LANSING — Following weeks of bipartisan negotiations, the House passed a sweeping overhaul of Michigan’s auto insurance system today. The final bill includes several provisions put forward by House Democrats including the elimination of non-driving rate-setting factors, guaranteed rate reductions and increased consumer protections. In response, state Rep. Vanessa Guerra (D-Saginaw) issued the following statement:
“Today was without a doubt the most difficult and most historic vote I have taken while in office. The high cost of car insurance has contributed to the poverty so many people in my community experience. People who already struggle with owning reliable transportation are forced to choose between driving legally with insurance or feeding their family. This new law is not perfect, but after four years of telling people I’m working on it with no results I can finally say that people will have coverage and they will pay less for it. I can finally say that your gender, marital status, or zip code won’t be reflected in your insurance bill. And I can finally say that something has been done. It is not the full coverage for everyone that I wished it was, but Saginaw County residents deserve a chance to drive legally and with protection without it affecting their ability to provide for themselves and their families. This compromise is long overdue and I’m thankful Governor Whitmer was able to get this done within her first year in office.”
###