State Rep. Brad Paquette today joined colleagues in approving a bipartisan plan to deliver auto insurance reform and significant rate relief to drivers across the state.

The House overwhelmingly voted to approve legislation guaranteeing lower 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 plan, Senate Bill 1, will next head to the Senate for final approval and is expected to receive the governor’s signature.

The bipartisan solution is designed to end Michigan’s long tenure as the state with the most expensive car insurance rates in the nation.

“Our friends and families are continuously tempted to move across the border to Indiana to escape Michigan’s ridiculous auto insurance costs,” said Paquette, of Niles. “Drivers deserve to make choices about their coverage and select what’s best for them – that’s why I support this plan today.”

Michigan’s costs are high largely because it’s the only state mandating unlimited lifetime health care coverage through car insurance. The bipartisan reform 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.