DeWitt, MI — Michigan drivers are fed up with paying some of the nation’s highest auto insurance bills, and today Tom Leonard became the first candidate for governor to hit the issue head-on. His sweeping Auto Insurance Affordability and Protection Plan aims to slash costs, expand coverage options and preserve protections for Michigan drivers.

The proposal comes as people across Michigan continue to face some of the highest auto insurance premiums in the Midwest, paying more than drivers in neighboring Ohio and Indiana by over $1,000 per year on average. This is an issue voters consistently raise with Leonard as he travels across the state.

“Michigan families are being forced to purchase insurance they may not need and can’t afford,” Leonard said. “You should have more freedom to pick your coverage, lower your costs, and stop being forced to pay for something you don’t need.”

Leonard emphasized that the goal of his plan is to lower costs without sacrificing care for those currently in the system or choose to purchase strong protections. His plan calls for:

• Giving drivers a choice between full or limited legal coverage

• Allowing lower-cost medical coverage options or opt-out with health insurance

• Reining in excessive lawsuits while protecting serious injury claims

• Holding insurers accountable for delays with strong penalties

“Right now, Michigan drivers are paying about a thousand dollars more than drivers in Ohio and Indiana,” Leonard said. “A real choice-based reform package can close much of that gap and put hundreds, if not over a thousand dollars a year, back in the pockets of Michigan drivers.”

After traveling the state, Leonard has consistently heard from voters about the high cost of auto insurance and a desire for real solutions. This proposal reflects his approach to lowering those costs and is intended to start a broader conversation, beginning with a roundtable discussion Monday, April 13.

Those interested in attending, or learning more, should contact the campaign at: info@tomformichigan.com

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