DIFS Recovers Record $26 Million for Michigan Consumers

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:?February 17, 2023

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is announcing that the department helped recover more than $26 million for Michigan consumers, received more than 125,000 consumer calls, handled more than 8,500 complaints, and processed more than 98,000 licensee applications in 2022. All four achievements represent a record year for DIFS, the state agency responsible for regulating the insurance and financial services industries in Michigan.

?DIFS serves as a consumer protection agency and we are here to help answer questions or concerns that Michiganders might have as they deal with the insurance and financial services industries,? said DIFS Director Anita Fox. ?We are proud to have achieved several records in 2022, including the recovery of more than $26 million owed to Michiganders. We celebrate these achievements but, as always, we know there is more work to be done and our dedicated DIFS staff stands ready to assist in 2023 and beyond.?

The DIFS Office of Consumer Services (OCS) is responsible for assisting consumers with inquiries and complaints about the insurance and financial services industries in Michigan. Through the OCS call center and complaint handling processes, DIFS achieved:

• Total consumer recoveries: $26,155,463
• Consumer calls answered: 125,125
• Consumer complaints received: 8,517

In addition to directly assisting consumers with questions and complaints, DIFS also licenses individuals and companies to engage in the insurance and financial services industries in Michigan. Through the DIFS Office of Insurance Licensing, Investigations, and Audits, DIFS processed more than 78,000 new applications for insurance professionals in 2022, including adjusters, agents, and counselors. Through the DIFS Office of Consumer Finance, DIFS licensed more than 20,000 individuals and companies in 2022, including non-depository lending companies, mortgage loan officers, mortgage companies, motor vehicle financing companies, money transmitters, debt management companies, and deferred presentment companies, also known as payday lenders.

In total, DIFS regulates hundreds of thousands of licensed individuals and companies, including insurance companies and state-chartered banks and credit unions, ensuring that Michigan consumers have numerous options when it comes to shopping for insurance and financial services.

Consumers who have questions or disputes that cannot be directly resolved with their insurance or financial services entity, can contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

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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