Is CURE Auto Insurance a Smart Choice for Michigan Drivers? Here’s What You Need to Know

When choosing an auto insurance provider, especially in Michigan, it’s important to look beyond low premiums and flashy marketing. One name that has sparked growing concern among drivers and legal experts alike is CURE Auto Insurance. Despite being relatively new to Michigan’s insurance landscape, CURE has rapidly become one of the most complained-about insurers in the state. But why?

Let’s break it down simply and factually, so you can make an informed decision before trusting CURE with your car insurance coverage.

What is CURE Auto Insurance and When Did It Enter Michigan?

CURE (Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange), a New Jersey-based auto insurance company, entered the Michigan market in July 2021, shortly after the state’s No-Fault law changes took effect. These reforms reduced medical reimbursement rates and created opportunities for budget insurers to gain traction by offering lower premiums. However, many argue this came at the expense of claim fairness and adequate medical protection.

Interestingly, CURE didn’t even establish a physical office in Michigan until August 2023, more than two years after it began selling policies to local drivers. By then, it was already insuring about 75,000 Michigan drivers, with over half residing in Detroit.

The Controversial 25% Deposit Requirement

One of the most unusual—and widely criticized—policies from CURE is its mandatory 25% deposit on top of your premium. According to reports by the Detroit Free Press, this deposit is required upfront, making your total out-of-pocket cost significantly higher than it initially appears.

For drivers already struggling with inflation and high living costs, this added financial burden can be difficult to manage. And unlike traditional down payments that apply toward the premium, this “deposit” appears to be a separate charge, making it even more frustrating.

Denials of Medically Necessary Treatment

CURE has faced serious scrutiny over its handling of medical claims, particularly those involving auto accident injuries. In one notable case, the company denied coverage for a spinal surgery, claiming it wasn’t medically necessary. But after a formal review by Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), the company was ordered to pay—not only for the surgery but also interest on the delayed payment.

The reviewing neurosurgeon, who had over 30 years of experience, confirmed the procedure was medically justified and aligned with the standard of care. Cases like this raise red flags about how CURE evaluates medical necessity and whether they prioritize cost savings over proper treatment.

A Pattern of Claim Denials and Underinsurance

Independent appraisers and personal injury attorneys in Michigan have voiced concerns about CURE’s approach to handling accident claims. Many describe a recurring pattern:

• Delayed or denied payouts
  
• Low settlement offers
  
• Attempts to rescind policies after a crash
  
• Overuse of “failure to cooperate” clauses
  

Some professionals say no other insurer in Michigan is as aggressive in trying to void claims. For drivers, this means that the moment you need your insurer the most—after an accident—you might be met with resistance, bureaucracy, and denied coverage.

Encouraging Dangerous Coverage Choices

Another major concern is how CURE reportedly advises policyholders to reduce their medical and liability coverage. Anecdotal evidence from legal experts suggests the company often promotes policies with lower Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Residual Bodily Injury (RBI) limits.

While this lowers monthly premiums, it leaves drivers exposed to massive medical bills or lawsuits if they’re involved in a serious accident. For instance, if you’re responsible for a crash and only have $50,000 in bodily injury coverage, but the other driver’s injuries cost $300,000—you could be personally liable for the difference.

In short, what seems like a good deal upfront can quickly turn into financial disaster when something goes wrong.

CURE Auto Insurance – Complaints, Claims, and the Real Cost for Michigan Drivers

Sharp Rise in Consumer Complaints

The growing dissatisfaction with CURE Auto Insurance isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by data. In 2024, consumer complaints against CURE in Michigan rose by nearly 49%, according to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS). Complaints jumped from 150 in 2023 to 223 in 2024, placing CURE second among 82 auto insurers for the highest number of complaints—even though it only ranked 16th in market share.

