Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance

We're sharing important insurance and recovery information with Tennessee residents who sustained damages as Hurricane Helene swept across parts of Tennessee. As part of TDCI’s efforts to assist consumers, TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence has requested that all insurance carriers give affected Tennessee consumers a 60-day grace period where insurance policies cannot be cancelled because of nonpayment of premiums, in addition to one early or replacement refill for medication per prescription, among other details in a new insurance bulletin. “On behalf of the entire TDCI team, I want to express our prayers and support for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, homes, and property in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s massive devastation. I also want to share our deepest support for the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way in order to help save lives in their communities,” said Lawrence. “While storms like Helene will test our resilience and strength, I have seen how Tennesseans embody the spirit of the ‘Volunteer State’ by helping their neighbors any way they can during emergencies. I believe that we will emerge stronger and closer to one another as we rebuild and recover.” To aid in Tennessee’s rebuilding and recovery efforts, TDCI is providing tips to aid consumers when filing their insurance claims, home safety, and selecting contractors. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/en25KXpp #hurricanehelene #helene #disasterrecovery #tennessee #consumerprotection

Our latest Disciplinary Action Report is now available. Have you been the victim of an unfair or deceptive business practice, witnessed unlicensed activity or seen suspected misconduct or other violations of respective laws or rules? File a complaint with our team. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eAJ8ifnW #consumerprotection #Tennessee #DisciplinaryAction #licensedprofessionals

You may have common sense, but do you have "Common Cents"? We're asking real people questions about risk tolerance when it comes to personal investing. Their answers may surprise you! Questions about an investment? Contact TDCI's Securities team today. Call 615-741-2947 or 800-863-9117, visit us online or by email: [email protected] WATCH: https://lnkd.in/eJ7WYS29 #TNSecurities #CommonCents #personalfinance #Smartmoney

Consumers should remember that filing a complaint is always an option when they feel a claim has been unjustly denied, or if they have questions or concerns about their insurance policies. TDCI regulates all lines of insurance and encourages consumers to contact the Consumer Insurance Services team with any insurance-related question or concern. Among consumers’ top complaints are claim denials, claim delays, unsatisfactory settlement offers, and out-of-network benefits. If you have questions about consumer insurance, visit our website or contact us at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218. Visit: https://lnkd.in/eC9rTyGN #insurance #helene #consumerprotection

Thank you to WKRN News 2 and Jaxie Pidgeon for helping raise awareness about the prevalence of storm-chasing scammers who will prey on the victims of Helene. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. WATCH: https://lnkd.in/e8JuQx-N #helene #stopscams #consumerprotection

Today, TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence and members of Team TDCI met with fire chiefs and first responders serving the areas of northeastern Tennessee that were affected by Hurricane Helene. The devastation is truly unimaginable, and we extend our condolences to everyone who lost loved ones, homes, and property during this disaster. We offer our support, admiration, and encouragement to the men and women who have been serving their communities throughout this disaster including those we met today at the Erwin FD, the Southside VFD, the Limestone Cove VFD and everyone staffing the multi-agency resource centers. #Tennessee #resilience #DisasterRelief #Helene2024 #HeleneRecovery #easttennessee

Flood insurance should be an important part of every homeowner's preparedness. In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we're reminding all Tennesseans to learn the facts, not the myths when it comes to flood insurance. MYTH: “Homeowners or renters insurance will cover my home and belongings if they are damaged by flood waters.” FACT: Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover damages to a structure or contents in the event of a flood. Only a flood insurance policy will cover flood damage. To learn more about flood insurance, visit: https://lnkd.in/egp5C7aG... #flooding2024 #Helene2024 #HurricaneHelene #Tennessee #preparedness

Unfortunately, most Americans don’t test their alarms to ensure they’re working properly. According to the NFPA, while nearly all U.S. households (99 percent) report having at least one smoke alarm, more than half of U.S. households (61 percent) test their smoke alarms less frequently than recommended (at least once a month). A third (33 percent) report never testing their smoke alarms. During Fire Prevention Week, we're reminding Tennesseans that they can help protect the lives of your family and the lives of firefighters by checking to make sure you have working smoke alarms. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/e-WDdHk9 #FirePreventionWeek #FireSafety

In the wake of damages caused by Hurricane Helene, we know Tennesseans may be using a generator to produce electric power while they make repairs and recover from the disaster. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds Tennesseans to 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 20 feet away from buildings. It is also extremely dangerous to use a gas or kerosene heater inside a home or other building. Additionally, never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker. #disasterrecovery #CarbonMonoxideSafety #consumerprotection #HurricaneHelene

As part of National Customer Service Week (Oct. 6-12), we're highlighting our Customer Service Center team members! Our customer service team are on the frontline every day, helping our licensees and other customers. We appreciate their diligence, professionalism, and dedication to our mission of protecting Tennesseans and empowering professionals. #customerserviceweek #tennessee