With Windsor just over the border from Detroit and only minutes from Michigan Auto Law’s Detroit office, there are a number of common and recurring legal issues that I see arise over and over when a Canadian citizen crosses the border into Michigan for shopping or business and unfortunately becomes involved in an auto accident.
These issues include:
- Whether they can sue for their injuries
- Whether they can sue for medical bills and lost wages
- Whether they can sue for vehicle damages
- What the consequences are for driving without Michigan insurance or registration
You need to read this guide if you are a Canadian citizen and you regularly drive in Michigan for work, school, to visit family, or to vacation.
What To Do After a Cross-Border Car Accident in Michigan
- Call the police – You want your version of the accident in the police report so the insurance company cannot claim you were at-fault.
- Seek medical attention – Prompt treatment helps you heal and strengthens your case.
- Help others get medical attention – It’s the right thing to do and it’s the law. (MCL 257.619(c))
- Notify your insurance company – Start collecting your benefits and coverage right away.
- Hire an experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer – Lawyers with a track record of success and a reputation for trying cases (which Michigan Auto Law has) can settle car accident cases for 4 to 8 times more money and often faster, according to insurance industry research.

Can Canadian drivers sue for their injuries after a Michigan crash?
Yes. You can sue in Michigan for pain and suffering compensation if you suffered a serious impairment of body function, meaning that your injuries affected your ability to live your normal life. (MCL 500.3135(1))
Can Canadian drivers sue for medical bills and lost wages after a Michigan crash?
Yes. You can sue in Michigan for medical bills and lost wages if you suffered a serious impairment of body function, meaning that your injuries affected your ability to live your normal life. (MCL 500.3135(3)(d))
Can Canadian drivers get Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits?
No. The only way you could get No-Fault benefits to pay for medical bills and lost wages is if you owned a vehicle that is both insured and registered in Michigan. (MCL 3113(c))
The insurance and registration limitation was enacted in 2019 as part of a major overhaul of Michigan’s auto No-Fault insurance law.
How do Canadian drivers pay for medical care after a Michigan crash?
Drivers from Ontario, Canada, will receive coverage for their medical bills from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Drivers from elsewhere in Canada will receive benefits through their home province’s health insurance plan.
Under Canada’s health care system, each of the country’s 13 provinces and territories has its own health insurance plan.
The benefits offered to Canadian car accident victims from Ontario are governed by Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.
Can Canadian drivers sue for vehicle damage?
Yes, but the most you can recover is $3,000, which is the maximum under Michigan’s mini tort law, which allows vehicle owners to sue at-fault drivers for up to $3,000 for vehicle damage repair costs. (MCL 500.3135(3)(e) and (4))
Your mini tort claim pays for the vehicle damage that is not otherwise covered by your own auto insurance policy.

Do Canadian drivers need Michigan No-Fault auto insurance?
Yes, if you plan to drive your vehicle in Michigan for more than 30 days throughout the year. Non-residents are required to have Michigan No-Fault insurance if they drive their vehicle in Michigan for more than 30 days in a calendar year. (MCL 500.3102(1))
For example, you may need Michigan No-Fault insurance if:
- You commute regularly between Ontario and Michigan for work
- You attend school in Michigan
- You own a seasonal home in Michigan
- You regularly visit family in Michigan
- You operate a business that requires frequent travel into Michigan
- You stay in Michigan for extended periods of time throughout the year
Take this rule seriously because the consequences for disobeying it are costly.
It is a misdemeanor with a fine of $200 to $500 and up to one year in jail.
And, if you are in a crash and other people are injured, you may have to pay for their medical bills and lost wages. (MCL 500.3177(1))
Do Canadian drivers need Michigan vehicle registration?
Yes. If you plan to drive in Michigan for a period of more than 90 days, then you must register your vehicle in Michigan. (MCL 257.243(4))
Failure to do so is a misdemeanor with a $100 fine and possible jail time up to 90 days. (MCL 257.215; 257.901(1) and (2))
Contact the Michigan Secretary of State and tell them that you want to arrange for a “memo registration.” They will coordinate with the appropriate personnel at the particular branch office that is most convenient for you, so that you can complete the transaction and comply with the law.
Once you have successfully registered your vehicle in Michigan, you should keep your Michigan and your home state/province vehicle documents in separate places, so that you do not confuse law enforcement or customs officials.
Do Canadian drivers need a Michigan driver’s license?
No. You do not need a Michigan driver’s license to drive in the Great Lakes State. (MCL 257.302a(1)) You can use your Canadian driver’s license so long as it is in English and you are not driving for compensation, according to Michigan law and a treaty with Canada.