DIFS Director Anita Fox Directs Michigan Insurance Companies to Report Climate Risks
National survey will help insurance regulators protect consumers by preparing for the risks posed by climate change
Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2023
(LANSING, MICH) Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox has directed Michigan-based insurance companies to report on their climate change-related risks and mitigation strategies via the national Climate Risk Disclosure Survey. Michigan joins with 26 other states in requiring the survey, a move that will help Michigan consumers and companies to be better prepared for catastrophic short- and long-term climate risks.
“Across the country, we are seeing more frequent and more severe weather events, and this is causing some insurers to exit the market in coastal states,” said Director Fox. “Thankfully, our weather patterns in Michigan have been more consistent, but we must be proactive to ensure that the future outlook for Michigan’s insurance market remains stable for Michigan consumers and businesses. By remaining vigilant and focusing our insurers on the risks posed by climate change, we can help ensure that Michigan remains a great place to live, work, and do business.”
The Climate Risk Disclosure Survey has been conducted annually since 2010 and currently covers approximately 80% of the national insurance market. It includes sections on governance, strategy, risk management, investments, and metrics, and requires insurance companies to measure their progress toward reducing climate risks across all areas of their business. The survey includes insurance companies with $100 million in direct premium across multiple lines, including health, life, and property and casualty.
Implementing the climate risk survey is one way Michigan is working to help protect consumers from the risks posed by climate change. The bipartisan National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recently adopted a new standard for the state insurance regulators participating in the survey, ensuring these data collection efforts will play a key role in insurance policy nationwide. In addition, insurance regulators from France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom currently require similar reports, and U.S. financial regulators, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, are also taking steps toward requiring climate risk disclosures for financial institutions.
For additional information on preparing for severe weather in Michigan, visit the DIFS Disaster Preparedness webpage. Consumers with questions or concerns about their insurance or financial services can visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints or call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
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 or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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