SENATE BILL No. 576

 

 

June 8, 2005, Introduced by Senators BASHAM, JACOBS and PRUSI and referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions.

 

 

 

     A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled

 

"The insurance code of 1956,"

 

(MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 2229.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

 

     Sec. 2229. (1) If an insurer refuses to pay an insured for

 

loss or damage incurred and covered under an automobile or home

 

insurance policy because the insurer suspects the insured was

 

involved in arson or theft concerning the loss or damage, the

 

insurer shall notify the fire or law enforcement authority with

 

jurisdiction in the locale where the loss or damage occurred of the

 

insurer's suspicions.

 

     (2) If an insured prevails after trial in an action to recover

 

under an insurance policy where the insurer had refused to pay

 


based on suspected arson or theft, the court shall award to the

 

insured all costs and expenses in bringing the action including,

 

but not limited to, reasonable and actual attorney fees and court

 

costs.