End-of-Year Insurance Deadlines Most People Don’t Know About

As the year comes to a close, many people are focused on holidays, travel, and wrapping up loose ends. What often gets overlooked are important insurance-related deadlines that can directly affect your ability to recover compensation after an injury. Missing these deadlines can delay your claim, reduce benefits, or even result in a denial.

At Marienfeld Law PLLC, we regularly help clients who didn’t realize timing mattered until it almost cost them their case. Here’s what you should know before the calendar flips to January.

Health Insurance Resets and Coverage Changes

Many health insurance plans reset deductibles and coverage limits on January 1. If you’ve been injured late in the year:

• Ongoing treatment may suddenly become more expensive

• Coverage rules can change mid-recovery

• Delays in care may affect how insurers view your injury

Seeking medical treatment promptly and documenting your injuries before year-end can help protect both your health and your claim.

Auto Insurance Policy Renewals

Late December is a common renewal period for auto insurance policies. If your policy renews:

• Coverage limits may change

• Optional coverages like PIP, uninsured, or underinsured motorist coverage may be adjusted

• Gaps in coverage can occur if payments are missed

Understanding your coverage at the time of the accident is critical, especially under Michigan’s no-fault system. Changes after January 1 do not retroactively apply.

Notice Requirements for Certain Claims

Some insurance policies require prompt notice after an accident or injury. Waiting until after the holidays to report an incident can raise red flags for insurers, who may argue the delay suggests the injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the accident.

This is especially important for:

• No-fault benefit claims

• Homeowners and premises liability claims

• Certain disability or wage-loss benefits

Year-End Delays Can Hurt Evidence

December injuries often come with practical delays: offices close, adjusters are on vacation, and medical providers operate on limited schedules. Unfortunately, evidence doesn’t wait.

• Ice melts

• Accident scenes change

• Witness memories fade

Acting before year-end helps preserve critical details that support your claim.

Statutes of Limitation Still Apply

Legal deadlines don’t pause for the holidays. If you were injured late in the year, the statute of limitations clock still starts running immediately. Waiting until January to “deal with it later” can put unnecessary pressure on your case.

How Marienfeld Law PLLC Helps

We help clients understand insurance policies, meet deadlines, and avoid common end-of-year mistakes. Whether you were injured in December or earlier in the year, we make sure no timing issue stands in the way of your recovery.

If you’ve been injured and have questions about insurance deadlines, contact Marienfeld Law PLLC for a free consultation. A quick conversation now can prevent costly problems later and help you start the new year protected and informed.