Officials with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) have requested insurance carriers give consumers who have been impacted by damages from tropical storm Helene a 60-day grace period for their insurance policies. TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence has asked insurance companies to grant the grace period so that insurance policies cannot be cancelled because of nonpayment of premiums. In addition, Lawrence has issued a memo to carriers asking they “refrain from canceling or non-renewing policies solely because of claims resulting from the flooding and allow for one (1) early or replacement prescription refill per medication.
” State insurance officials are also reminding consumers that: • A standard homeowners’ insurance policy will typically cover damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects. • A standard homeowners’ policy does not cover 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. • Policyholders should file their claims as soon as possible.
• Consumers who feel that they have been unfairly denied a claim by an insurance company should file a complaint with the TDCI at 1-800-342-4029 or online at www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance/consumer-resources/file-a-complaint.
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