Tennessee Requests Insurers' Assistance with Policyholders' Tornado Recovery

On April 10, 2023, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) issued Bulletin 23-01 requesting insurers' assistance with policyholders affected by the March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2023 tornadoes.

Specifically, the DCI requests that the cancelation or non-renewal of policies for the non-payment of premium be suspended for a period of at least sixty (60) days from the date of the loss of those policyholders who have suffered property damage, injuries, or loss of life as a result of the catastrophic events. In the event a delay in premium payment appears to be the result of a disruption to the mail delivery system or of the policyholder’s displacement due to the tornadoes, insurers are requested to work with the policyholder and take those circumstances into account before canceling a policy.

Additionally, the DCI requests the following efforts by insurers:

• Allow exceptions to proof of loss deadlines, notice requirements, and other contract or underwriting requirements;
• Allow for policyholders to voluntarily enter payment plans;
• Allow policyholders to temporarily postpone payment due dates in order to continue insurance coverage;
• Suspend late payment, reinstatement, or insufficient funds fees along with any other fee, penalty, or interest charge resulting from the insured’s temporary inability to submit premium payments;
• Allow insureds to request a duplicate copy of their policy at no additional cost;
• Refrain from canceling or nonrenewing policies solely because of claims resulting from the tornadoes; and
• Allow for one (1) early or replacement prescription refill per medication.

Questions should be directed to Stephanie Cope, Director of Policy Analysis, at Stephanie.Cope@tn.gov. 

Link to Bulletin 23-01