December 2, 2003

In an effort to solicit as many "real world" scenarios regarding home and auto insurance rate differences, Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) Commissioner Linda A. Watters is asking consumers to complete and return the OFIS Insurance Rate Disparity Complaint Form (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/cis_ofis_fis_0035_76202_7.pdf). The form is also available by calling OFIS toll-free at 877-999-6442.

“This call for information is one of many steps that will ultimately lead to greater protection for consumers of the state of Michigan, improve industry regulation and assure affordable and equitable insurance options are across the state,” said Watters. “As we continue to seek answers to the question of rising insurance rates, who better to share their experiences than consumers. We will supplement the rate information we compile annually in our survey with real life situations.”

Commissioner Watters has enacted this grassroots effort to gather specific information from consumers across the state and what they have seen happen to their insurance rates.

“OFIS staff will continue to distribute copies of the new “Insurance Rate Disparity Complaint Form” through direct mailings, legislative offices, the OFIS web site and at town hall meetings where we talked one-on-one with consumers,” added Watters.

The information provided on the Insurance Rate Disparity Complaint Form will be compiled, analyzed and used in conjunction with research OFIS is conducting on insurance rates across Michigan.

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