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By Ava Lynch
Updated October 18, 2021

What is Property Protection Insurance, and why is it only in Michigan?

Property Protection Insurance (PPI) is one of Michigan’s mandatory no-fault insurance laws. It provides insurance for damage you cause to a fixed object, such as a parked vehicle or a building. This coverage only applies to incidents occurring in the state of Michigan. If you leave the state and damage a fixed object, your liability property damage coverage would apply.

Let’s explore the ins and outs of Michigan Property Protection Insurance, including coverage specifics and how much is required. Let’s get started.


What does PPI cover?

Property Protection Insurance is a mandatory coverage option on every insurance policy in Michigan, covering accidental damage a driver causes to fixed or parked objects. The following are examples of circumstances resulting in a PPI claim:

  • Damaging a fence
  • Colliding with a building
  • Rear-ending a parked car

 

Property Protection Insurance vs. Property Damage Insurance

While each of these coverages covers damage sustained by others' property, they apply in different scenarios. Property Protection Insurance doesn't apply outside of Michigan. If you damage another driver’s property outside of Michigan, your property damage liability coverage would fill in to cover the damages.

PPI coverage applies regardless of fault. Property damage only applies if you’re determined to be liable for the incident.

PPI applies only to vehicles if they are parked. If you collide with a moving vehicle and are determined to be at-fault, your property damage liability coverage would apply.


How much PPI is required?

Michigan laws require all drivers to carry $1,000,000 in PPI coverage. Below are the total insurance requirements for car insurance in Michigan:

Michigan’s mandatory coverage levels exceed those of most US states. On average, it's nearly 83% more expensive to insure a vehicle in Michigan than in the rest of the US. This is primarily due to higher required levels of car insurance coverage, relatively high levels of insurance fraud, and low competition among insurance carriers.

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.

  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.

  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.

Ava Lynch
Ava LynchSenior Analyst

Ava worked in the insurance industry as an agent for four-plus years.

Ava currently provides insights and data analysis as one of The Zebra's property and casualty insurance experts. Her work has been featured in publications such as U.S. News & World Report, GasBuddy, Car and Driver, and Yahoo! Finance.

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