Mich. Governor Signs Law that Allows Discount for Senior Drivers

January 11, 2007

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation that would allow, but not require, insurers to give discounts to Michigan drivers age 50 and older who take a safety course.

The senior driver legislation is House Bill 5661, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek.

The law signed last week is seen by the AARP as a starting point to encourage Michigan insurers to offer senior discounts and to get more seniors taking safety classes. Nearly 53,000 people in Minnesota completed the AARP class in 2005, while Michigan had just 2,800 graduates.

The eight-hour class aims to maintain or improve seniors’ driving skills.

Thirty-six states require insurance discounts for seniors who take safety classes. Michigan’s system will be voluntary because the insurance lobby opposes mandated discounts.

Safety classes teach senior motorists to keep a safe following distance, check for blind spots, know the effects of medication on driving and exercise certain muscle groups used to drive, among other things.

Topics Personal Auto Michigan

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Latest Comments

  • January 11, 2007 at 2:27 am
    DV says:
    Some insurance companies percieved that the legislation was required in order to offer the discount under Michigan Law. Insurance companies can not use certain criteria in ma... read more
  • January 11, 2007 at 2:11 am
    SFOInsLady says:
    LLCJ - I beleive Michigan is a no-fault state, that\'s why it\'s legislated.
  • January 11, 2007 at 1:11 am
    bob laublaw says:
    Welcome to the Socialist States of America

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