Press Release

*DIFS Promotes the Importance of Life Insurance During National Life Insurance Day
**"State consumer protection agency offers publications, shopping tips, assistance to consumers "*

*Media Contact:?**Laura Hall*, (517) 290-3779, [email protected]
*Consumer Hotline:* 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints [ [link removed] ]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*?May 2, 2023

(LANSING, MICH) May 2 is National Life Insurance Day, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers about the important role that life insurance may play in their financial plan. To help Michiganders understand the protection that a life insurance policy provides, DIFS offers a variety of consumer resources, as well as the Life Insurance and Annuity Search, which has helped locate lost or forgotten policies and recover millions of dollars for Michigan beneficiaries.

?Life insurance and annuities can be an important part of financial planning for Michiganders and can serve to build generational wealth and secure financial stability for children, grandchildren, or other beneficiaries,? said *DIFS Director Anita Fox*. ?DIFS is here to help consumers understand how to purchase life insurance and the benefits life insurance policies provide, as well as to assist those who cannot find important records after the death of a loved one.?

Purchasing life insurance can help provide peace of mind that your loved ones will have the financial resources they need to pay daily bills, cover end-of-life expenses, or pay medical bills if tragedy strikes. Life insurance may also be a key component of a family?s strategy for long-term financial or retirement planning, paying for college, and building generational wealth.

A recent study [ [link removed] ] shows that approximately 65% of Americans do not buy life insurance because they are unsure how to buy a policy or whether life insurance is right for their needs or budget. To help make this process easier, DIFS helps Michiganders with life insurance or annuity questions by:


* Providing publications, tips, locators, and other information about shopping for life insurance or annuities in Michigan on the DIFS Life and Annuities website. [ [link removed] ]
* Operating the DIFS Call Center, which provides Michiganders the chance to speak with a live specialist Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 877-999-6442. DIFS can also be reached via email at [email protected].
* Reviewing and acting on consumer complaints against insurance companies, agencies, and agents. Consumers are encouraged to first attempt to resolve disputes directly with their insurance company or agent but, if a resolution cannot be reached, DIFS can help try to resolve your dispute. Complaints can be filed online at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints [ [link removed] ].

In addition to providing information and assistance to consumers, DIFS administers the Life Insurance and Annuity Search [ [link removed] ] Service (LIAS) to help those who cannot find information about their deceased loved one's life insurance policies or annuity contracts. For more information on LIAS, call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit Michigan.gov/LIAS [ [link removed] ], or email [email protected]. A national resource is also available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at EApps.NAIC.org/Life-Policy-Locator [ [link removed] ].

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS [ [link removed] ]?or follow the Department on Facebook [ [link removed] ], Twitter [ [link removed] ], or LinkedIn [ [link removed] ].

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