DIFS Encourages Michiganders to Add Inventory and Insurance Policy Reviews to Their Spring Cleaning

Media Contact: DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2025
(LANSING, MICH) Spring is here and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is encouraging Michiganders to take inventory of their property and review insurance policies as part of their spring cleaning tasks.

“Spring is an ideal time to review your insurance policies and take a comprehensive inventory of your belongings,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Incorporating this annual practice into your spring routine helps ensure proper coverage and prepares you in the event of an insurance claim.”
Here are some tips and resources to help you make accurate inventory of your property and ensure you have suitable protections in place for everything you own:

• Take Inventory – Creating a system to track your belongings is important for keeping accurate records and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage in place in case your items are damaged, lost, or stolen. A thorough review of your homeowners or renters insurance policy, along with taking an inventory of your personal belongings, will help you understand your existing coverage.
• Inventory Assisted by Technology – You can download helpful organizational apps on your phone or other mobile devices. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers the NAIC Home Inventory app, which allows users to create a record of their belongings, including the ability to scan barcodes for accurate information about items, and upload images of all inventory. The app also allows users to group items by room and category, and export your inventory to provide to your insurance company in the event you file a claim. Consider keeping receipts for big ticket items.
• Review Coverage – Reviewing your homeowners or renters policy is a good way to make sure your property and all your belongings are well protected. You may find some of your valuables, such as jewelry or other high-priced items, are not adequately covered. Flood damage is also typically not covered unless you have purchased flood insurance, and water and sewer back-up is 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 water damage occurs.
• Seasonal Possessions – Some of the things you own may only be used during the warm weather months, such as boats or other recreational vehicles. Review your policies with a licensed insurance agent to help you determine if your seasonal possessions are adequately covered in case of damage, theft, or liability.
• Prepare for Emergencies – As you organize your home and take inventory of your belongings, also store copies of all insurance policy declaration pages and insurance cards in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or online in the cloud, in case the originals are destroyed or lost. This practice minimizes stress and prepares you for emergencies and filing claims.
• Protect your Finances - Make sure to have a financial plan, such as a dedicated emergency fund, for paying an insurance policy’s deductible to help avoid severe financial strain in the aftermath of a disaster. A deductible is a certain amount of money that must be paid out-of-pocket before the insurance company will pay a claim after a loss.
• Shop Around – Reviewing and understanding your insurance policies is a key step in being prepared, and shopping around can help ensure you have the insurance coverage that best fits your family’s needs and budget.

DIFS encourages consumers to reach out to their insurance company or agent for help with their existing insurance policies. Consumers can also contact DIFS for assistance at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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, X, or LinkedIn.

####