Insurance Counseling & Consultation

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, solicit business, or hold himself or herself out to the public as an insurance counselor unless he or she is licensed as an insurance counselor. A person other than a licensed counselor shall not use terms such as consultant, consulting services, or any other language in a way which implies that 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.

How does counseling differ from claim adjustment?

Insurance counseling helps you understand your policy and make informed decisions. It does not include investigating, adjusting, negotiating or settling a claim, or representing you before your insurer.

Away Home is not licensed as an insurance adjuster. If you need claim representation, consider a licensed public adjuster or attorney as appropriate to your circumstances. Licensing questions can be directed to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

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.