What to Do If Your Insurance Company Won’t Settle Your Claim in Michigan

If your Michigan home or business has suffered serious property damage—whether from a fire, flood, or storm that caused trees to fall on your house or tear off your roof—you’re counting on your insurance company to step up. But what if they don’t?

Unfortunately, we regularly see insurers delay or refuse to pay, leaving policyholders in limbo. You’ve paid your premiums faithfully, yet when disaster strikes, your claim drags on with vague updates, repeated document requests, or outright denial.

At Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss, we’ve helped hundreds of policyholders across Michigan who’ve been caught in this exact situation. As our Managing Shareholder Jason Liss has said:

“Insurance companies and their adjusters are not bad, but they are not always focused on making you, your family and business whole. Insurance comapnies are for-profit businesses, and delaying your claim often works in their favor.”

Why Do Insurance Companies Refuse to Settle Property Claims?

Michigan homeowners and business owners often face unfair delay tactics such as:

• Repeated document requests – even after you’ve submitted everything multiple times
• Prolonged investigations – including Examinations Under Oath (EUOs) used as delay tools
• Lowball estimates – undervaluing fire, wind, and water damage
• Unclear communication – vague or contradictory updates that stall your decision-making
• Unjustified denials – often based on misinterpreted exclusions or policy language

Whether your claim involves a fire-damaged home, storm-uprooted trees, or flooded commercial property, these tactics are designed to wear you down financially and emotionally.

Your Legal Rights Under Michigan Insurance Law

Michigan law requires insurance companies to act in good faith, handle claims fairly, and pay promptly. If they don’t, you have strong legal remedies:

• MCL 500.2006: Michigan’s Prompt Payment Statute mandates 12% annual interest for wrongfully delayed payments—even if disputed
• Breach of contract damages – for violating policy obligations
• Attorney fees – sometimes recoverable in litigation if the insurer’s delay was unjustified

But enforcing these rights almost always requires legal intervention.

Why You Need a Property Insurance Attorney Immediately

Insurers rely on delay to create leverage. The longer they stall, the more likely you are to accept less than your claim is worth. That’s why involving legal counsel early is the most important move you can make.

At Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss, we:

• Take over insurer communications immediately
• Demand clear justifications and enforce legal deadlines
• Engage engineers and independent adjusters to counter undervaluation
• Initiate litigation or statutory appraisal when delay becomes denial

As our Managing Partner, Jason Liss, explains:

“When insurers know you’re represented by experienced trial counsel, we find they often change their behavior. Delay becomes a risk.”

Types of Property Damage We Commonly Litigate in Michigan

Since 1986, we’ve handled thousands of property damage claims across Michigan involving:

• Fires in homes, commercial buildings, and multi-unit properties
• Propane and natural gas explosions
• Storm and wind damage from derechos and tornadoes
• Tree impact claims from ice storms and high winds
• Pipe bursts and flooding from winter freeze or infrastructure failure
• Lightning strikes and electrical surge damage
• Roof collapses due to snow load or structural failure

For example, in 2021, a derecho tore through Southeast Michigan, causing widespread tree and roof damage across Oakland and Wayne counties (Detroit Free Press). Events like these are increasing in frequency—and insurers often attempt to deny, delay, or undervalue resulting claims.

Why Choose Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss

We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for policyholders across Michigan and have successfully litigated against nearly every major insurance carrier. Our firm is known for courtroom-tested advocacy, forensic depth, and unmatched experience in Michigan property insurance law.

Unlike consultants or public adjusters, we don’t just negotiate — we litigate. Our team includes attorneys with deep trial backgrounds who know how to shift leverage back to you.

Take Action Now

If your insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or refusing to settle your claim, call us today at (248) 553-2000 or request a free consultation.

Your claim, your property, and your peace of mind deserve more than delays and lowball offers. Let Michigan’s leading property insurance claim attorneys protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve.