LANSING- The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) today provided tips to Michiganauto insurance policyholders affected by this weekend's flood in Ionia. Drivers with comprehensive auto coverage will be reimbursed for flood damage and many consumers may have coverage for a replacement rental car.

"Know what your policy covers and work with your agent to get the benefits you paid for," OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross said.

OFIR's Tips to Drivers Affected by Ionia Flood:

• Find Your Policy and Read it Carefully : Read the policy and make certain you understand what is and isn't covered. An auto insurance policy is a legal contract that sets forth your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the insurance company.
  
• Understand Your Deductible : Before authorizing repairs, find out how much you will have to pay as a deductible, as well as any additional charges you will be expected to pay once repairs are complete.
  
• File Claims as Soon as Possible : Don't let the bills or receipts pile up. Call your agent or your company's claims hotline as soon as possible. Don't delay!
  
• Provide Complete, Correct Information : Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they need. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim.
  
• Keep Copies of all Correspondence : Whenever you communicate with your insurance company, be sure to keep copies and records of all correspondence. Write down information about your telephone and in-person contacts, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. Also, keep a record of your time and expenses.
  
• Ask Questions : If there is a disagreement about your claim, ask the company for the specific language in the policy that governs the issue. If your claim is denied, make sure you obtain a written explanation that states the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which the claim is being denied.
• Contact OFIR : If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement or any other questions related to your policy, you should contact OFIR toll free at 877-999-6442 or www.michigan.gov/ofir .