$400 Refunds To MI Motorists Will Arrive By May 9; Says Whitmer

MICHIGAN — Michigan insurance companies will issue the $400 refund checks to drivers no later than May 9, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday.

Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services issue a bulletin to Michigan’s insurers about the timeline and other requirements for the state's upcoming $400 per vehicle auto insurance refunds, according to a news release.

"Michigan used to have the highest auto insurance rates in the nation, but we worked together to put Michiganders first, significantly lowering the cost of insurance and putting $400 per vehicle back in driver’s pockets while continuing to provide access to the most generous benefits in the nation," Whitmer said. "I am pleased with how quickly the plan was developed and appreciate the clear guidance provided both to insurers and consumers. The bulletin and website lay out the timeline and requirements so that insurers understand that they must process the refunds as quickly as possible, and Michiganders know when and how they will get the surplus money they are owed."

In addition to issuing industry guidance, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services also launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline, eligibility requirements, and tells consumers what they can do if they have questions or concerns about their refunds, the news release said.

Whitmer announced last week $3 billion in refunds for Michigan drivers from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, in which the organization voted unanimously to issue the refunds from its $5 billion surplus.

The refunds were made possible due to the 2019 auto legislation Whitmer signed into law, which gave drivers a choice of their personal injury protection coverage and guaranteed Michigan drivers lower rates for eight years.