TDCI Shares Insurance, Safety, and Contractors Information in Aftermath of Winter Storm Fern
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is sharing important insurance and recovery information with Tennessee residents who sustained damages from ice, snow, and freezing temperatures caused by Winter Storm Fern.
“On behalf of Team TDCI, I want to express our prayers for the families and loved ones of all of those who lost their lives during this tragic storm, and our support for the emergency first responders who have worked tirelessly during this disaster,” said TDCI Commissioner Lawrence. “In recent years, devastating storms like Winter Storm Fern have tested our state’s resilience, teamwork, and strength. I am confident that Tennesseans will emerge stronger and closer to one another as we rebuild and recover.”
In the storm’s aftermath, TDCI is sharing important consumer tips about filing insurance claims, filing insurance complaints, hiring contractors, and generator safety.
Filing an Insurance Claim
- File your insurance claim as soon as possible. Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time frame.
- Cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms, and data you will need to file a claim. Keep notes detailing the name of the person you spoke with and the day, time and content of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors, and relief agencies.
- Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they request. Giving partial information will only cause a delay or incomplete processing of your claim.
- Document the disaster by taking photographs or video of any damage.
- Avoid anyone who claims to be from a government agency and demands upfront fees to help you claim services, benefits, or get loans. No government agency charges application fees. Always confirm a stranger’s credentials by calling the agencies if necessary.
- Be on guard against organizations with names similar to government agencies or charities but have unusual spellings or misspellings.
What Damage to Your Home is Covered?
Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects and the collapse of a structure due to weight of ice or snow are all covered under most standard homeowners policies. Frozen pipes as the result of extreme cold might not be covered if the damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company if you need clarification or have specific questions.
What Damage to Your Home is Not Covered?
The following events are typically not covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy: Interior water damage from a storm, when there is no damage to the roof or walls of your home; damage as the result of a flood; removal of fallen trees (if the trees do not land on and damage your home); food spoilage due to a power outage; and water damage from backed-up drains or sewers. Some insurers offer endorsements (i.e., additional protection that may be purchased) for certain coverages not covered under the standard homeowner policy. Check with your agent or company to determine your needs.
Filing Insurance Complaints
When your insurance company declines to cover a claim, TDCI can mediate between the company and the policyholder. (The insurance policy must have been written in Tennessee.)
Mediation is a process where TDCI insurance investigators communicate with insurance companies to get wrongfully denied claims overturned and paid for policyholders.
Tennessee policyholders should remember that filing a complaint or otherwise contacting the Department is always an option if you are ever denied a claim — or if you have a question or concern about your insurance policies.
If you have questions about your insurance policies, you can call our team at 615-741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029 or complete the online complaint form online.
Hiring a Contractor
- Always ask if the licensed contractor will be performing the work with their employees or if the work is subcontracted out. Check the license status at verify.tn.gov.
- Beware of contractors making door-to-door or telephone solicitations offering to make repairs to roofs and other storm damage to your home. Often these contractors are high pressure salesmen, without experienced employees, who contract with you and then will hire inexperienced, unlicensed individuals as “subcontractors.”
- For home improvement projects, state law limits deposits to no more than one-third of the contract price. Avoid paying the full amount before work is complete.
- Don’t be pressured to make a decision on the spot or to sign anything without having enough time to review it.
- If the contractor needs payment to buy supplies, go with the contractor and pay the supplier directly.
- Ask for at least three references. Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance, and bonding. Record the license plate number and driver’s license number of the contractor.
Generator Safety
With the loss of power due to ice buildup on power lines , many people may rely on portable fuel-powered generators which are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when natural fuels burn incompletely.
Breathing high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness or even death. Never use a gas generator inside a home, garage, carport basement, crawlspace or outside near a window, door or vent.
A generator should only be used outdoors and at least 15 feet away from buildings. It is dangerous to use a gas or kerosene heater inside a home or other buildings.
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