Recently in our office, we were discussing the damage that has recently taken place in Nashville and the families that are affected. The Nashville tornado was one of the most devastating weather events for the families in the path of the storm. The storm landed with such short notice, and now the restoration process begins for many. Many families are left trying to put together pieces of their homes and are leaning on insurance companies for assistance.
Tennessee does not require an insurance company adjuster to be licensed; however, a public adjuster must be licensed to practice in the state. According to Adjusters Pro, “Tennessee does not license insurance adjusters or offer reciprocal licenses to adjusters from other states.” Insurance policyholders that live in Tennessee should keep this in mind when deciding to work with a public adjuster. Tennesee has the Unfair Claims Settlement Act, but it does not provide support in the Claims Handling Requirements by State – Tennessee. We are licensed public adjusters that work on the behalf of the policyholder to ensure that you receive the maximum payout with expedited restoration. If you have been affected by the storm, we are here for you. Contact us to start the process of restoration with a dependable public adjusting firm.
There are claim related regulations that need reviewal from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. For example: When the policy provides for the adjustment and settlement of first-party losses based on replacement cost, the following shall apply:
(a) When a loss requires repair or replacement of an item or part, any consequential physical damage incurred in making such repair or replacement not otherwise excluded by the policy, shall be included in the loss. The insured shall not have to pay for any cost except for betterment and any applicable deductible under the policy.
(b) When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color or size, the insurer shall replace items so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance according to the applicable policy provisions. This applies to interior and exterior losses. The insured shall not bear any cost over the applicable deductible, if any.
(2) Actual Cash Value:
(a) When the insurance policy provides for the adjustment and settlement of losses on an actual cash value basis on residential fire and extended coverage, the insurer shall determine actual cash value as follows: replacement cost of property at time of loss less depreciation, if any. Upon the insured’s request, the insurer shall provide a copy of the claim file worksheets detailing any and all deductions for depreciation.
(b) In cases in which the insured’s interest is limited because the property has nominal or no economic value, or a value disproportionate to replacement cost less depreciation, the determination of actual cash value as set forth above is not required. In such cases, the insurer shall provide, upon the insured’s request, a written explanation of the basis for limiting the amount of recovery along with the amount payable under the policy.
Brandon Lewis and the Strategic Claim Consultants team is on your side. If you need residential or commercial public adjusters, our team of Tennessee public adjusters is always here to help. Contact us online now to speak with a public adjusting specialist.