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. John Chirkun (D-Roseville) issued the following statement:
“Michigan has the highest auto insurance rates in the country. During my time in the Michigan House of Representatives, many of my constituents in the 22nd House District have raised concerns over the ever increasing cost of auto insurance and how it has negatively impacted their household budgets. While not a perfect bill by any means, Senate Bill 1 will provide drivers a choice in their coverage levels and removes the ability of insurance companies to discriminate by banning the use of non-driving rate factors in determining rates such as gender, occupation, zip code and educational level. In addition, this bipartisan compromise provides additional consumer protections and reduces fraud and waste. The residents of my community have been demanding action on the cost of auto insurance in this state and this bill will go towards reducing auto insurance rates and helping to lessen some of the financial burden that many of my constituents face.”
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