From severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to flooding, wildfires, and winter storms, Michigan experiences a wide range of weather emergencies each year. While no one can predict when disaster will happen, taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family, your property, and your finances.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is here to help you understand your insurance coverage, navigate the claims process, and avoid fraud before and after a disaster.
On this page, you'll learn how to:
The best time to prepare for a disaster is before one happens.
If you don’t have insurance coverage, now is the time to work with a trusted insurance professional to purchase coverage that best fits your needs. DIFS offers a free locator tool to find local insurance agents, agencies, and companies near you. If you have do have insurance, review your insurance policies every year to make sure your coverage reflects your current needs. If you've renovated your home, purchased valuable property or experienced changes in your household, your policy may need to be updated.
Talk with your insurance agent or insurance company about whether additional endorsements or optional coverages make sense for your situation.
Depending on where you live and what you own, you may want to review:
Preparing now can make recovering after a disaster less stressful and time consuming.
Create a home inventory that includes:
Store copies digitally or in a secure location outside your home.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free Home Inventory app and printable inventory worksheets to help you get started.
Store copies of:
Consider storing electronic copies in a secure cloud account.
Include:
Once everyone is safe, taking the right steps can help move your insurance claim forward as quickly as possible.
Notify your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
Keep detailed notes of every conversation, including:
Download DIFS’ Insurance Claim Tracking Sheet.
Water Damage Following Severe Weather
If there is water-related damage to your home or other structure, be careful with the language you use to describe the loss to your insurance company when you file your claim, rather than indicate that you have flooding. The best approach is to tell your insurance company (or agent) that you experienced water damage and are looking to determine what coverage is available under your policy.
It’s important to know that “flood” may have a specialized meaning when communicating with your insurance company as there may be many causes for water damage, such as storm-related rainwater intrusion, sewer back up, or sump pump failure, that may be covered under your insurance policy.
Most insurance policies require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Examples include:
Save receipts for emergency repairs and temporary supplies. These expenses may be reimbursable.
Do not begin permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage or tells you to proceed.
Before cleaning up:
If your home is uninhabitable, ask whether your homeowners or renters insurance includes Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage.
This coverage may help pay for:
Business owners should also ask whether their policy includes business interruption coverage.
Your insurance company may recommend contractors or repair facilities, but you have the right to choose your own contractor.
Before signing any contract:
Unfortunately, disasters often attract scammers who take advantage of homeowners during stressful situations.
Watch for warning signs such as:
A licensed public adjuster may represent you during the insurance claims process.
In Michigan:
Verify a public adjuster's license before signing any agreement.
If you suspect fraud, contractor scams or price gouging following a disaster, report it.
For suspected price gouging, contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Phone: 877-765-8388
If you have questions about your insurance coverage or believe your insurance company has not handled your claim properly, DIFS may be able to help.
Our department licenses insurance companies, insurance agents, and public adjusters doing business in Michigan and helps consumers understand their rights under Michigan insurance law.
DIFS can:
Find information tailored to the type of disaster you've experienced.
Flooding
Learn about flood insurance, coverage limitations and recovery resources.
Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Understand common storm damage claims, roof damage, fallen trees, and wind-related losses.
Winter Storms
Find information about frozen pipes, roof collapse, ice damage and power outages.
Fire
Learn what to expect during the insurance claims process after a home fire.
Power Outages
Understand insurance considerations related to food spoilage, property damage and generator safety.
Explore trusted emergency preparedness information from state and national partners.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover many types of wind and hail damage, but coverage varies by policy. Flood damage is generally not covered under a standard homeowners policy.
Yes. Flood damage is typically excluded from standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and private insurers.
Yes. Although your insurance company may recommend contractors, you have the right to hire the contractor of your choice.
Start by discussing the issue with your insurance company. If you believe your claim was not handled properly, you may file a complaint with DIFS.
Does my business insurance cover storm or disaster damage?
It depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Many commercial property insurance policies cover damage caused by events such as wind, hail and fire, but standard policies generally do not cover flood damage. Review your policy or contact your insurance agent or company to understand what is covered and whether additional coverage may be appropriate for your business.
What is business interruption insurance?
Business interruption insurance, sometimes called business income coverage, may help replace lost income and pay certain ongoing operating expenses if your business must temporarily close because of a covered loss. Coverage varies by policy, so ask your insurance company what expenses are covered and how long benefits may be available.
Can I begin cleaning up or making repairs before my insurance company inspects the damage?
Yes, you should take reasonable steps to protect your business from additional damage, such as covering a damaged roof or securing broken windows. Document the damage with photos and videos before beginning cleanup whenever possible, keep receipts for emergency repairs, and avoid making permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property or advises you to proceed.
What records should I keep when filing a commercial insurance claim?
Maintain copies of repair estimates, invoices, receipts, photographs, videos, inventory records and documentation of any lost income or extra expenses related to the disaster. Keeping organized records can help support your claim and may help speed up the claims process.
How can I prepare my business before a disaster?
Develop a business continuity plan and review your insurance coverage each year to make sure it reflects your current operations. Keep digital backups of important business records, maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment and assets, and make sure employees know emergency procedures and key contact information.
Where can I get help if I have questions about my commercial insurance claim?
If you have questions about your policy or believe your insurance company has not handled your claim properly, DIFS may be able to help. Our Consumer Services team can answer questions about Michigan insurance laws, explain the claims process and review complaints involving insurance companies licensed to do business in Michigan.
