How A Mini Tort Claim Works in Michigan

DO YOU HAVE A MINI-TORT CLAIM FOR A MICHIGAN AUTO ACCIDENT? Under Michigan's mini-tort law, a victim of a car accident can recover a maximum of $1,000 for vehicle damage from the driver who caused the crash, via his automobile insurance company. This is a mini-tort claim. WERE YOU AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT? No Yes DID THE OTHER DRIVER If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot file a mini-tort claim. However, if you were less than 50% at fault, you can file a claim but it will be reduced by the % you are at fault. HAVE INSURANCE? Yes No The at fault driver is not protected by the mini-tort, and is responsible for all costs, including all vehicle damage and car rental. DO YOU HAVE COLLISION COVERAGE? Yes I have broad collision coverage Yes I have No I do not cary collision coverage standard/basic collision coverage on my policy. on my policy. on my policy. You are not able to file a You can submit a You can submit a mini tort claim.- Your own mini-tort daim to the mini-tort daim to the insurance will cover all at-fault driver's insur- at-fault driver's insur- costs induding your deductible. ance company for up to $1,000 to cover the ance company for up to $1,000. costs of your deductible. To obtain your mini-tort coverage, you can write a letter to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident and request the money. Include the police report proving the person who caused the accident was at fault; a declaration sheet from your own insurance company showing your coverage; and an estimate of vehide repairs and/or photos including the license plate. NOTE: If the at-fault driver's insurance refuses to pay your mini-tort claim, you will have to pursue your claim in small claims court. DO YOU HAVE A MINI-TORT CLAIM FOR A MICHIGAN AUTO ACCIDENT? Under Michigan's mini-tort law, a victim of a car accident can recover a maximum of $1,000 for vehicle damage from the driver who caused the crash, via his automobile insurance company. This is a mini-tort claim. WERE YOU AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT? No Yes DID THE OTHER DRIVER If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot file a mini-tort claim. However, if you were less than 50% at fault, you can file a claim but it will be reduced by the % you are at fault. HAVE INSURANCE? Yes No The at fault driver is not protected by the mini-tort, and is responsible for all costs, including all vehicle damage and car rental. DO YOU HAVE COLLISION COVERAGE? Yes I have broad collision coverage Yes I have No I do not cary collision coverage standard/basic collision coverage on my policy. on my policy. on my policy. You are not able to file a You can submit a You can submit a mini tort claim.- Your own mini-tort daim to the mini-tort daim to the insurance will cover all at-fault driver's insur- at-fault driver's insur- costs induding your deductible. ance company for up to $1,000 to cover the ance company for up to $1,000. costs of your deductible. To obtain your mini-tort coverage, you can write a letter to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident and request the money. Include the police report proving the person who caused the accident was at fault; a declaration sheet from your own insurance company showing your coverage; and an estimate of vehide repairs and/or photos including the license plate. NOTE: If the at-fault driver's insurance refuses to pay your mini-tort claim, you will have to pursue your claim in small claims court.