Does Michigan no-fault apply to semi trucks?
Yes, for a truck that must be registered in Michigan: its owner or registrant must carry Michigan no-fault coverage (MCL 500.3101). A truck registered in another state needs it if it runs in Michigan for more than 30 days in a calendar year (MCL 500.3102). Who pays after a crash can depend on who owns the truck and which policies apply.
- What no-fault covers
- Trucks registered in Michigan
- Out-of-state trucks: the 30-day rule
- Leased owner-operators
- What to ask
- FAQ
Michigan's no-fault law applies to trucks, not just cars. Here is when it applies to a semi, with the statute for each point. This is general information, not legal advice.
What no-fault covers
- Michigan no-fault security has three parts: personal protection insurance (PIP), property protection insurance (PPI) and residual liability insurance (MCL 500.3101).
- Every Michigan auto policy must include all three, with limited exceptions in the law.
Trucks registered in Michigan
- The owner or registrant of a motor vehicle required to be registered in Michigan must keep PIP, PPI and residual liability insurance. The law counts a trailer as a motor vehicle for this purpose (MCL 500.3101).
- Coverage only has to be in effect while the vehicle is driven or moved on a highway.
- For IRP plates, Michigan asks for proof of a Michigan no-fault policy, with the VINs or a lease if the insured is not the registrant. The IRP office will not accept cargo, bobtail or non-trucking insurance as that proof (Michigan IRP manual).
Out-of-state trucks: the 30-day rule
- A nonresident owner of a vehicle not registered in Michigan may not run it in Michigan for more than 30 days in total in a calendar year without Michigan no-fault security (MCL 500.3102(1)).
- Running without required security is a misdemeanor, with a fine of $200 to $500, up to 1 year in jail, or both (MCL 500.3102(2)).
- If your trucks are based elsewhere but spend real time in Michigan, ask your insurer how your policy handles Michigan days.
Leased owner-operators
- The no-fault duty is on the owner or registrant (MCL 500.3101). If you own or register the truck and lease it to a carrier, ask who holds the no-fault policy on it.
- Bobtail and non-trucking liability policies cover use outside dispatch. They are not accepted as no-fault proof for Michigan IRP. See non-trucking liability vs bobtail.
- For an employee riding in a vehicle owned or registered by the employer, PIP comes from the insurer of that vehicle (MCL 500.3114(3)). Who is the employer, and whose vehicle it is, can decide the answer.
What to ask
- Is this a Michigan no-fault policy, and does it list every truck and trailer by VIN?
- Who is the named insured: you, or the carrier you lease to?
- If my trucks are registered in another state, how does the policy handle more than 30 days in Michigan?
- Who pays PIP if my driver is hurt in my truck?
More on Michigan: Michigan trucking insurance and Michigan owner-operators: IRP and IFTA.
FAQ
Does Michigan no-fault apply to semi trucks?
Yes, for a truck that must be registered in Michigan. Its owner or registrant must keep personal protection, property protection and residual liability insurance while it is driven or moved on a highway (MCL 500.3101).
Does an out-of-state truck need Michigan no-fault?
If it is not registered in Michigan, its nonresident owner may not run it in Michigan for more than 30 days in a calendar year without Michigan no-fault security (MCL 500.3102(1)).
Will Michigan IRP accept a bobtail or non-trucking policy?
No. The Michigan IRP manual asks for proof of a Michigan no-fault policy and says the IRP office will not accept cargo, bobtail or non-trucking insurance for IRP registration.
Who pays PIP for a driver hurt in a company truck?
Michigan law says an employee hurt while riding in a vehicle owned or registered by the employer receives personal protection benefits from the insurer of that vehicle (MCL 500.3114(3)). Other facts can change the answer, so ask your insurer.
Does no-fault replace federal liability limits?
No. Interstate for-hire carriers still need the federal minimum public liability, $750,000 for most freight in trucks of 10,001 pounds or more (49 CFR 387.9).
This guide is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources below.
Sources
- Michigan Compiled Laws 500.3101: Security required (last amended by 2024 PA 224, effective Oct 17, 2025)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 500.3102: Nonresident owners, 30-day rule (last amended by 1990 PA 79, effective May 24, 1990)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 500.3114: Order of priority, employees (last amended by 2019 PA 21, effective Jun 11, 2019)
- Michigan IRP Registration Manual (PDF) (rev. Sep 2025)
- 49 CFR 387.9: Financial responsibility, minimum levels (last amended Jul 21, 2026)