if for some reason I hit someone while driving my car and they are not insured. Their care would fall under my auto coverage. I could also be sued- hence the umbrella policy as well.

This change in the law is literally KILLING people in Michigan, by the way.

So based on the seminar I attended, not only did we keep our personal injury protection (PIP) at unlimited, we got a one million dollar umbrella policy as well. This will cover a lot of ground since we also have a large dog. She generally loves people and is a low bite risk, but you never know.