State Rep. Mike Mueller, of Linden, today issued the following statement criticizing the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) for raising the per-insured-vehicle assessment to $220 for the 2019-2020 period (from the current $192):

“The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association’s latest fee hike of nearly 15 percent to $220 is only adding to the overburden Michigan drivers face annually. The record high personal injury protection fee combined with insurance premiums that are already the most expensive in the nation is dangerous news for motorists’ pocketbooks.

“This ridiculous trend is becoming all too familiar – drivers are getting used to their budgets being drained for a rigged car insurance system that continues to benefit big players rather than hard-working Michigan families. This fee is reflective of a major problem within Michigan’s no-fault car insurance. Each year, the number of drivers driving ‘dirty’ is growing rapidly.

“As a sheriff’s deputy of 19 years, I know firsthand how many drivers across the state operate uninsured. The latest annual per-insured-vehicle assessment hike will only increase that level, making our roadways a much less safer place. As more and more motorists ditch car insurance, those able to afford insuring their vehicles will be left footing the bill for those who are driving illegally. Our drivers deserve better.

“A legislative fix is inevitable – drivers are demanding change. That’s why we created the House Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance. We hear your voices and we want to solve this budget buster. I will continue working diligently with my House colleagues and the Senate in find a genuine solution that works for all motorists across the state.”