What were customers complaining about? Here’s the breakdown:

• 60% involved poor claims handling
  
• 21% were about bad customer service
  
• 18% dealt with underwriting issues
  

These aren’t small numbers. They point to a larger trend: drivers who thought they were saving money are paying the price in stress, delays, and denied claims.

Claims Handling: A Risky Gamble?

CURE appears to rely heavily on technicalities to deny valid insurance claims. Legal professionals have observed several aggressive tactics, including:

• Medical Necessity Disputes
  Instead of trusting the patient’s own doctor, CURE often hires outside “insurance doctors” to dispute medical treatments—even when specialists recommend them.
  
• Policy Rescission Attempts
  After an accident, CURE may closely examine your application, looking for minor discrepancies that it can use to cancel your policy altogether—leaving you with zero coverage.
  
• “Failure to Cooperate” Denials
  Some drivers have had claims denied simply for not responding to a request or missing a document. While this clause is in many policies, lawyers say CURE uses it far more aggressively than other companies in Michigan.
  

These practices can leave crash victims in limbo, struggling to pay for repairs, medical bills, or even basic transportation—while also facing legal battles to get the coverage they paid for.

Underinsurance Encouraged by Design?

Perhaps the most alarming concern is how CURE appears to push drivers into buying inadequate insurance.

Rather than recommending comprehensive coverage, CURE reportedly urges drivers to:

• Lower Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limits
  
• Choose minimal Residual Bodily Injury (RBI) limits
  
• Opt out of important protections like uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
  
• Skip collision coverage, which covers damage to your car if you’re at fault
  

While these choices can save a few bucks per month, they leave drivers vulnerable to crushing out-of-pocket costs after a serious crash.

Shockingly, CURE’s CEO has even bragged about how many customers choose reduced PIP under the state’s revised No-Fault law. According to The Detroit News, 94% of CURE’s Michigan policyholders chose less than unlimited medical coverage—leaving them exposed to major financial risk in the event of injury.

The Bottom Line: Is CURE Worth It?

If you’re shopping for car insurance in Michigan, you deserve more than low premiums. You deserve a company that:

• Stands by you when you file a claim
  
• Supports your medical recovery
  
• Offers honest advice about coverage
  
• Doesn’t pull the rug out from under you when you need help most
  

Unfortunately, based on growing complaints, legal interventions, and expert warnings, CURE Auto Insurance may not meet those expectations.

Drivers need to weigh the short-term savings against long-term financial protection. Because when an accident happens, the right insurance can mean the difference between recovery and financial ruin.

Final Thot

If you’re a Michigan driver—especially in Detroit—it’s worth comparing CURE with more established, transparent insurers that offer clear policies, accessible customer service, and a stronger claims reputation.

Before making your decision, ask yourself:

• Will this insurer be there for me in a real emergency?
  
• Am I fully covered if someone sues me after a crash?
  
• Do I understand what medical benefits I’m really entitled to?
  

If you’re unsure about the answers, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Category	Details
Company Name	CURE (Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange)
Entered Michigan Market	July 2021
Michigan Office Established	August 2023 (Princeton, NJ HQ still primary)
Policyholders in Michigan	~75,000 (50%+ in Detroit)
Unique Requirement	25% mandatory deposit (separate from premium)
Complaints in 2023	150
Complaints in 2024	223 (↑ 49%)
Complaint Ranking (2024)	#2 out of 82 insurers in MI
Most Common Complaints	– Claims denial (60%)- Bad service (21%)- Underwriting issues (18%)
Claim Handling Issues	– Denied medically necessary treatments- Attempted policy rescission
Aggressive Legal Tactics	– Overuse of “failure to cooperate”- Use of “insurance doctors”
Encouraged Coverage Choices	– Lower PIP & RBI- Skip collision & UM/UIM coverage
Coverage Concern	94% of policyholders chose limited medical coverage
Main Risk for Drivers	Inadequate protection during serious accidents
Expert Warnings	Legal and insurance professionals raise red flags

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