Tennessee: $3.2M in Restitution Returned to Insurance Consumers So Far in 2018

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Insurance Services Section has returned $3.2 million so far to Tennesseans through its restitution efforts in 2018, according to a statement from TDCI.

Through the first eight months of 2018, TDCI efforts have resulted in $3,206,507 being paid to consumers compared to the $6.5 million that was returned to Tennesseans in all of 2017. Consumer insurance services investigators mediate complaints between policyholders and insurance companies. These efforts may result in denied claims being overturned or additional benefits being identified and paid to consumers.

The department has received 2,041 complaints or inquiries in 2018. The top five reasons consumers have contacted TDCI are claim denial, claim delays, adjuster handling, unsatisfactory settlement offer, and out-of-network benefits.

“Consumers can feel frustrated and overwhelmed when dealing with insurance claims issues,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Our team of experts will advocate on behalf of consumers when it comes to common problems like denied or delayed claims. We encourage Tennesseans to contact us when they have an issue, and we will do our best to address it on their behalf.”

TDCI protects the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Divisions include the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Insurance, Securities, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Regulatory Boards, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, Tennessee Corrections Institute, and TennCare Oversight.