Senate GOP launches website on lowering auto insurance rates

Michigan Senate Republicans are continuing their quest to lower auto insurance rates in the state and they’re calling on citizens to share their stories of what they would do with the savings.

State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) on Wednesday tweeted about a new website, ifmirateswerelower.com, that asks Michiganders: “What would it mean to you and your family if your rates were lower? What could you do with that extra money each month?”

Is your auto insurance plan too expensive? What would you do if you could save on your plan? Tell your story at https://t.co/GlpWlzElq4 #IfMiRatesWereLower https://t.co/qViexfOM19

— Sen. Mike Shirkey (@SenMikeShirkey) March 27, 2019

The website was registered on March 20 by Bill Carney, who does new media development for the state Senate Republicans, according to GoDaddy search results.

Reforming the state’s “no-fault” auto insurance policy, which critics say has led to Michigan having some of the highest rates in the country, has been a top priority for Republicans in the House and Senate, with some bipartisan support.

Senate Republicans have identified the issue as their top priority this year, as the Advance previously reported. The state House meanwhile created a new special committee specifically tasked with addressing the issue.

“Michigan drivers are demanding more affordable car insurance rates, and it’s well past time we deliver them,” Committee Chair state Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Clare) said in a January statement. “I’m confident this group of legislators — with representation from Detroit all the way to Menominee — will develop a meaningful fix that unquestionably brings real rate relief for all Michiganders. Let’s get to work and get it done.”

On average, Michigan drivers are paying more than $2,200 for their annual premiums, almost $900 more than the national average, according to a website set up by the House committee.