Adequately insured motorcycle riders don’t require helmets

Motorcycle riders who carry enough motorcycle insurance – and who carry proof of that coverage – are now allowed to drive in Michigan without helmets following a preliminary vote in the state’s House that lifted that requirement. The legislation states that any motorcycle driver who is 21 years or older will be allowed to ride without wearing a helmet as long as he or she carries a minimum of $20,000 in medical coverage. Furthermore, the driver must have successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course and must have at least…

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Michigan is home to the nation’s fourth worst insurance market, according to report

A recently released report from the American Medical Association casts some doubt on the insurance market in Michigan. The report shows that the state has the fourth least-competitive health insurance market in the U.S. The findings are the result of rigorous studies done throughout the country to find how many companies are actually participating in the various markets. The lackluster status of Michigan’s market may be due to the fact that Blue Cross Blue Shield encompasses the majority of the market. According to the report, the large insurance corporation controls…

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Legislators fight back against auto insurance changes in Michigan

New legislation in Michigan seeking to change the state’s auto insurance laws has found opposition with some of the state’s lawmakers. Michigan Democrats have taken issue with the pending legislation, claiming that it is unfair for some motorists that currently have trouble paying for the insurance coverage they have. The law would remove the cap on medical benefits provided through insurance coverage for those injured in auto accidents as well as broaden the requirement for the level of coverage drivers should have. Supporters of the legislation argue that it will…

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Insurance industry backing a bill stopping medical marijuana claims from workers compensation coverage

The Insurance Institute of Michigan has revealed that the insurance industry in the state has supported a proposed law that would stop the workers compensation from being able to fund medical marijuana claims. There is already a bill being considered by the legislature in Michigan which would ban auto insurance companies from being allowed to provide payouts for medical marijuana as an part of accident claims. Some auto insurers have already been making these payments as there is some uncertainty connected to the law regarding medical marijuana in the state.…

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Insurance commissioner’s surprise announcement

Michigan is down one insurance commissioner. Today, Ken Ross, former holder of the office, announced that he would be stepping down, effective Friday. Ross’s announcement was a surprise as he was expected to hold office well into next year. Speculation abounds as to why Ross has abdicated his position, but Ross himself holds that the decision was motivated by personal reasons. Ross was first appointed to the office in 2008 by then Governor Jennifer Granholm. The position normally constitutes a four-year-term. He oversaw the agency through trying economic times and…

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