Michigan Auto Insurance Refunds: What You Need To Know


WRITTEN BY: Julia Matseikovich

UPDATED: APRIL 27, 2023 | 3 MIN READ

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services have amassed five million dollars for the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association Fund in the past three years by passing auto insurance reform legislation regarding auto insurance.

Starting March 9, 2022, Michigan auto insurance companies will begin issuing refund checks to Michigan drivers insured as of October 31, 2021.

Why Are Drivers In Michigan Getting an Insurance Refund?

Michigan has the most expensive auto insurance policies in the nation. Michigan drivers pay, on average, 85% higher insurance premiums than in other states. The auto insurance reform legislation was passed into law in 2019 by Gov. Whitmer and has lowered auto insurance costs by revising the rules on auto insurance guidelines.

Three million out of the five million surpluses are being refunded back to Michiganders now. The excess two million is to care for accident survivors in Michigan.

How much are the Michigan auto insurance refunds?

In auto insurance refunds, eligible drivers will receive $400.00 per car, RV, or motorcycle. So if you had two vehicles insured, you would receive $800.00 in the refund process.

However, you will receive an auto insurance refund of $80.00 per vehicle if you have a historic vehicle.

Who Qualifies For a Michigan Auto Insurance Refund?

According to www.michigan.gov, the qualifications for Michigan auto insurance policyholders to receive the Michigan auto insurance refund are as follows. “All vehicles insured as of 11:59 PM on October 31, 2021, are eligible to receive a refund if the vehicle was covered by a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads (See MCL 500.3101 and MCL 500.3103)”.

Michigan minimum auto coverage limits

Michigan auto insurance law states that Michigan drivers carry a minimum auto insurance coverage limit of 50/100/10. The law requires vehicles to have a minimum of $50,000 per person and $100,000 in bodily injury liability, and $10,000 in personal property coverage if you’re responsible for an auto accident.

Antique and Historic vehicles

Historic or antique vehicles are collectible vehicles at least twenty-six years old and restricted to driving only to and from events where they will be displayed. You can’t operate them on the roads for pleasure or transportation as regular vehicles.

What To Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Refund?

The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association will turn over the funds to the auto insurance companies operating in the state to begin issuing the refunds no later than sixty days from March 9, 2022. You should receive your refund by check in the mail or direct deposit in your bank account no later than May 5, 2022.

If your insurer can’t answer your questions

If your insurance company can’t answer the questions regarding why you have not received your refund, you can call the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

FAQs

Are Michigan drivers getting an insurance refund?

Michigan drivers who qualify for the auto insurance refund should receive them between March 9, 2022, and May 5, 2022.

Where is my Michigan auto insurance refund?

If you have not received your auto insurance refund, call your insurance company to ask if you have met the qualifications for the refund and when you should receive the refund.

Why didn’t I receive a Michigan auto insurance refund?

You may not have qualified for the Michigan auto insurance refund. You must have had the minimum legal insurance coverage on your car, RV, or motorcycle as of October 31, 2021.

Why haven’t I received my Michigan auto insurance refund?

As of March 9, 2022, the DIFS transferred the funds to the individual auto insurance companies to distribute to the Michigan auto insurance policyholders no later than 60 days from that date. It is best to check with your auto insurance agent to see why you haven’t received your auto insurance refund.

Where is my Michigan insurance refund?

First, check with your personal auto insurance company. They should be able to answer your questions regarding your Michigan insurance refund. They can direct you to the correct state department if they can’t answer your questions.

How much is the refund?

The refund is $400.00 per regular-use eligible vehicle and $80.00 per historical/antique vehicle.

How do I get a Michigan car insurance refund?

If you had an active, eligible auto insurance policy in Michigan, you should receive the refund automatically from your auto insurance company.

What happens if I don’t get a refund?

Contact your auto insurance company to find out why you haven’t received a refund.

Michigan drivers will receive auto insurance refund checks between March and May 2022, thanks to the legislation passed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Financial Services Director Anita Fox. Michigan policyholders can expect a minimum of $80.00.

As a Michigander that insured a vehicle as of October 31, 2021, you should look for your refund either delivered by mail or directly deposited into your bank account by your auto insurance company.

Find Affordable Michigan Auto Insurance

With Michigan’s auto insurance industry in chaos, you might think finding good car insurance right now would be hard. However, affordable car insurance in Michigan is available, and now would be a great time to shop for lower auto insurance rates.