How Michigan Auto Insurance Savings Might Be Costly If You Have a Serious Accident

DETROIT – Drivers in Michigan are facing a difficult choice when it comes to auto insurance. New monthly savings options may seem attractive, but reduced rates can come at a high price to anyone badly affected in a crash.

Michigan Unlimited No-fault insurance has previously provided car accident victims with unlimited lifetime care for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

That care included not only their hospital costs, but also rehabilitation services, wheelchairs, home care, and necessary modifications to their homes and vehicles.

That coverage is no longer necessary, but accident victims said it can be invaluable on the road to recovery.

“I never thought this was going to happen to me,” said Edward Mainguy.

Mainguy, a retired firefighter from Port Huron, was driving home one day when a deer jumped in front of his car, causing it to overturn. He broke his neck.

“I had three major surgeries on my desk in a couple of months,” said Mainguy.

He spent four months in the hospital and many more in a wheelchair. But with extensive work at the Michigan Rehabilitation Institute (RIM), she is now walking again.

“The best in the world,” said Mainguy. Who wants to be in bed for the rest of their life? That is not the way to go. “

“The impact on a patient’s functional well-being will be catastrophic,” said Ali Zein, director of admissions and manager of therapy for RIM.

Zein said that patients with more serious injuries will quickly exceed their limited coverage and face limited options. If they cannot afford rehabilitation and other therapies, many will end up in nursing homes and long-term intensive care centers, he said.

“There are patients who come and require full assistance with simple tasks, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, brushing teeth,” Zein said. “When discharge day arrives, they will either leave here or they may leave here. We have had patients who were told they would never walk down the aisle at their wedding. “

Michigan Auto Insurance Changes: What you need to know

Mainguy said he is grateful that his attention has been covered. Encourage others to do their homework before reducing their coverage.

“You’re just an accident from being in my situation,” he said. “That’s why they call them accidents. No one does this intentionally. “

The coverage is extremely complicated, and that’s just one piece of the whole puzzle. You should ask your insurance agent and medical insurer what it would cover in the worst case.

The cast of care for spinal cord and traumatic brain injury builds up rapidly, making it important to make a fully informed decision.