Marquette, Mich.– The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) encourages Michiganders to be prepared for spring storms by reviewing their home insurance policies to make sure they have adequate coverage and preparing a home inventory.
“Having the appropriate insurance coverages will help you get your life back to normal as soon as possible after your home is damaged,” said DIFS Director Patrick McPharlin.
If severe weather causes damage to your home:
- Contact your insurance company’s claims hotline and/or your agent to report your claim. Have your policy number and other relevant information readily available. (Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet)
- If you have water damage, when contacting your insurance company be sure to communicate that you have experienced water damage and are looking to determine what coverage you have available. Do not simply state that your damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as a sewer backup or failing sump pump that may be covered under your policy.
- Take steps to protect your property and prevent further loss.
- Document your loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until the insurance company instructs you to remove the items.
Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline at 877-999-6442.
If you believe your insurance company has not handled your claim properly, you can file a complaint with DIFS. When you file a complaint, DIFS acts as a link between you and the company or agent. DIFS will try to resolve the complaint and see that your questions are answered.
For more information, visit “How to File a Complaint” on the DIFS website. For a copy of DIFS Insurance Tracking Sheet, please visit the Disaster tab on the consumer page.
For more information about DIFS or the services provided, please visit the website at www.michigan.gov/difs, follow them on Twitter or “Like” them on Facebook.
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