Consumer Counselor
Insurance Information for Michigan Consumers
[FIS-PUB 0216] Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services | 877-999-6442 | www.Michigan.gov/DIFS [04/20]
Homeowners Insurance Policies: How to Claim What is Yours
If your house burns down, your roof is damaged,
or your home is burglarized, you may be able to
make a claim against your insurance policy.
Under the Michigan Insurance Code, you have
important rights governing the payment of
benefits from your insurance company.
A policyholder has the following
responsibilities after a loss:
1. Notify your insurance company or agent as
soon as possible if you have a claim.
2. Take reasonable action to minimize the loss
or damage, such as boarding up or covering
damaged property, replacing a broken lock, or
notifying the police in the event of a theft.
3. Cooperate with the insurance company, as
required by the policy, including providing any
reasonable information the company asks for
as proof of your claim.
4. Provide the insurance company with an
inventory of any damaged personal property
showing the quantity, description, actual cash
value, and total amount of the loss.
Upon receipt of your claim, your insurance
company must do the following things:
1. Tell you within 30 days of filing your claim,
what information is needed to begin
processing your claim (proof of loss).
2. Must pay your claim within 60 days after they
have received proof of loss. If they fail to pay
within 60 days, the claim is considered
overdue. Interest is owed on
the amount overdue at the rate of 12 percent
simple interest.
Call your agent or insurance company if you
have questions about your claim:
Once your claim is submitted, the insurance
company will assign a claims adjuster to assist
you with your claim. Questions regarding your
claim can be directed to your adjuster. If you are
concerned your homeowners insurance company
is not paying your claim in a timely fashion or is
unfairly denying your claim, the Michigan
Department of Insurance and Financial Services
(DIFS) is here to help. DIFS encourages you to
first attempt to resolve your complaint directly
with your homeowners insurance company. If a
resolution cannot be reached, you may file a
complaint with DIFS by calling our office toll free
at 877-999-6442 or by filing a complaint online
www.michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints
.
About DIFS
The mission of DIFS 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
citizens. For more information please contact
DIFS at 877-999-6442 or visit
www.michigan.gov/DIFS.
