The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services has developed this FAQ document to help answer questions about upcoming auto insurance refunds. Please use the content below as appropriate for your stakeholders:
Why are Michiganders getting auto insurance refunds?
Thanks to Michigan’s historic, bipartisan auto insurance reform law passed by the Michigan Legislature and signed by Governor Whitmer in 2019, Michigan drivers will soon receive $400 per vehicle refunds from their auto insurance companies. The new law has already resulted in over $1 billion in savings for Michigan drivers and a $5 billion surplus in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) catastrophic fund. Acting upon Governor Whitmer’s and legislators’ call to return the maximum amount of surplus funds to Michiganders with auto insurance while ensuring continuity of care for the injured, the MCCA authorized a $3 billion refund in late 2021.
Who is eligible for a refund?
Anyone who had a vehicle, motorcycle, or RV that was insured by a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements to operate on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021, is eligible to receive a refund for that vehicle.
How much will I get?
Eligible drivers will receive $400 per eligible vehicle. Historical vehicles are eligible for a refund of $80 per historical vehicle. That means a family with four insured vehicles will receive a $1,600 refund!
How will I get my refund?
The insurer that provided coverage for your vehicle at 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021, must issue your refund via a check or ACH deposit. Premium discounts, credits toward future or existing account balances, gift cards, or other forms of payment are not allowed.
Do I have to do anything to get my refund if I am eligible?
Eligible drivers do not have to do anything to receive their refund. Refunds will be sent directly to eligible policyholders by their insurance companies. To avoid potential delays, make sure your insurer has your most current address and banking information on file.
Is my refund taxable?
The MCCA refunds are generally not taxable for most Michiganders. People who deducted their auto insurance premiums as a business expense may be required to include all or a portion of this refund as income on their tax returns. Please consult your insurance agent or tax professional if you have questions about your specific circumstance.
Someone called and asked me for my personal information in order to get my refund. Is this legitimate?
No. Never give out personal information including address, birth date, Social Security Number, account numbers, or passwords to an unsolicited caller. If you receive a call about your MCCA refund, contact your insurance company to verify the request and inquire how you can provide information securely if necessary.
What if I don’t get my refund by May 9, 2022?
After May 9, if you have not received your refund, contact your insurance company or agent. If you cannot resolve your concern, call DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What do I do if I have questions or concerns about the refund process?
Consumers with questions can contact their insurance company or agent. If they still have questions, they can call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To file a complaint:
visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints
or email DIFSComplaints@michigan.gov.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MCCArefund.
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