TN Insurance Bulletin 21-04: Tornado Recovery

[LOGO] STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE 500 JAMES ROBERTSON PARKWAY NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37243-5065 615-741-6007 BILL LEE GOVERNOR CARTER LAWRENCE COMMISSIONER # BULLETIN 21-04 TO: Tennessee-Licensed Insurance Companies FROM: Carter Lawrence, Commissioner Carter Lawrence (Dec 20, 2021 12:43 CST) RE: Tornado Recovery DATE: December 16, 2021 Recently, Tennessee experienced devastating tornadoes. These events resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of many Tennesseans. Pursuant to the authority granted by the Governor in Executive Order No. 94, I am requesting that insurance companies licensed in Tennessee make every reasonable effort to assist policyholders who have experienced losses as a result of, or have otherwise been affected by, the tornadoes on December 10th and 11th, 2021. Specifically, I request 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. Insurers should take reasonable steps to inform affected policyholders that this extension is available. The sixty (60) day extension of time is not a waiver of a policyholder's obligation to pay premium. Where 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, I request that insurers work with the policyholder and take those circumstances into account before canceling a policy. Further, I request insurers make the following efforts to assist citizens affected by the tornadoes: - 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; Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Insurance Division 500 James Robertson Parkway, Davy Crockett Tower, 10th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243 Tel: 615-741-2176, tn.gov/commerce - 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. This request for an extension and/or exception on behalf of Tennessee policyholders is not intended to address circumstances involving fraud or material misrepresentation or any other reason unrelated to hardships created by the tornadoes. Your cooperation in this effort is greatly appreciated. Any further questions should be directed to Scott McAnally, Director for Insurance, at Scott.McAnally@tn.gov. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Insurance Division 500 James Robertson Parkway, Davy Crockett Tower, 10th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243 Tel: 615-741-2176, tn.gov/commerce