People’s hearing on unfair credit scoring practices set

Michigan consumers tired of paying the 12th highest auto insurances rates in the nation will convene in Lansing on Wednesday for a people’s hearing on unfair credit scoring practices.

Insurance companies base the rates they charge for auto insurance on factors that have nothing to do with their driving record or the value of their car. Insurance companies can set rates based on education level, credit score, zip code and even job title.

Rates should determined by a person’s driving record and the value of their car, but the Senate Economic Development Committee refuses to take up bills correcting that wrong that will lower rates for Michigan consumers. So the people will hold a hearing at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 16 in the Mackinac Room of the House Office Building, 124 N. Capitol in downtown Lansing.

The day will start with a march to the HOB beginning at noon from the steps of the Hall of Justice, 925 West Ottawa.

In addition to Melvin “Butch" Hollowell, the Michigan Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate, the panel will consist of Eleanor Josaitis, Co-Founder of Focus: HOPE; Dr. Oscar King III, President, Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Inc.; Michael Dabbs, President, Brain Injury Association; and Linda Teeter, Executive Director, Michigan Citizen Action.

The event is sponsored by Michigan Citizen Action, America Votes, Michigan State AFL-CIO, Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault, Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Inc. and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

There is limited transportation available to and from Lansing. Call Sen. Hansen Clarke‘s, D-Detroit, off ice at (877) 252-7537 or the Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate at (313) 456-3535 for more information.