The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (“TDCI”) “regulates and licenses both individuals and corporations, assesses suspicions of fraud, and provides resources to . . . citizens of Tennessee.”1 One way the TDCI does this is by investigating consumer complaints against insurance companies, agents, and agencies.
If you live in Tennessee and feel that your insurance company is not handling your claim in compliance with state law, you can submit a complaint to the TDCI. The complaint form can be found on the TDCI website by selecting “Insurance” from the “Our Divisions” menu and then clicking “File a Complaint” under “Consumer Resources” on the Insurance Division’s homepage. You will then need to click “Online Complaint Form” to access the form. You can submit your complaint online or print and mail it to the TDCI at 500 James Robertson Parkway, 10th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243-0574. You can also fax the complaint to (615) 532-7389.
The form requests your contact information, the name of the insurance company, agency, or agent involved, and the applicable policy or claim number. It also asks for details about your complaint and a description of what you think a fair resolution would be. After you submit your complaint online, you will be prompted to attach relevant documents like copies of your policy, your claim, and any correspondence exchanged with your company or agent. If you mail or fax your complaint, you should also include copies of supporting documentation.
After your complaint and its supporting documentation is submitted, the TDCI will begin its investigation by contacting your insurance company to request an explanation of its actions. The TDCI will review the company’s response along with all the information you provided to determine if there has been a violation of state law, regulations, or your policy. If a law has been violated, the TDCI has the authority to impose fines or sanctions against the offending company, agency, or agent.
The TDCI cannot provide legal advice, act as your attorney, or order an insurance company to pay you. Its main job is to investigate, answer your questions, and enforce state insurance laws. Because its authority is limited, the Department recommends you first try to resolve any problems you have with your insurance company or agent. If you have questions about the complaint process or want to know if the TDCI can help you, you can call (800) 342-4029 or (615) 741-2281. If you have other questions or concerns about your insurance claim, please do not hesitate to contact Merlin Law Group for a free case evaluation.
(Note: This guest blog is by Liberty Ritchie, a Licensed Legal Intern in our Oklahoma City office)
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1 Department of Commerce and Insurance, Insurance, (n.d.), https://www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance-division.html, (retrieved Nov. 4, 2021).