According to the poll, conducted by Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group, at the request of the Michigan Insurance Fraud Awareness Coalition, of 600 registered voters statewide, 93 percent of respondents said insurance fraud causes everyone’s insurance premiums to increase.
The survey also found:
- 92 percent of Michigan residents believe that insurance fraud is a serious or somewhat serious crime.
- 70 percent said they would support a law to create a fraud authority that would grant funds to local law enforcement and prosecutors to arrest and convict people guilty of insurance fraud.
- 60 percent said they would be willing to pay an extra $2 per year in their auto insurance premiums to arrest and prosecute those who commit insurance fraud.
- One in six people said they know someone who has committed insurance fraud.
In June, the Michigan House approved HB 5701 that would create an authority to tax auto insurance companies and self-insured entities, generating about $21 million in annual revenue. The funds would support local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to reduce insurance fraud.