Did the severe weather of the past couple weeks leave more of a mark on house or vehicle than ice and snow?

If so, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services has some tips on dealing with insurance companies to file a claim and repair damages.

“When working with insurance companies, make sure you thoroughly document your damages and know your coverage rights,” DIFS Director Anita Fox said.

Consumers are encouraged to take the following steps if you suffer damages or a loss:

— Contact your insurance agent or insurance company’s toll-free claims number as soon as possible. Keep a record of the time, date, topic and name of the person you talk to every time you call.

— Make temporary repairs as needed to prevent further damage as required in your policy. For example, a hole in the roof should be covered by a tarp or other material to keep water or other weather elements out. Further damage may not be covered by insurance if temporary repairs are not completed. Keep receipts for materials you buy so you can be reimbursed. Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage. If you do, your claim might be denied.

— Take pictures, if possible, of the damage.

— Start making a list of all personal property destroyed or damaged. Note the approximate date, price and place of purchase and attach any sales receipts you have. The adjuster will request this information. In addition, the insurance company may want to inspect the damaged items, so do not throw anything away.

— Ask your insurance agent or company if your policy covers living expenses until repairs are made to your home. Many homeowners’ policies provide for temporary lodging and meal expenses up to 20 percent of the insured value of your home.

— Check your policy for debris removal. Many policies do include the removal of storm-related debris, such as brush, limbs and logs.

Standard homeowners or business owners’ insurance policies cover a wide range of winter-related disasters, such as burst pipes, ice dams, wind damage, leaky roofs and a building collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow.

Coverage for backup of sewers and drains may also be available by purchasing additional endorsements to your policy. Flood damage is excluded from most standard policies.

Those who believe their insurance company has not handled their claim properly can file a complaint with the DIFS, which will determine whether the insurance company has followed the Michigan Insurance Code and policy language in processing the claim.

For more information, see “How to File a Complaint” on the DIFS website at www.michigan.gov/difs or call the DIFS toll-free hotline at 877-999-6442. The site also offers other details about DIFS and the services it provides.