Michigan officials urge safety during Fourth of July celebrations

NEWS RELEASE

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

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As Michiganders rejoice Independence Day, the Michigan Division of Insurance coverage and Monetary Providers (DIFS) is reminding residents to place security first — whether or not they’re lighting fireworks, internet hosting a yard cookout, or having fun with time on the water. Taking precautions may also help keep away from accidents, shield family members, and cut back the danger of expensive insurance coverage claims.

“The Fourth of July is a time for celebrating with family and friends, but it surely can be a time when preventable accidents happen,” mentioned DIFS Director Anita Fox. “By following some easy security steps and understanding how your insurance coverage protection works, you possibly can benefit from the vacation with better peace of thoughts.”

To assist shoppers keep protected, DIFS is sharing the next security and insurance coverage suggestions:

Owners insurance coverage: grilling, fireworks, and internet hosting safely

• Preserve grills at the very least 10 ft from your private home, deck railings, and overhanging branches.
• Be sure embers are fully extinguished earlier than disposing of ashes.
• Use fireworks away from buildings and provided that they’re authorized in your space. Mild one by one and preserve water or a hose close by.
• Verify your householders insurance coverage coverage to grasp what’s coated within the occasion of a fireplace or harm attributable to grilling or fireworks.
• Should you’re internet hosting visitors, evaluation your coverage to see if it contains legal responsibility protection to assist shield you if somebody is injured in your property.

Auto, RV, or bike insurance coverage: street journey and driving security

• Examine your automobile earlier than heading out, whether or not it’s a automotive, bike, or RV. Verify tires, lights, brakes, and fluid ranges to keep away from breakdowns.
• Guarantee RVs and trailers are correctly registered and insured, particularly in the event that they’re getting used for tenting or long-distance journey.
• Keep away from distractions like texting or utilizing cell apps whereas driving.
• Verify your insurance coverage coverage to make sure your protection is present and contemplate whether or not you want protections like collision or complete protection in case of an accident, theft, or weather-related harm.
• Preserve your proof of insurance coverage in your automobile or accessible by a cell app in case you’ll want to report a declare whereas touring.

Boat insurance coverage and water security

• Put on a life jacket always. Even robust swimmers are in danger in unpredictable situations.
• By no means function a ship below the affect of medication or alcohol.
• Be sure your boat insurance coverage is energetic and covers legal responsibility, property harm, and medical prices in case of an accident.
• Know your environment. Keep alert for different boats, swimmers, and no-wake zones.
• Supervise kids always. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds.

DIFS is right here to assist shoppers with questions on insurance coverage insurance policies, protection choices, or submitting complaints towards insurers. To be taught extra or to get help, click on right here or name 877-999-6442, Monday by Friday from 8 a.m. to five p.m.

The mission of the Michigan Division of Insurance coverage and Monetary Providers is to make sure entry to secure and safe insurance coverage and monetary companies basic for the chance, safety, and success of Michigan residents, whereas fostering financial progress and sustainability in each industries. As well as, the Division gives client safety, outreach, and monetary literacy and schooling companies to Michigan residents. For extra data, click on right here or comply with the Division on Fb, X, or LinkedIn.

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