The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announced on March 5 that $15.67 million was returned to Tennesseans in 2025 through the department’s mediation and restitution efforts.
Since 2020, more than $80 million has been returned to Tennessee insurance consumers by TDCI’s consumer insurance services team, which mediates complaints between consumers and insurance companies. In 2025, TDCI’s consumer insurance services team fielded a total of 5,199 complaints from consumers.
The TDCI assists Tennessee consumers and policyholders with a variety of insurance-related disputes and issues. The top complaints in 2025 were claim delays, claim denials and unsatisfactory settlement offers.
The announcement added that more than 940 complaints have been received so far in 2026.
“I am immensely proud of our team's work in 2025 and during the past five years helping put money back into the pockets of hard-working Tennesseans whose claims were unfairly handled by an insurance company,” TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence said in the announcement. “As the recovery and rebuilding from Winter Storm Fern continues throughout 2026, I encourage consumers who may feel frustrated or overwhelmed when dealing with insurance-related issues to remember they can file a complaint with our Consumer Insurance Services team for assistance about any questions or policy issues.”
“As we look ahead in 2026, I urge Tennesseans to remember how quickly severe weather like Winter Storm Fern can impact our lives and our families,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Huddleston said in a release. “In order to be prepared, I’m encouraging Tennesseans to take time and assess how much insurance coverage they have in place for their families, homes, and autos so that they are covered in the event of another natural disaster.”
Consumers are advised by the TDCI to consider several tips when buying insurance; including being sure to read and understand their policy, noting that exclusions can be critical. It's also important for policy limits to match the value of the property, especially as values rise.