The Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) announced that it has launched a special home insurance information web site to provide the state’s consumers with up-to-date information on the availability and premium rates for homeowners’ coverage.
The bulletin indicated that “Because of recent rate increases in home insurance, more Michigan consumers are looking for rate information.” The site, available through links to the OFIS home page, www.michigan.gov/ofis, will use the department’s resources to “assist consumers in shopping for rates and knowing what to expect from insurance companies and agents.”
“Insurance companies are offering a wide variety of rates in every area of the state,” stated OFIS Commissioner Frank M. Fitzgerald. “If a consumer is eligible for coverage under law – and almost every person in Michigan is – every company must insure that consumer. That combination of availability and the guarantee of coverage provides Michigan consumers with a wide range of economic home insurance options.”
“It is very important to remember that consumers can contact any company or agent selling insurance in Michigan to ask for a quote, even that means calling a toll free number,” added Fitzgerald. “Consumers don’t have to live in the area in which the agent is located to get a policy from a company he or she represents.”
The announcement noted that the web site also identifies some “statements that Michigan consumers should never hear from an insurance agent or an insurance company, including:
– “We don’t write in that area.”
– “We aren’t taking any new customers.”
– “We don’t have an agent in your area.”
-“Your house is too old.”
– “We can’t write your home insurance unless you insure your automobile with us.”
– “You aren’t eligible for a policy with our company” (no explanation of ineligibility is provided) “but we can place you with Michigan Basic.”
It advised consumers who may receive these responses to contact the OFIS. It also said that homeowners, who may have real problems acquiring a policy should be eligible for coverage through the Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association law.
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