Automobile insurers writing in the neighboring state of Michigan have upcoming certificate of insurance requirements under this year's SB 441. Beginning on Dec. 30, 2011, those insurers must provide to the insured one certificate of insurance for each insured vehicle. Moreover, for private passenger non-fleet automobiles listed on policies, insurers will be required to provide the secretary of state information. This includes the insurer's name, the named insured, the named insured's address, the vehicle identification number (VIN) for each such vehicle listed on the policy, and the policy number. The data reporting timeframe, frequency, and format will be determined by the secretary of state's office.

Also on the automobile front, Wisconsin's AB 4, effective Nov. 1, 2011, once again revises the minimum limits for auto insurance coverages and takes some additional steps in the fight against phantom vehicle fraud.  

What could the rest of this year bring from these states? One possible candidate for enactment is the currently pending Michigan HB 5002, which proposes some significant changes to workers' compensation insurance. Among those changes are revised definitions of an injury and wage earning capacity, with the latter meaning "the wages the employee earns or is capable of earning at a job reasonably available to that employee, whether or not actually earned." Potential changes like this one have already resulted in much controversy and debate in the legislative process.

Like holiday gifts, there really is no one-size-fits all when it comes to legislative changes in the insurance industry. Whether you are welcoming some of these changes, or dreading what lies ahead, there is no doubt the coming months will hold a level of anticipation for everyone involved.