DIFS Urges Michiganders to Check Insurance Policies Before Winter Storm Season

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Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2024

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is urging residents to review their auto, home, and renters' insurance policies to ensure they fully understand their coverage and have a plan to pay policy deductibles in the event of an emergency. Additionally, taking proactive steps to prevent winter-related damage can help reduce repair costs and minimize disruptions when severe weather hits.

"Winter weather can bring heavy snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures, so taking precautions to reduce property damage should be part of everyone's winter preparedness checklist," said DIFS Director Anita Fox. "Being prepared also means making sure you have the insurance coverage you need. Before a storm hits, review your insurance policies and contact your agent or insurance company with any coverage questions. For additional help, DIFS is available at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m."

Winter-related damage can lead to expensive repairs, sometimes costing up to thousands of dollars. Knowing how your insurance policies apply and what they cover is key to a smooth recovery if you experience a loss. Here are a few tips to keep in mind this winter:

Tips for Automobile Owners:

Winter driving comes with additional risks, so it is important to check your auto insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need. Coverages you may consider purchasing or confirming you currently have include:

• Collision Coverage provides coverage for damage to your vehicle while driving, should your vehicle collide with another vehicle or object, like a tree or utility pole, from loss of traction due to ice and snow.
• Comprehensive Coverage provides coverage for non-collision incidents where damage is still sustained. Examples include damage from falling tree limbs, hitting a deer, hail, or vandalism.
• Property Protection is one of the three mandatory coverages required to drive legally in Michigan. It provides coverage for damage unintentionally caused to another person's property, such as sliding off the road or damaging someone's mailbox.

Tips for Homeowners:

Homeowners insurance policies usually cover damages resulting from sudden events like burst pipes, ice dams, wind damage, or a building collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow. However, coverage for power outages may only apply if the outage results from a covered event, such as wind or snow damage. Having a plan to pay policy deductibles in the event of an emergency allows you to take advantage of your coverage without affecting your finances.

Homeowners should review their policies and consider these steps to help prevent winter damage:

• Keep your home heated to at least 65 degrees to prevent frozen pipes. If you're travelling, have someone check your home to catch any burst pipes as soon as possible.
• Keep gutters clean to prevent ice dams, which occur when melting ice refreezes under roof shingles.
• Remove any dead or rotting trees to prevent branch breakage under the weight of snow or ice.

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.

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