The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announced a record-breaking $17.5 million was returned to consumers last year through mediation and restitution efforts. That was up from $17.45 million in 2023.
TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services team fielded 3,728 complaints from consumers in 2024.
“Because of the work by our Consumer Insurance Services team, Tennessee consumers’ previously denied claims were overturned, and additional benefits were identified and paid,” TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence said in a release. “I am immensely proud of our team's work to help put money back into the pockets of hard-working Tennesseans who were unjustly denied a claim.
“I encourage consumers who may feel frustrated or overwhelmed when dealing with insurance-related issues to know they can contact our Consumer Insurance Services team for assistance about any questions or policy issues,” he added.
TDCI regulates all lines of insurance. The top complaints are claim denials, claim delays, unsatisfactory settlement offers and out-of-network benefits.
“Two consecutive years of returning record-breaking amounts of money to consumers are proof that we’re helping fulfill part of the department’s mission of protecting Tennesseans,” TDCI Assistant Commissioner Bill Huddleston said. “I join Commissioner Lawrence in saluting our team for their work and encourage consumers to remember they should always contact us with their questions – from everyday insurance questions to more complicated questions, such as those that might arise after a natural disaster.”