SOM Department of Insurance and Financial Services Helps Consumers Recover More Than $16.2 Million During 2020 Fiscal Year Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 17, 2020 (LANSING) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) helped recover more than $16.2 million for consumers during the 2020 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. DIFS’ Office of Consumer Services helped consumers recover $9 million in settled claims, waived fees, refunds, and other reimbursements from insurance and financial service companies and its Life Insurance and Annuity Search Service (LIAS) helped consumers locate another $7.2 million in unclaimed life insurance and annuity benefits. “As a consumer protection agency, DIFS stands ready to help Michiganders resolve disputes and recover owed funds from their insurance agents or companies, banks, credit unions, and other financial services institutions,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “With many families struggling with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, getting this money back in to the pockets of Michigan consumers is more important than ever.”