LANSING — With no hearings or public input, Republicans rushed through House Bill 4397 today, providing a giveaway to insurance companies in the form of loopholes to avoid guaranteed lower rates or an end to discriminatory rate setting practices. Michigan’s auto insurance industry is one of the least regulated in the U.S. with Michigan drivers paying nearly two times more than drivers anywhere else in the nation, according to a University of Michigan study. In response, state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:
“Redlining has forced residents across my district into financial hardship, and giving them the rate reductions they deserve is long overdue. Unfortunately, this plan addresses neither of these issues in the long-term as it kicks the can down the road hoping someone else will deal with these discriminatory practices while sacrificing quality coverage for accident victims with nothing more than hope that insurers might lower rates.”
###