Why Understanding Property Insurance Coverage May Require Expert Legal Insight in Michigan
Renovating a historic home. Owning a custom-built lakefront property. Operating a high-end business space. These investments deserve tailored protection—but standard property insurance coverage often falls short. Too many Michigan property owners discover after the fact that their property insurance coverage policy excludes critical coverage needed for specialized materials, antique finishes, or extended living costs.
At Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss, we help you decode your policy after disaster strikes—because real coverage begins with clarity.
Key property insurance coverage Areas Every Michigan Property Owner Should Review
Dwelling Coverage: Pays to repair or rebuild the physical structure. Michigan’s upscale homes—often built with unique materials—require replacement cost coverage, not just market value.
Other Structures Coverage: Protects detached buildings like guest homes, boathouses, and garages. Critical for lakefront and estate properties in communities from Grosse Pointe to Northern Michigan.
Personal Property Coverage: Covers valuables like antique furniture and fine art. Standard policies often cap coverage. Affluent homeowners should request riders for collectibles.
Loss of Use Coverage: Helps maintain your lifestyle during repairs. This often includes housing, meals, and business relocation costs.
Liability Coverage: Shields you from lawsuits arising from injuries or damage. Essential for high-net-worth individuals and businesses open to the public.
Michigan Weather Risks Often Excluded by Standard property insurance coverage
Michigan homeowners must account for flooding, sewer backups, ice damming, and snow damage. Standard property insurance policies frequently exclude these events—leaving property owners shocked when claims are denied.
Explore our breakdown of 5 common reasons Michigan property insurance claims are denied so you can prepare, not react.
Why Insurance Companies Challenge Coverage
Insurers often deny claims using vague language: “wear and tear,” “maintenance issues,” or “concurrent causation.” These are not just technicalities—they’re legal landmines. Without guidance from an experienced property insurance attorney, it’s easy to miss the fine print that could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We interpret property insurance coverage language, challenge improper exclusions, and help you secure the coverage you paid for.
Jason Liss, Managing Partner at Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss, offers unique insight into mastering property insurance complexities:
“I genuinely enjoy dissecting complex insurance policies and understanding property insurance coverage —it’s a puzzle that satisfies my intellectual curiosity. My greatest satisfaction comes from translating this complexity into clarity for our clients and securing the recovery they truly deserve.
I also through enjoy meeting clients from all over Michigan communities like Indian Village, Northern Michigan, Clarkston, and Bloomfield Hills, with unique structures and buildings with elements like slate roofs, custom millwork, and specialized architectural restorations. Other property owners have had tremendous wealth in their contents and need us to make sure their insurance compensated them for the full extent of their valuables like art and jewelry, fine wines and other collectibles.
If you’re managing a unique or high-value property, don’t rely on a generic insurance policy—and don’t wait for a denial to call us after a loss.”
Proactive Strategies to Protect Your Property and Your Rights
Review Annually: Update property insurance coverage after renovations or purchases.
Request Enhanced Coverage: Ask about guaranteed or extended replacement cost.
Document Improvements: Maintain appraisals, receipts, and updated valuations.
Call us after a loss and we will help you navigate the minefields of a complex property insurance claim.
Work With Michigan’s Leading property insurance coverage Law Firm
At Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss, we’ve spent over 30 years helping Michigan property owners navigate complex, high-stakes property insurance coverage claims. We interpret property insurance coverage, enforce property insurance coverage and litigate when insurers don’t honor what was promised to you.
Contact us today
For a confidential consultation and discover why sophisticated homeowners and business leaders across Michigan trust our firm for insurance coverage insight and post-loss advocacy.