As severe weather and flooding continue to affect communities across the state, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services offers tips to help residents with filing insurance claims. The agency also warns of fraud and scams that follow severe weather events.
“Over the past few days, Michiganders have faced extreme weather conditions, including flooding and tornadoes,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox.“ As recovery begins, it’s normal for consumers to have questions about filing insurance claims, and DIFS stands ready to help.”
The agency offers a live call center at 877-999-6442 to assist consumers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Consumers are encouraged to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company or agent. Consumers can file a complaint or learn more at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
The State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) was fully activated statewide to address ongoing flooding concerns related to the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, as well as the broader severe weather impacts across the state. Two websites, Michigan.gov/AprilStorms2026 and Michigan.gov/Cheboygan-Dam, have been launched to provide up-to-date information, resources and alerts.
Here are some tips from state regulators:
Contact your insurance company and file a claim
Before anything else, the agency says to contact the insurance company’s claims hotline or an agent to report damage to the home or vehicle and file a claim. To make the process easier, DIFS offers an insurance claim tracking tool to organize important information, such as the policy number.
Protect property and prevent further loss
Consumers should keep receipts for any supplies or materials needed to protect their property.
Document the loss
Consumers should take pictures or videos of damaged items and not dispose of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
Stay vigilant of scams
Residents should keep an eye out for fraud and scams, especially after a severe weather incident. The agency says fraudsters claiming to be adjusters, contractors and others often go door-to-door pretending to offer services, like debris cleanup or building repairs, that go uncompleted or are completed poorly.
Talk to insurance before hiring a contractor
Residents should check the contractor or service provider’s credentials, including licenses, references and insurance. Insurance adjusters are paid by the insurance company and should never ask homeowners to pay for services covered by the insurance policy.
— Contact Cassidey Kavathas at ckavathas@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tips for filing insurance claims as Michigan faces severe weather
Reporting by Cassidey Kavathas, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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