Consumer Resources for Michigan Homeowners and Renters
When property damage disrupts your home, clear information can help you plan your next steps. These public resources explain insurance basics, preparing records, choosing a contractor, and finding local housing support.
Start with safety and a record of your needs
Once everyone is safe, contact your insurance company or agent and keep your claim number and contact information together.
If you need to leave your home, ask your insurer whether your policy includes additional living expense coverage, what limits apply, and what records it needs.
Save housing and other living-expense receipts, photos, estimates, and notes of important conversations.
Trusted public resources
Michigan insurance and disaster recovery guidance
Michigan DIFS explains documenting a loss, asking about temporary living expenses, and finding insurance license and complaint resources.
Visit Michigan DIFS recovery resources
Help with an unresolved insurance concern
DIFS explains how to raise a concern with your insurer and how to submit a consumer complaint if it remains unresolved.
Read the DIFS complaint process
Prepare a home inventory and protect records
FEMA's guide explains how to document belongings, safeguard records, and review insurance before a disaster.
Read Document and Insure Your Property
Understand homeowners insurance
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners explains common policy terms, coverage types, deductibles, and additional living expenses.
Read the NAIC homeowners insurance guide
Choose a contractor carefully
Michigan LARA offers homeowner guidance on checking licenses, comparing written estimates, and understanding a contractor's agreement.
Read Michigan LARA homeowner guidance
Find local housing and community support
Michigan 211 connects residents with local housing assistance and emergency shelter resources. You can also call 2-1-1.
Explore Michigan 211 housing assistance
How Away Home can help
Away Home can help you find temporary accommodations, organize property-loss records, and understand your property insurance policy. Policy advice is provided by licensed Michigan Resident Insurance Counselors under written Insurance Counselor Agreements. We also offer independent party-appointed appraisal and neutral umpire services where appropriate.
General resource information does not determine coverage under a specific policy. Assistance programs have their own availability and eligibility requirements.