Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has designated this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is urging residents to make sure they have the necessary insurance coverage to help them recover quickly from any storm-related damage in case of a disaster.

“It is important that Michiganders prepare for the potential damage that severe weather can bring as we head into the spring weather season,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “With home values, car prices, and building material costs remaining higher than normal, DIFS recommends that you read through your insurance policies to ensure you are adequately covered and discuss your insurance needs with your insurance agent or company.”

As the seasons change, weather emergencies can occur anytime. Rapid temperature swings are common in spring and summer, which can lead to unpredictable weather conditions, increasing the potential for severe weather that could cause significant damage. Therefore, residents are encouraged to take certain steps to ensure they are adequately protected.

Firstly, verify that you have the appropriate insurance coverage with your insurance agent or company, and discuss any additional coverage needs. While many types of storm damage are covered by homeowners and renters insurance, flood damage is typically not included unless you have purchased federal flood insurance. Water and sewer back-up are also not typically covered under a standard policy, so residents with concerns should discuss their coverage options before flooding or damage occurs.

It is also recommended to create a detailed list of personal possessions, including photographs of each room in the property and a thorough list of other valuables not seen in the photos, and store them in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, with a relative or online. Residents should also make a list of important phone numbers, including family members, emergency responders, insurance agents, and insurance companies.

Furthermore, residents should store copies of all insurance policy declaration pages and insurance cards in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or online in a digital format, such as in the cloud, in case the originals are destroyed or lost. It is also essential to have a plan, such as an emergency fund, for paying an insurance policy’s deductible to avoid severe financial strain after a disaster.

If your property is damaged, contact your insurance company’s claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. Have your policy number(s) ready and other relevant information readily available. To make the claims process easier, DIFS has prepared an Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet.

Residents should take steps to protect the property and prevent further loss but should not make permanent repairs until the insurance company has inspected the damage. Document the loss by taking pictures or videos of the damaged items and keep the items until instructed to dispose of them by the insurance company.

Residents are advised to protect themselves from fraud. After a storm, adjusters, contractors, and other solicitors may offer to inspect or repair damage. Unfortunately, some individuals may cause damage to drive up the repair cost, and insurance companies will not cover the additional cost. Always verify the credentials and licensure of these individuals and be present in the home when damage is inspected or repaired. Remember that insurance companies pay the adjusters they employ and should not ask residents for payment for their services. To report a scam or price gouging, residents can contact Michigan’s Attorney General at 877765-8388 or online.