House approves landmark legislation after decades of gridlock

State Rep. Jason Wentworth of Clare – who leads the special House committee tasked with lowering car insurance rates in Michigan – this week joined colleagues in approving a historic plan to provide rate relief for drivers across the state.

The House-approved plan lowers rates by giving drivers more choice on personal injury protection coverage, stopping price gouging on medical services for car accident victims, and combating fraudulent claims to help lower costs.

The changes are designed to end Michigan’s long tenure as the state with the most expensive insurance rates in the nation.

“No matter what part of the state, Michigan families are sick and tired of paying astronomical car insurance rates they cannot afford,” said Wentworth, chair of the House Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates. “We spent the past 15 weeks taking testimony, hearing from thousands of Michigan drivers and their families, and meeting with every stakeholder working on this issue in an inclusive, transparent and deliberative process. We rolled up our sleeves, set our differences aside and approached the issue with open minds to come up with a plan to lead the way to a better Michigan.”

Michigan’s costs are high largely because it’s the only state mandating unlimited lifetime health care coverage through car insurance. The House plan allows those currently using the coverage to keep it, and those who want it in the future to continue buying it – while providing more affordable options.

The sweeping legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (left) and state Rep. Jason Wentworth talk to the press after the House approved landmark legislation making car insurance more affordable in Michigan.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jason Wentworth addresses the full House body on Thursday in favor a House plan to bring relief to Michigan drivers through lower car insurance rates.