Michigan Mini Tort Limit Raised to $3,000: What Drivers Should Know
📈 Why the Mini Tort Limit Increased
Rising auto repair costs prompted Michigan lawmakers to raise the mini-tort limit. The updated $3,000 cap better reflects current vehicle expenses, helping more drivers avoid paying large bills out-of-pocket after not-at-fault crashes.
👤 Who Qualifies for the New $3,000 Limit?
To be eligible for mini-tort reimbursement:
- You must have valid auto insurance at the time of the accident
- You must be less than 50% at fault
- The claim must be filed within Michigan’s legal timeframe
- You cannot be an uninsured driver
💡 What the $3,000 Cap Means for You
With the higher limit, Michigan drivers can recover more from minor collisions. But if you’re at fault and don’t carry limited property damage coverage, you could owe someone up to $3,000. Ensure you are aware of the potential consequences.
🚗 When Mini-Tort Doesn’t Apply
- No mini-tort if you’re ≥50% at fault
- Uninsured drivers are ineligible
- Claims only cover vehicle damage, not medical expenses
⏳ Filing Timeframe & Small Claims Court
You have three years from the accident date to file your mini-tort claim. If the at-fault party or their insurer refuses to pay, you can pursue the case in Michigan’s Small Claims Court (limit $6,500). For damages above that amount, you may need to file in full District Court.
Need help filing? Read this step-by-step guide: How to File a Michigan Mini Tort Claim
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
The best protection is prevention. Add limited property damage liability to your auto policy—it covers up to $3,000 if you’re found at fault. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and legal compliance.