The article highlights Michigan’s warning about fraudsters posing as adjusters or contractors after severe weather. It outlines authoritative steps from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to file claims, protect consumers, and navigate potential disputes.
It also emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials and understanding flood coverage. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to leverage official resources such as claim-tracking tools and state support centers.
Key guidance from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
The state’s insurance watchdog urges residents to be proactive in filing claims and protecting themselves during recovery. DIFS Director Anita Fox notes that the department operates a live call center to assist with questions and next steps.
Understanding your policy is essential, because many homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage. The term “flood” can have a precise policy definition.
Some water-related incidents—such as rain intrusion, sewer backup, or sump pump failure—may fall under coverage. Keeping detailed records helps ensure you can substantiate losses or protections when needed.
Steps to filing a claim and documenting losses
When you experience storm or flood-related damage, follow a clear sequence to organize the claims process and documentation.
- Contact your insurer or agent promptly to review your policy and initiate the claims process.
- Have your policy numbers and supporting documentation ready to streamline verification and processing.
- Document losses with photos and videos to establish a record of damages for claims and potential disputes.
- Keep damaged items until instructed otherwise by your insurer or adjuster, in case they are needed for appraisal.
- Retain receipts for necessary protective purchases (tarps, boarding, temporary repairs) to support reimbursement requests.
- Use the DIFS insurance claim tracking tool to organize claim information and stay informed about progress.
Fraud prevention and contractor due diligence
Fraudulent activity often increases after severe weather, so residents should be vigilant about who is hired to assess damage or perform repairs. The state warns against paying adjusters—who are typically paid by insurers—for services that are already covered by your policy.
It emphasizes the importance of verifying contractor credentials before any work begins. Protecting yourself from scam artists means asking the right questions and confirming licenses, insurance, and references before approving any work.
Checklist: best practices to avoid scams
- Verify contractor credentials (license, registration, and insurer references) before any agreement.
- Avoid upfront payments until work milestones are completed and inspected.
- Get written estimates from multiple reputable contractors for comparison.
- Be cautious with door-to-door offers or high-pressure sales tactics common after storms.
- Never pay an adjuster directly for services covered by your insurance policy.
Resources, dispute resolution, and where to get help
If you have disputes with insurers that cannot be resolved directly, DIFS’s Office of Consumer Services is available to assist. You can file complaints at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints to pursue formal remedies and guidance.
The state also provides additional disaster resources and preparedness information through other channels to support recovery and resilience.
Beyond DIFS, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division has activated a Joint Information Center to coordinate communications and resources.
MIReady offers preparedness information and disaster resources for residents across the state.
Access to these official channels helps ensure you navigate the recovery process with accurate information and support.
Here is the source article for this story: State issues guidance on insurance claims after severe weather