Northwest Wayne News

Michigan motorists are set to receive a financial boost.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Anita Fox, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) director, recently announced that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) will provide $3 billion to the state's auto insurers, according to a March 11 press release.

The MCCA honored Whitmer's request to give surplus funds back to drivers while keeping $2 billion to provide for tragic car accident victims, the release stated.

The state's car insurers will now give qualified policyholders refunds of $400 per automobile and $80 per historic vehicle if they were insured under the state's policy on minimum insurance requirements as of Oct. 31, 2021, according to the release.

"After Gov. Whitmer called on the MCCA to issue these refunds and the MCCA announced its plan, DIFS issued guidance to auto insurers to ensure that these refunds are sent out as quickly as possible, and in no case later than May 9, 2022," Fox said in the release. "Our goal is to make sure that Michiganders understand the eligibility requirements and to help ensure that this money makes it into consumers' pockets as quickly and securely as possible. DIFS stands ready to answer questions or help resolve any concerns that Michiganders may have regarding their refunds."

These $400 refunds are game changers for so many Michigan families, Whitmer said in the release.

"I called for these refunds because I am committed to lowering costs for Michiganders and putting money back in people's pockets,” the governor said. “They are possible because we worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan auto insurance reform, and we will keep working together to grow our economy and build a state where families can thrive."

The DIFS is providing a FAQ website at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund that contains information on how to obtain a refund, the release stated.

Those who are eligible and have not received their checks by the deadline should notify their car insurance carrier, according to the release. Those who cannot resolve the problem with the carrier can call DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or email them at autoinsurance@michigan.gov.