Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), has ordered that all Michigan auto insurers issue refunds or premium waivers to residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There has been a decrease in driving due to the pandemic. State officials are saying that insurance companies, as a result of fewer consumers driving on roads, have had reduced risk.
“Michiganders have been staying safe and staying home and they should see the benefit in reduced auto insurance rates during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Whitmer said. “Every family is feeling added financial pressure due to this virus, and this order will provide some much-needed relief to drivers.”
DIFS has set a deadline of June 10 for auto insurers to submit filings for refunds or premium waivers. They must provide information on how that amount was determined, and how customers will receive their refund payments.
“This order will ensure all insurers are issuing appropriate refunds or premium waivers to their customers,” said Anita Fox, DIFS director. “Consumers may realize additional savings by modifying their policies to reflect their current driving habits. Drivers should contact their agent to discuss garaging a car or making other changes to save on their premiums.”
The state adds that any refunds or premium waivers are in addition to any savings that results from the upcoming changes in Michigan's auto insurance law in effect July 1, 2020.
You can submit your questions or disputes to DIFS by calling 833-ASK-DIFS (275-3437), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also send emails to autoinsurance@michigan.gov.
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