MI HB4253

Prohibits insurers from using the location of an insured's residence as a factor in determining rates for automobile insurance or home insurance policies.

Specifies that automobile insurance classifications may only be based on factors such as driver age/experience, driver primacy, weekly/annual mileage, vehicle characteristics, commuting distance, number of cars/licensed operators, and insurance amount.

Adds additional factors for personal protection insurance (earned income, dependents, coordination of benefits, safety belt use) and collision/comprehensive coverage (repair costs, vehicle make/model, damageability, theft prevention devices).

Requires each insurer to establish a merit rating plan allowing premium surcharges based on at-fault accidents, traffic violations, and convictions, but prohibits merit rating for civil infractions longer than the Secretary of State carries points.

Prohibits grouping automobile and home insurance risks by territory, eliminates the use of sex or marital status in rating, and takes effect January 1, 2010.