Michigan is not known for affordable auto insurance. However, in 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an auto insurance reform that would return some of the surplus from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) to eligible drivers. 

The money is being sent out in 2022, and eligible drivers should have received or will receive $400 from their auto insurance companies shortly. Read on to learn more about the Michigan refund amount, who is eligible, and what to do if you haven’t yet received your refund. 

Michigan Refund Amount and Eligibility 

There was a $5 billion surplus for the MCCA catastrophic fund in 2019, and $3 billion was slated to be returned to Michigan drivers. The refund amounts that are to be sent out to eligible drivers are as follows: 

• $400 for owners of vehicles 
• $80 for owners of historic vehicles

Vehicles extend to cars, motorcycles, and RVs. Historic vehicles are generally older, classic cars that are at least 20 to 30 years old and not used for daily use. There are no other requirements. Some may wonder if they’ll get the Michigan refund even with a DUI. Regardless of driving records, as long as a driver was insured with Michigan auto insurance coverage before 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021, they should receive the $400 or $80 refund from their insurance company. 

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Refund 

The Michigan funds were supposed to be sent by insurers by paper check or ACH deposit by May 9, 2022. However, not everyone has yet received their refund. If you haven’t yet received your refund, make sure that your information is correct, such as your address and bank account information. 

If drivers have incorrect information, this could cause a delay in their refund being processed. If you haven’t yet received your refund, you should call your auto insurance company and speak to a representative. They can help sort out why you haven’t received your refund. 

It’s important to note that there may be potential fraud calls or emails about the Michigan refund that ask for your personal information. Some may appear to be from an insurance company or a reputable government site. If you get a call or email asking for your personal information for the refund, don’t respond. You should only call and speak directly to your car insurance company about the refund. 

How to Save on Car Insurance if You Didn’t Get a Refund 

If you weren’t eligible for the refund in Michigan, there are still ways to save on your car insurance policy. Some of the best ways to save on your car insurance policy are as follows: 

• Drive a safe car. Driving a vehicle that does well in a crash and has multiple safety features can earn you a cheaper rate. 

• Eliminate unnecessary coverages for old vehicles. A good rule of thumb is that if your annual car insurance premium for extra coverages is worth 10% of your old car, you can consider getting rid of extra coverages and opting for liability insurance only.

• Get discounts. Make sure you are getting all the auto insurance discounts possible from your insurer. Even small ones, like paperless discounts, can add up in the end. Some insurers also offer usage-based insurance programs that reward safe drivers. 
• Get quotes. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you find the best rate in your area. 

Because Michigan has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, even with a refund, Michigan car insurance rates will be expensive. Following the tips above should help you find a cheaper rate on car insurance. It will also help if you focus on keeping a clean driving record, which can greatly reduce car insurance costs. 

The Bottom Line: Refunds for Michigan Drivers 

Eligible drivers in Michigan should have already received either $400 for their vehicle or $80 for a historic vehicle. If you haven’t yet received your check or direct deposit from your car insurance company, it is best to reach out to your car insurance company directly. Make sure not to fall for scam calls or emails asking for personal information. 

If your Michigan car insurance is still expensive, even with the refund, the best thing you can do is use a free quote comparison tool to make sure you are getting the best car insurance rate possible.