What to Do After a Disaster: Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Property Insurance Claim in Michigan
From electrical explosions to ice-dam roof collapses, disasters strike Michigan homes and businesses without warning. The first hours can determine whether your insurance claim is paid in full or bogged down, underpaid, or denied. Follow the structured approach below—then contact Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss to shield your claim from costly missteps.
Step 1 — Secure the Scene & Shut Down Utilities
- Turn the exterior gas meter valve a quarter turn so it’s perpendicular to the pipe
- Ask firefighters or a licensed electrician to de-energize the main disconnect; flipping random breakers can leave live circuits and spark reignition
- Close the domestic water main to halt flooding, then photograph every shut-off with time-stamped images. These mitigation steps satisfy policy duties and block later claims of “failure to protect the property.”
Step 2 — Call Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss Before the Carrier
Michigan’s insurance law requires “prompt notice”. When clients bring us early, we ensure your claim is expertly prepared in order to comply with the specific requirements of your policy.
- Open the file with your insurer and ensure we review a certified copy of the full policy, endorsements included.
- We craft the initial loss narrative to preserve all important evidence to ensure your claim is best prepared.
- We advise candidly if your matter appears straightforward; if so, we supply a no-cost checklist and vetted public-adjuster referrals.
Step 3 — Institute a Court-Ready Evidence Protocol
When needed, our forensic consultants will secure origin areas, log debris samples, and capture 4K video sweeps of every space. We then work to prepare your evidence, with specific preparations suitable for your exact claim including:
- Creating spreadsheets with inventory with make, model, age, and replacement cost—mirroring insurer estimating software.
- Upload receipts and warranties and any requested and required documentation to cloud storage
- Compiling contractor and engineer reports to prove real-world repair costs.
All raw data feeds into a polished proof-of-loss that survives scrutiny—and litigation, if required.
Step 4 — Limit Repairs to Temporary Protection
It is reasonable and appropriate to board windows, tarp roofs, pump water out. Premature reconstruction can erase evidence or trigger exclusions for “altering the risk.” Nearly every policy reimburses reasonable emergency measures; be sure to keep every receipt and photo, so as your attorney, we can make the insurer repay every dollar.
Step 5 — Control the Carrier’s Inspection
Insurers often use estimating software that understates Michigan labor rates and code requirements. We insist on joint walk-throughs, flag omissions within 24 hours, and back objections with line-item estimates from licensed General Contractors, mechanical engineers, and CPAs for business-interruption losses.
Why Policyholders Choose Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss
Since 1986 we’ve recovered hundreds of millions for Michigan manufacturers, homeowners, condo associations, and hospitality groups. If your loss is simple, we’ll tell you—free. If it’s complex, you already have the state’s leading fire-claim lawyers ready to act.
“Our job isn’t to steer every client into court,” says our Managing Partner Jason Liss. “Early involvement lets us frame coverage, secure evidence, and signal to carriers that if they won’t pay fairly, litigation is waiting in the wings.”
Take Action Before Evidence Fades
The cost of mishandling a claim far outweighs the price of seasoned guidance. Before memories fade, evidence degrades, or statutory deadlines expire, schedule a free consultation with Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss. We’ll tell you exactly where you stand—whether that means a brief advisory call or full legal engagement. For more information beyond What to do after a disaster: a Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Property Insurance Claim, read our Insights Blog, where we offer more advise depending on your type of property insurance claim.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Consult an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific matter.