MCL 500.1232 is the statute that governs insurance counseling within the State of Michigan. That language reads, in part:

“A person shall not audit or abstract policies of insurance or annuities, provide advice, counsel, or opinion with respect to benefits promised, coverage afforded, terms, value, effect, advantages, or disadvantages of a policy of insurance or annuity, nor advertise, solicitbusiness, or hold himself or herself out to the public as an insurance counselor unless he or sheis licensed as an insurance counselor. A person other than a licensed counselor shall not useterms such as consultant, consulting services, or any other language in a way which impliesthat he or she is a licensed insurance counselor.”

What Does A Property & Casualty Insurance Counselor Do?

Insurance counseling is the professional review and interpretation of insurance policies to provide advice, counsel, and opinions regarding policy language, benefits promised, coverage afforded, and other policy provisions pursuant to a written Insurance Counselor Agreement.

Property and Casualty Insurance is a specialized area of the insurance industry. Like many licensed professions, insurance counselors often develop expertise within particular disciplines based upon their education, experience, and areas of practice.

Insurance policies are often complex contracts that require careful interpretation. The purpose of insurance counseling is to help clients better understand those policy provisions so they can make informed decisions regarding matters relating to their insurance policy.

What Does A Property & Casualty Insurance Counselor Not Do?

Insurance counseling is a professional service that is distinct from representing a policyholder in the adjustment or settlement of an insurance claim. Rather than adjusting loss, negotiating claims, or serving as a policyholder's representative before an insurance company, an Insurance Counselor provides professional advice, counsel, and opinions regarding the client's insurance policy pursuant to a written Insurance Counselor Agreement.

What’s The Difference Between Insurance Counseling and Adjusting?

Away Home provides licensed insurance counseling services pursuant to written Insurance Counselor Agreements. Questions regarding the licensing distinctions between Insurance Counselors, Adjusters, and Public Adjusters should be directed to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), which administers the applicable licensing statutes.

Who Typically Hires An Insurance Counselor?

Insurance Counselors may be retained by individuals, business entities, licensed attorneys, and other organizations seeking professional guidance regarding the language and provisions of an insurance policy.