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Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) announced today that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) has acted on the governor’s call to return surplus funds to Michigan policyholders and will immediately begin the process of issuing refunds for Michigan drivers at $400 per vehicle. Drivers should get their payments in the second quarter of 2022.
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Addressing High Insurance Rates
“These refunds and the recently announced statewide average rate reductions are lowering costs for every Michigan driver,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders have paid into the catastrophic care fund for decades, and I am pleased that the MCCA developed this plan so quickly after unanimously approving my request to return surplus funds to the pockets of Michiganders. We are working together to put Michigan drivers first, and I am directing DIFS to ensure that the MCCA and Michigan’s auto insurance companies accurately, fairly, and promptly issue these refunds.”
“The Governor and I called for these refunds because we recognize that this surplus money belongs to Michigan drivers, and we need to put it back in their pockets,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “These refunds are a major win for all drivers—especially Detroiters—who have paid the highest insurance rates in the nation for decades. There is still work to be done, and Governor Whitmer and I will continue to take action in the best interest of Michigan drivers.”
“DIFS stood with Governor Whitmer in calling upon the MCCA to return surplus funds to Michiganders with auto insurance, and we applaud the MCCA for taking the necessary next steps to deliver the largest refund possible to drivers while maintaining the viability of the fund,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “In the coming months, DIFS will work to ensure that refund checks are issued to Michigan consumers as quickly as possible.”
Governor Whitmer asked the MCCA in November to distribute refund checks to customers from its estimated $5 billion surpluses, which the MCCA unanimously agreed to do. The surplus and refunds are achievable in part because of the Governor’s historic bipartisan auto insurance reform enacted into law in 2019.
Refunds For Michigan Drivers in 2022
According to the MCCA’s research, about $3 billion of the excess may be refunded to policyholders while maintaining continuity of care for vehicle accident survivors. The MCCA’s refund proposal, presented to DIFS on Monday, will restore money to every Michigander with a car insurance policy as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021. Eligible customers do not need to take any action to get a refund.
The MCCA will turn over the surplus cash to Michigan insurance companies by March 9, 2022, and the insurers will be responsible for sending cheques to qualified policyholders. DIFS will order insurers to provide reimbursement cheques to consumers as soon as feasible but no later than 60 days after the money is transferred. That deadline and additional instructions for insurers will be addressed in a bulletin released by DIFS in the near future.
More information on the car insurance reform bill, including the uninsured driver amnesty period, which expires before January 1, 2022, is available at Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance. There are also frequently asked questions, insurance shopping recommendations, and an insurance directory to assist identify licensed agents.
Finding More Information About Refunds for Michigan Drivers
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ objective is to assure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services that are essential for Michigan people’s opportunity, security, and success, while also supporting economic development and sustainability in both industries. Furthermore, the Department offers consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy, and education to Michigan people. Visit Michigan.gov/DIFS for additional information.
To view the full letter from the MCCA, click the link below:
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