Kalamazoo Times

Recent changes to state law passed by the Michigan Legislature have ended the state’s longstanding no-fault law that gave Michigan some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation.

State Rep. Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan) voted in favor of the change to law that was more than five decades in the making, she said in a release issued on the Michigan House Republicans website. But the changes also mean that Michigan drivers need to learn about the new system in order to ensure they purchase the coverage that is best for them.

The new law, which went into effect on July 1, “was designed to retain the nation’s best car insurance coverage and offer drivers more affordable options,” Griffin said in the release. “It guarantees lower rates by giving drivers more choice on personal injury protection coverage, stopping price gouging on medical services for car accident victims, combating fraudulent claims and strengthening consumer protections.”

With the new legislation come new options that Michigan drivers have never had before, and decisions that they will need to make about those options, Griffin continued. The process could be overwhelming for drivers who have only ever lived under the previous Michigan insurance system, but educational resources are available.

Griffin also advised seeking the advice of a trusted insurance agent before making any changes to a policy or deciding on new coverage.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of shopping around,” Griffin said in the release. “This is a new system for consumers and insurance providers alike, and the provider a driver is with now might not be their best option moving forward.”

Information about the new law and how it changes the options available to Michigan drivers can be found at www.reducemiratesnow.com. The site provides educational guides, shopping tips and information about new coverage level options.