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I represent clients in disputes against insurance companies and others.

I am Steve Hanft, an attorney focused on Michigan insurance and injury matters, including auto no-fault coverage disputes, contract claims, dog bites, and premises liability cases.

05/06/2026

Summer Time Trailer Season

Michigan No-Fault Myth:

"Someone hit my trailer, but we're a no-fault state, so I can't recover anything."

Maybe you heard that from the other driver's insurance company?

In many situations, damage to a trailer can give rise to a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.

If you've been told there is no coverage for your damaged trailer, don't assume that's the final answer.

Michigan no-fault law doesn't always work the way people think it does.

Call me anytime.

Steve Hanft

29/05/2026

YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IS NOT YOUR ADVOCATE AFTER A CLAIM

The biggest misconception I see is people believing their insurance company is there to help them after a claim.

The claim rep may sound friendly. They may tell you they're "just gathering information."

The claims process is not designed to maximize your recovery.

It is designed to control the insurance company's payouts.

Recorded statements. Medical reviews. Examinations under oath. Endless document requests. Investigations.

These aren't random steps. They are part of a system built to scrutinize claims, challenge claims, and reduce claim exposure whenever possible.

Meanwhile, the insurance company has adjusters, investigators, doctors, supervisors, and lawyers working the file.

You only have you.

Your insurance company is a business. Your claim is an expense.

The process is designed to protect them. Make sure you're protecting yourself.

15/05/2026

DON'T OPT OUT OF MEDICAL on your auto policy
- even if you have health insurance -

Thinking about opting out of Michigan No-Fault medical coverage because you have health insurance? Make sure you understand the tradeoff first.

If you are injured in a car accident and rely only on health insurance:

• You may have to satisfy a deductible before coverage even begins
• You can still be responsible for co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses
• Certain treatment, rehab, or attendant care may not be covered the same way
• Your health insurer may assert a lien or reimbursement claim against your injury settlement if someone else caused the crash

Unlimited No-Fault medical coverage was designed to protect accident victims from these exact issues.

Saving a few dollars on premiums today can sometimes cost much more after a serious accident.

Before you opt out, make sure you fully understand what protections you may be giving up.

07/05/2026

UNDERSTAND YOUR LIABILITY COVERAGE
For example: $100,000 / $300,000 liability coverage.
What does that mean? Here’s the breakdown:

$100,000 = the maximum amount the insurance company will pay to any one injured person in a single accident.

$300,000 = the maximum amount the insurance company will pay total for all injured people combined in that same accident.

Example 1:
One person is injured and has damages worth $250,000.
A $100,000 / $300,000 policy would only provide up to $100,000 for that individual claim.

Example 2:
Four people are injured in the same crash.
Even though the policy has a $300,000 total limit, no single person can recover more than $100,000 under the “per person” limit.

The insurance company’s total exposure for all injured parties combined is capped at $300,000 total.

Many people assume the larger number automatically applies to them individually — it does not.

Understanding your liability limits is important because serious accidents can quickly exceed minimum coverage amounts.

Review your declarations page carefully and make sure your coverage actually protects you and your family.

— Hanft Law

22/04/2026

Auto Insurance Tip Most People Don’t Know

In Michigan, No-Fault insurance doesn’t just apply when you’re driving.

You may still be entitled to benefits if you’re injured while:

Getting into your vehicle
Getting out of your vehicle
Loading or unloading a truck, car, or trailer

If your injury is related to the use of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle, No-Fault coverage may apply—even if the vehicle isn’t moving.

These claims are very fact-specific, and insurance companies often deny them.

If you’ve been injured in a situation like this, it’s worth taking a closer look.

Call me anytime.

Follow for more insights.

17/04/2026

Closer Look: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE (UM)
Applies when the AT-FAULT DRIVER has no insurance at all.
If you’re injured, your own policy steps in to cover what that driver should have paid.

UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE (UIM)
Applies when the AT-FAULT DRIVER does have insurance, but not enough.

The graphic below assumes $500,000 in damages for the purposes of the illustration.

You’d be surprised how little it costs to increase your UM/UIM coverage.

Feel free to reach out with questions.

Follow Hanft Law for more insights.

16/04/2026

Understand your Auto Insurance Dec Page — three things to look at:

1) Liability coverage
This is what protects you if you or your family causes an accident. If the numbers are low, your personal assets can be at risk.

2) UM/UIM coverage (Uninsured/Underinsured)
This protects you if the other driver has no insurance or not enough. If it’s not there, or the limits are low, you’re relying on the other driver’s policy.

3) Medical - Personal Injury Protection - (PIP)
Your own policy pays this regardless who is at fault. This is your own medical coverage under Michigan No-Fault. The amount you chose matters more than people realize, especially after the recent law changes.

If you don’t know what your numbers are, it’s worth checking.

If you want help reviewing it, feel free to reach out.

15/04/2026

Have you seen this Michigan No-Fault Election Form?

Be careful with this - Option 4 is misleading. Option 4 may list $250,000 in medical coverage, but then it EXCLUDES everyone in the household.

In practice, that means:
• You don’t actually have No-Fault medical coverage
• Your spouse doesn’t
• Your kids don’t

STAY WITH OPTION 1 - KEEP UNLIMITED MEDICAL

Reach out with any questions about No-Fault selections.

Follow for more insights.

14/04/2026

Michigan drivers — be careful with No-Fault “opt out” medical coverage or reduced limits.

Since the changes to Michigan No-Fault Law, I’ve had more and more people ask about opting out of or reducing medical coverage to save money on premiums.

I understand the thought process, but this is one of those decisions that can create serious problems later. (in more ways than one)

The bigger issue that often gets overlooked is that if you opt out:

The opt out also impacts family members who live in your home. That includes your spouse, your kids, or anyone else residing with you; their medical coverage after an accident will be tied to the coverage elected on the household auto policy.

This isn’t just a personal decision. It can affect everyone under your roof. Don’t opt out of No-Fault medical coverage— for the kids!

If you want to go over your policy or have questions about how this applies to your situation, feel free to reach out.

Follow for more insights.

13/04/2026

Don’t opt out of Michigan No-Fault medical coverage.

The risk isn’t worth the savings.

Call anytime with questions.
Follow for tips and insights.

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