With changes coming this summer to Michigan’s auto insurance laws, Berrien County State Rep. Pauline Wendzel is reminding residents to revisit their own coverage going forward.
Wendzel is reminding Berrien County residents about the expected changes thanks to bipartisan action taken by Governor Whitmer and the Legislature. The new law is designed to reduce Michigan’s highest-in-the-nation auto insurance rates and provide much-needed relief to Michigan drivers.
Wendzel says, “Delivering auto-insurance relief to the people of Berrien County was my number one priority in Lansing,” and adds, “I was proud to cast my vote and deliver on a promise I made in my first election. Starting in July, Michigan drivers will finally see relief after paying the outrageous insurance rates for decades.”
Rep. Wendzel has already announced good news that the catastrophic claims association annual per vehicle fee is falling from $220 to $100- a 55% savings. It was also recently announced by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services that the first round of insurance rate filings that are approved for July are showing greater than mandated PIP savings for Michigan drivers. Individuals who choose to continue their lifetime unlimited medical coverage are expected to see a savings of at least 16.5%. For individuals who choose a different level of coverage, the savings are expected to be even higher. The department is projecting 36.3% savings at the $500,000 level, 41.9% at the $250,000 level, and 54.3% at the $50,000 level.
Under the law that takes effect this July, each level of coverage will come with guaranteed rate reductions on PIP costs. The mandated reductions range from 10% for unlimited coverage to 100% for those who are eligible to completely opt-out.
“This new law is good news for every Michigan driver, but it’s even better news for our senior citizens, “Rep. Wendzel said. “Eligible Medicare recipients will be allowed to fully opt out of PIP coverage like every other state. This will translate into senior citizens saving hundreds of dollars per year.”
Rep. Wendzel continued, “I’m proud to have delivered results for the hardworking people of my community. As we get closer to July, I encourage everyone to be an informed consumer and speak with their insurance agent about the new law and how it will impact them and their families.”
People with questions about the new law can call the no-fault hotline at 833-ASK-DIFS (275-3437) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can also visit www.reducemiratesnow.com or Michigan.gov/autoinsurance for more details on the historic reform.
