Mich. Gov. Whitmer Announces More Than Three Billion in Auto Insurance Refunds Issued to Michigan Drivers

LANSING, Michigan, May 19 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are celebrating the successful distribution of more than $3 billion in $400 per-vehicle auto insurance refunds to eligible Michiganders.

"This year, we put more than $3 billion back in people's pockets with $400 auto refund checks per vehicle. We got this done thanks to bipartisan auto insurance legislation I signed in 2019, which has already saved Michigan drivers over $1 billion on their premiums since taking effect," said Governor Whitmer. "As we move past the end of the refund process, we will continue to use every tool in our toolbox to help put money back into the pockets of Michiganders."

Cost controls, consumer protections, and other savings put into place by the state's bipartisan auto insurance reform law led to a $5 billion surplus in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) catastrophic fund.

Earlier this year, at the request of Governor Whitmer, the MCCA transferred $3 billion to the Michigan auto insurers responsible for issuing refunds to eligible drivers while retaining $2 billion of the surplus to ensure continuity of care for accident survivors. Michigan's auto insurers were required to issue refunds to eligible Michigan policyholders of $400 per vehicle, or $80 per historic vehicle, by no later than May 9, 2022 for each vehicle that was insured under a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021.

According to data collected by DIFS, more than $3,041,000,000 has been issued by auto insurers.

"Sending out millions of refunds was a massive undertaking for Michigan's auto insurers, and we recognize their efforts during this important process. We were able to put a significant amount of money back in Michiganders' pockets - something we should all celebrate, " said DIFS Director Fox. "If you haven't received your check, contact the insurance company that insured your vehicle on October 31, 2021 to verify your banking, address information, and how your refund has been issued. If you need further assistance, you may file a complaint with DIFS so that we may investigate at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints."

To help Michiganders understand the MCCA refund process and what they should do if they haven't yet received a refund, DIFS has launched a new video. Consumers may also call DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance, or visit Michigan.gov/MCCArefund for more information.

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View links showing in text here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2022/05/18/whitmer-announces-more-than-three-billion-in-auto-insurance-refunds-issued-to-michigan-drivers