Car Insurance Weblog

© madaroni

The automobile no-fault law in Michigan needs to be updated to promote efficiency, promote affordability and make the system more robust. Right now there are too many drivers in Michigan who are without insurance due to issues with affordability, but this could be addressed in part by reducing car insurance claims filing time. Today, it can take a medical provider up to a year before they send a bill to a Michigan auto insurer, which makes it very difficult for insurers to identify and prevent fraudulent billing.

Prompt filing requirements would promote effective claim review and ensure more efficient provider payments. Another key reform is to create a low-cost policy option for low-income drivers, many of whom have been priced out of the current market. This low-cost policy should provide a basic level of coverage at an affordable price.

© chad davis

The Wisconsin State Assembly has passed legislation which would lower the minimum car insurance coverage levels required in the state. While insurance would still be mandatory under the rules of this Republican bill, most motorists would have to purchase less coverage liability. Democrats had approved higher minimums in 2009, and so this new bill reverses those increases as they Republicans claim that the higher minimums were making car insurance more expensive.

The Senate approved the bill last month, and now that the Assembly has approved an identical version Democrats are trying to block it from moving forward. They are using a procedural move to delay Assembly Republicans from sending the Assembly version over to the Senate. However, the GOP can easily move the bill to the Senate during the Assembly's next regular floor session, and this would clear the way for signature by the governor.

© UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO : WORLD : SENSE ]

Following is a run-down of the "Big 5" in the US car insurance market, with the pros and cons to each company detailed. Progressive is the third biggest car insurance company in the country, and they offer some unbeatable rates and personalized policies. However, their customer service is not always the greatest. Allstate gives big rebates and discounts for safe drivers, but sometimes discounts are not applied properly unless customers follow up on it.

Esurance is committed to reduce their impact on the environment through a web-based platform, and they even provide hybrid cars for employee travel. However, the lack of local agents can complicate the process of filing a claim. Geico allows customers to create very personalised and flexible plans, but their communication of policy changes can be slow. State farm is a very trustworthy company with great customer service at the local level, but their claims service can be very slow to resolve and pay out claims.