Am I entitled to no-fault PIP as a motorcycle rider?

Why motorcycles are treated differently

Under MCL 500.3101, a "motor vehicle" is a self-propelled vehicle operating on a public highway with more than 2 wheels. A motorcycle by definition has only 2 wheels and is expressly excluded, along with mopeds. That single definitional choice controls the entire PIP question for Michigan riders.

Because a motorcycle is not a motor vehicle, riders do not — and cannot — buy no-fault PIP on the bike itself. Motorcycle owners must carry residual liability coverage under MCL 500.3103, but that policy pays what the rider owes to others; it is not PIP.

The MCL 500.3114(5) priority chain

When a motor vehicle is involved in a motorcycle crash, PIP flows in this strict order:

1. Owner/registrant of the involved motor vehicle. The insurer of the car, truck, or SUV involved in the crash.
2. Operator of the involved motor vehicle. If (1) has no coverage, the driver of the involved motor vehicle's insurer.
3. Operator of the motorcycle. The motorcycle rider's own personal auto policy (not motorcycle policy).
4. Owner of the motorcycle. If the owner is different from the operator, the owner's personal auto policy.
5. Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. Under MCL 500.3172, when no other PIP source is available.

A common misunderstanding: a rider's own motorcycle policy does not provide PIP, but the same rider's personal auto policy (if any) can be the primary source under Step 3.

What PIP covers after a motorcycle crash

The 2019 Michigan no-fault reforms let policyholders choose PIP medical coverage levels — $50,000 (Medicaid-enrolled), $250,000, $500,000, unlimited, or opt-out (with qualifying health coverage). The choice made on the involved motor vehicle's policy controls the PIP benefits available to the injured motorcyclist. Beyond medical, PIP still provides:

• Wage loss. 85% of gross wages, up to the statutory monthly maximum, for 3 years under MCL 500.3107(1)(b).
• Replacement services. Up to $20/day for services you would have performed for yourself and your family (housekeeping, yard work, childcare) for 3 years.
• Attendant care. Care by family or agency providers when medically necessary — the largest single dollar category in most serious motorcycle-injury files.
• Survivor's loss. In fatal cases, dependents receive the same benefits the decedent would have received, subject to the statutory cap.

When PIP is not available — motorcycle-only crashes

If the crash involves no motor vehicle — a solo loss of control, a deer strike, a two-bike collision, a fixed-object impact — PIP does not apply. The rider's options become:

• Health insurance. Primary for medical bills. Watch for subrogation liens.
• Optional motorcycle coverages. Some motorcycle policies offer medical payments, guest passenger liability, or optional first-party benefits — check the declarations page.
• UM / UIM. Available for pain and suffering when another party's negligence caused the crash.
• Third-party negligence. A defective helmet, tire, road-design defect, or negligent premises can support a direct tort action even without a motor vehicle at the scene.

How to open PIP after a crash

Move fast — the 1-year written-notice clock under MCL 500.3145 starts on the date of the crash and does not care whether the priority insurer is easy to identify. Steps we typically take:

1. Obtain the crash report to identify the involved motor vehicle and its owner.
2. Pull each carrier's declarations page to confirm coverage levels chosen after 2019 reform.
3. Serve written notice on every potentially responsible insurer to preserve rights.
4. File an Assigned Claims Plan application in parallel when priority is unclear.
5. Track every unpaid benefit — each starts its own 1-year lawsuit clock.