Insurer Group Objects to Proposal to Overhaul Michigan Insurance Laws

November 10, 2009

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) says the Michigan Board of State Canvassers’ approval of a petition for a ballot initiative to overhaul auto and homeowners insurance laws in the state represents an attack on insurance companies.

“This proposal is another example of how insurers operating in Michigan continue to come under attack despite being a major economic contributor and provider of jobs in the state,” said Ann Weber, PCI vice president, in a statement released by the group.

According to PCI, the petition form seeks to cut insurance premiums by 20 percent for auto, home, and business coverage; cut auto insurance premiums for good drivers by an additional 20 percent; base insurance premiums primarily on driving safety record and not on credit history, marital status, territory or other rating factors; give the insurance commissioner the ability to refund premiums deemed excessive; mandate insurers to follow consumer protection laws; prohibit insurers from unfairly canceling coverage; and adopt additional laws to protect consumers among other proposals.

The Michigan legislature has already debated many of the issues cited in the proposal, most recently voting down a bill that would have banned auto insurers’ use of geography as a factor in risk assessment and likely would have resulted in heavy cost consequences for consumers, the PCI says.

“The extreme proposals outlined in this petition would drastically hinder Michigan’s insurance marketplace and would have negative, unintended consequences for consumers,” Weber said.

Source: PCI

Topics Carriers Michigan

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Latest Comments

  • November 11, 2009 at 8:32 am
    Mr. Solvent says:
    Being originally from Michigan I'm sorry to see what's been going on there. The insurance industry is in pain like everyone else. People aren't paying bills because they can... read more
  • November 10, 2009 at 10:07 am
    sunny says:
    Jenny has ruined every other business in the state of MI and now she has one last target before she leaves MI - the insurance industry. We are the only viable employer left i... read more
  • November 10, 2009 at 9:42 am
    nobody important says:
    Our great Governor Jenny continues to look for a target to deflect critcisms of her incompetence. The insurance industry is a real easy target these days. Don't look to see ... read more

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