Here’s when you will get your $400 car insurance refund in Michigan
May 19: Michigan Republicans OK $2.7B tax cut. Whitmer wants a $500 rebate.
April 14: Two-thirds of Michigan drivers still haven’t got their $400 insurance refund
LANSING— Michigan has begun its rollout of $400 per-vehicle refunds to insured drivers, with checks arriving no later than May 9, the Whitmer administration announced Friday.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who in November urged refunds from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, confirmed Friday that refund distribution has begun.
Anyone who had a vehicle, motorcycle or RV that was insured by a policy that allows them to operate in Michigan as of October 31, 2021 is eligible for refunds.
The refunds are part of 2019 auto insurance reforms — negotiated between Whitmer and the Republican-run legislature — that were designed to cut down what have been the highest rates in the nation by ending mandatory lifetime coverage for auto crash victims and creating new fee limits for medical treatment.
Related: Michigan drivers to get insurance refunds of $400 per car from trust fund
Whitmer said the reforms have already lowered the cost of auto insurance for drivers.
“And starting this week, thanks to that reform, Michiganders are getting $400 refund checks per vehicle for every insured driver, putting money in people’s pockets," Whitmer said. "We will continue working to save Michiganders money so they can pay their bills and put food on the table.”
Related:
- Michigan gas prices may stay high. Where to find lowest prices, save money
- Whitmer seeks insurance refund. It could pay $80 to $700 per Michigan driver
- Opinion | Gov. Whitmer, you broke your promise to our auto-injured children
- Opinion | This is no time to second-guess Michigan auto insurance reform
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said auto insurers will automatically send the refunds— as checks or direct deposits —to eligible drivers.
“If you are eligible for a refund, your auto insurer will send it to you automatically and you do not need to take action. Incorrect information could cause delays, so drivers may wish to confirm that their insurer has their current address and banking information,” Fox said in a statement.
Fox also warned drivers to beware of potential fraud, such as scammers calling consumers to get private information.
“No one should call you seeking your personal information in order to get your refund, and if you get such a call – hang up and call your insurance agent or company directly to verify the legitimacy of the call,” said Fox.
Jake Schlau, a resident of Oak Park, said he hasn’t gotten a refund yet but will reinvest it in future vehicle payments.
“It’ll pay for the next six months of my insurance,” Schlau told Bridge Michigan.
Claire Abendroth, a resident of Holt, said hers will go towards the down payment on a house.
“(My husband) and I want to buy a house as soon as we can,” Abendroth said. “We’ve been saving for a while now and we are getting pretty close to having a decent down payment for one. The $400 will be nice to add to it.”
Eligible drivers who do not receive their refunds by May 9 should contact their auto insurer or agent, state officials said.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!