(No caption)
Michigan's auto insurance is pricey, to say the least, particularly if you live in Detroit, where rates for a good driver can easily hit $5,000 a year.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge George C. Steeh in Detroit invited state leaders to address Michigan's "shameful" no-fault auto insurance law during a hearing in a lawsuit that challenges the law's constitutionality, reports Christine Ferretti of The Detroit News.
Steeh noted new leadership in the state Legislature that he believes "have an appreciation of the problems" and "may be in a position now to address what really is a shameful situation as it relates to the cost of our insurance coverage."
"I don't know another word for it, but it is all of that, at least," said Steeh during the hearing, according to the News. "In the meantime, I understand officials represented here are going to be talking about possible solutions to the problem. I think this is the time to strike."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and several motorists are suing the state, arguing no-fault law has led to “excessive” rates that violate the constitutional rights of Michigan citizens. The state is arguing that it is not a constitutional issue, and therefore the case should be tossed from federal court.
The lawsuit asks that state lawmakers address the matter or the state revert to a tort system in which an at-fault driver would be responsible for damages, medical expenses and other costs resulting from a crash, The News reports.
