Press Release

*Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Offers Insurance Advice Following Remnants of Hurricane Beryl*

*Media Contact:* [email protected] 
*Consumer Hotline:* 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints [ [link removed] ]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:* July 11, 2024

(LANSING, MICH) Following the heavy rain and flooding brought to Michigan by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is providing tips and resources to assist affected residents with filing insurance claims.

“Many areas of Michigan experienced heavy rainfall and water damage to homes and vehicles as the remainder of Hurricane Beryl swept across the state,” said *DIFS Director Anita Fox*. “If you were impacted by severe weather, carefully review your insurance policies and work with your agent or insurance companies to see what coverage is available. DIFS is available to answer questions and assist consumers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.”

Anyone impacted by storm or rain damage should:


* *Contact their insurance company’s claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. *Have the policy number and other relevant information readily available. DIFS has prepared an Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet [ [link removed] ] to make this process easier.
* *If there is water damage *to a home or other structure, consumers should tell their insurance company that there is water damage, and they are looking to determine what coverage is available. Consumers should not simply state that the damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as storm-related rainwater intrusion, sewer back-up, or a failing sump pump, that may be covered under the policy.
* *If there is damage to a vehicle*, consumers should contact their auto insurance company. They may have coverage for the damage if they carry comprehensive coverage on their auto policy.
* *Take steps to protect the property and prevent further loss. *Be sure to keep receipts for any purchases of supplies that are needed to protect the property.
* *Document the loss. *Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
* *Review their insurance policies *to understand their coverage and discuss with their agent or insurance company if there are any questions.
* *Protect themselves from fraud. *After a severe weather incident, fraudsters claiming to be adjusters, contractors, and other service providers often go door-to-door purporting to offer services, like debris cleanup or building repairs, that will not be completed, or may be completed with poor-quality materials or shoddy workmanship. Contact your insurance company before hiring a contractor, and be sure to check the service provider’s credentials, including licenses, references, and insurance. Also, remember insurance companies pay the adjusters they employ, and you should not be asked for any payment for their services. To report a scam or price gouging, contact Michigan's Attorney General at 877-765-8388 or online [ [link removed] ] for further information.
* *Verify that they have the appropriate insurance coverage with their insurance agent or company and discuss any coverage needs.* Though many types of storm damage are covered by homeowners and renters insurance, flood damage [ [link removed] ] is typically not covered unless you have purchased flood insurance [ [link removed] ]. Water and sewer back-up is also not automatically covered under a homeowners or renters policy so it is important to discuss coverage options with an insurance agent or insurance company before flooding or damage occurs.

Additional disaster recovery and preparedness information is available on the DIFS website [ [link removed] ].

DIFS encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company. If a resolution cannot be reached, DIFS will help try to resolve disputes. To learn more and file a complaint, visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints [ [link removed] ]. Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline 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 [ [link removed] ] or follow the Department on Facebook [ [link removed] ], X [ [link removed] ], or LinkedIn [ [link removed] ].

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services · PO Box 30220 · Lansing, MI 48909-7720