How to make an insurance claim after severe storms in Michigan
On Wednesday and Thursday night, tornadoes and thunderstorms tore through Michigan communities, resulting in severe flooding and property damage.
In order to assist the many Michiganders affected by the storms, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is providing residents with tips on how to file insurance claims and protect themselves from fraud.
More: Storms, multiple confirmed tornadoes across Michigan leave communities reeling
What to know when filing a claim
Review insurance policies to understand their coverage.
Contact your insurance company's claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. Gather your policy number and other relevant information before you call and ask if you have any questions about your insurance policies.
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.
Make sure to keep track of all interactions with your insurance company and independent and/or public adjuster. It is also important to keep track of any emergency damage repair by keeping the associated receipts and taking pictures of the damaged area before and after the repair. To make this process easier, you can use the DIFS Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet.
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.
If there is water damage to a home or other structure, make sure to tell your insurance company that there is water damage and they are looking to determine what coverage is available. You 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 rain water intrusion, sewer backup, or 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.
More: Michigan power outage map: How to check your status
How to protect yourself 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, says the DIFS. Contact your insurer before hiring a contractor, and be sure to check the service provider’s credentials, including licenses, references, and insurance. Also, remember that adjusters are paid by the insurance company and should never ask homeowners for any payment for their services that are covered by their homeowners or renter’s policy.
DIFS is available to answer questions and assist consumers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How to make an insurance claim after Michigan storms
