LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan consumers and businesses will see an estimated savings of $96,767,175 as a result of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ (DIFS) orders requiring that insurers provide adjustments or credits for worker’s compensation policies and partial refunds of automobile insurance premiums.
During COVID-19, many insurance companies saw a significant drop in claims, so the premiums paid by their customers could not be justified.
“Consumers and businesses should not be required to pay insurance premiums that do not reflect the changes they have made to day-to-day activities during the pandemic,” DIFS Director Anita Fox said. “As a result of COVID-19, businesses have made significant changes to the way they operate, and individuals have significantly reduced the amount they are driving, both of which have significantly reduced insurers’ payments on claims.”
In three orders, DIFS Order No. 2020-10-M, DIFS Order No. 2020-11-M, and DIFS Order No. 2020-13-M, DIFS required insurers offering worker’s compensation or automobile insurance policies to file plans with DIFS to issue adjustments, credits, endorsements, or refunds, as appropriate, due to reduced utilization during COVID-19 or demonstrate why such plans were not warranted at that time.
The orders also required detailed communication plans to inform policyholders about the refunds, credits, or adjustments and how they will be applied.
“As a consumer protection agency, DIFS is working to put money back into the pockets of people and businesses hurt financially by the outbreak,” Fox said. “Consumers and businesses should communicate with their agents or insurance companies if they would like to make additional adjustments to save money on their premiums.”
Filings received by DIFS show a mix of strategies to put money back into the pockets of both drivers and employers, including direct premium refunds, credits, and payment accommodations. Projected savings are based on approved insurer filings.
Drivers or businesses with questions about their refunds or adjustments should contact their insurance company or agent to determine when and in what form they will receive their savings.
DIFS has a consumer hotline to assist policyholders with questions or disputes that cannot be directly resolved with their insurers.
Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or file a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
