Helping You Understand the MCCA
What is the MCCA and why does it exist?
The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) is a non-profit association established in 1978 by the Michigan Legislature. As present, the MCCA pays for all medical expenses for people with auto-related medical injuries that exceed $325,000. This state mandated law requires the MCCA to assess insurance companies an annual fee on each registered automobile and motorcycle the company insures in Michigan. This assessment is incorporated in the rates policyholders pay for their auto insurance. Since 1978, the MCCA has processed approximately 16,900 injury claims and has paid out more than $3 billion toward medical coverage. More than 9,400 claims remain open and continue to receive payments through the fund.
Why did the MCCA assessment increase so dramatically?
The higher fee is needed to replenish the MCCA because a $3 billion surplus in a statewide fund to cover catastrophic injuries was depleted through refunds and credit to drivers.
Can Michigan motorists pay too much for auto insurance?
Auto insurance rates for Michigan policyholders rose at a slower rate than the national average. Michigan’s auto insurance rates increased an average of 7% last year, while the national average increased by 8.5%. According to the most recent figures available, Michigan ranked 18th in the nation in average auto insurance premiums. It is important to remember that no state has a more generous benefit package than does Michigan. Our state is the only one in the nation to provide unlimited medical and rehabilitation benefits for life (which is paid for through MCCA assessments). Consumer Reports Magazine has repeatedly hailed Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law as the nation’s best, saying “The most successful no-fault law is in Michigan…it puts more dollars into the hands of the injured people and fewer in the pockets of attorneys.”
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