Michigan is the automotive capital of the world, but for trucking companies, it is also the capital of high insurance premiums. Whether you are hauling auto parts for the "Big Three" in Detroit or running "Michigan Trains" (multi-axle heavy haulers) with aggregate, you are operating in a unique regulatory environment.
The biggest factor here is PIP (Personal Injury Protection). Michigan is a "No-Fault" state, meaning your insurance pays for your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. This drives up costs significantly. Furthermore, intrastate carriers must register with the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) and file Form E.
In Michigan, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $14,000 and $24,000 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your CVED authority active.
Key Takeaways: Michigan Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Michigan is a Tier 1 (High Cost) state. Expect to pay around $18,500 annually for a Semi-Truck, heavily influenced by PIP costs.
- The "Michigan Train" Factor: Michigan allows gross vehicle weights up to 164,000 lbs (vs federal 80k) if you have enough axles. Insuring these rigs requires specialized "Heavy Haul" coverage.
- No-Fault / PIP: You must carry Personal Injury Protection. While recent laws allow some "opt-outs" for individuals, commercial fleets generally must carry full PIP limits, adding thousands to the bill.
- Intrastate Authority: For-hire carriers operating solely in MI must apply for authority via the Michigan Business One Stop portal and file Form E.
Real Numbers: Estimated Costs by Truck Type
Let's look at the hard data. The following estimates represent the average annual cost for Auto Liability ($1M Limit) + Mandatory PIP for a driver with a clean record in Michigan. Note: Garaging in Detroit (Wayne County) can increase these rates by 25-40% compared to Grand Rapids or the Upper Peninsula.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $10,500 | $13,200 | $15,500 |
| Box Truck | $8,800 | $11,500 | $13,800 |
| Dump Truck | $11,500 | $14,200 | $16,500 |
| Semi Truck | $13,500 | $16,500 | $19,200 |
| Heavy Haul (11-Axle) | N/A | $18,000 | $22,000+ |
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: Even if you find a policy with lower liability limits, the PIP (Medical) portion of your bill is fixed and expensive. Be careful of "cheap" quotes that exclude PIP—you cannot legally register your truck in Michigan without it.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Michigan rules change depending on whether you cross state lines. We have broken this down into two tables to make it clear.
Table 1: Intrastate Requirements (Michigan CVED Only)
For trucks that never leave Michigan (e.g., Detroit to Lansing).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs GVW | $300,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs GVW | $750,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (Form E) |
| Household Goods (Movers) | $750,000 + Cargo Ins. | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "CSL" means Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must apply for authority through the Michigan State Police CVED and pay a $50 application fee.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Detroit to Toledo, OH).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs | $300,000 CSL | No (Unless Hazmat) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs | $750,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil/Explosives) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (MCS-90) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
Michigan Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate for-hire carriers. It proves to the State of Michigan that you have valid liability insurance. Without this, your CVED authority is void.
- MCCA (Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association): While not a filing, this is a fee attached to your insurance. It covers medical bills that exceed a certain cap. It is mandatory for most vehicles registered in MI.
- PIP Proof: To renew your tags (plates) at the Secretary of State (SOS), you must show proof of No-Fault insurance (PIP).
- UCR: Michigan participates in the Unified Carrier Registration system.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Weight and Complexity. A truck with 11 axles carrying 160,000 lbs causes significantly more damage in an accident than a standard 80,000 lb rig. Also, these trucks are specialized equipment; replacing a custom 8-axle trailer is very expensive.
Generally, No. While recent reforms allow individuals to opt out if they have Medicare, commercial vehicles must typically carry PIP to cover their drivers. Consult a specialist, as the rules are complex.
Yes. Michigan requires all commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVW to obtain a USDOT number. You must mark it "Intrastate" if you never leave the state.
The Logrock Difference: We Understand No-Fault
Michigan insurance is a headache that most out-of-state agents don't understand. If your agent messes up your PIP selection or fails to file Form E with the CVED, you can't get your plates. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We help you navigate the high costs of Michigan insurance by comparing carriers that specialize in the "No-Fault" market. We also ensure your policy covers the unique weight limits of Michigan intrastate hauling.
Conclusion & Get Your Michigan Quote
Michigan is an industrial powerhouse, but the cost of entry is high. Don't risk your business on a policy that leaves you non-compliant with the CVED or exposed to massive medical claims. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
