LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The first bill of the new Michigan Senate term has been introduced and is aimed at lowering auto insurance rates in the state of Michigan. The bill was introduced by Republican State Senator Aric Nesbitt from Lawton.
Senate Bill 1 would help address the root causes of Michigan's high insurance rates, according to Nesbitt.
“Michiganders have made it crystal clear — they want this problem solved,” Nesbitt said in a release. “Michigan is the most expensive state in the country to purchase auto insurance, and people are understandably upset. We have an obligation to solve this problem.”
According to Nesbitt, the bill would allow drivers over the age of 62 to allow Medicare or other lifetime benefits to cover medical costs; give younger drivers the ability to choose an amount of medical coverage; and give greater transparency in health provider billing practices.
“This is something the Legislature has been looking at for some time. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working with my colleagues to finally get these reforms approved,” Nesbitt said. “Michigan consumers simply deserve better, and I think this legislation is a great start to the conversation.”
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance and Banking for further consideration.
According to Insure.com, Michigan has the highest average premiums in the country, with an average of $2,239 per year. That's 60 percent higher than the national average of $1,365 per year.
