On January 30, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance published recovery tips for residents who sustained damages from ice, snow, and freezing temperatures caused by Winter Storm Fern. Commissioner Carter Lawrence’s release covers four desks: filing an insurance claim, filing an insurance complaint, hiring a contractor, and generator safety.
This article restates those TDCI tips for Tennessee homeowners. It is informational only. It does not promise coverage, price, eligibility, or that any particular Fern claim will be paid.
By All Seasons Insurance Group
What did TDCI publish after Winter Storm Fern?
TDCI’s January 30, 2026 news release says the department is sharing important insurance and recovery information with Tennessee residents harmed by Fern’s ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. The same page walks claim steps, complaint mediation, contractor license checks at verify.tn.gov, and carbon monoxide rules for portable generators.
What damage does TDCI say most standard homeowners policies typically cover after ice and snow?
Per TDCI: damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure due to weight of ice or snow are all covered under most standard homeowners policies. “Most” is not “yours.” Read the declarations page and call the carrier or a licensed agent before you assume a dollar amount.
| Topic | TDCI point |
|---|---|
| Claim timing | File as soon as possible; policies may set a notice window |
| Documentation | Photograph or video damage; keep call notes with names and times |
| Typical covered (most HO forms) | Wind, wind-driven rain, falling objects, ice/snow collapse |
| Typically not covered (standard HO) | Flood; interior water with no roof/wall damage; tree removal if no structure hit; food spoilage; sewer/drain backup |
| Frozen pipes | May be denied if negligence (for example, failing to keep heat when able) |
| Contractors | verify.tn.gov; deposit cap one-third of contract price for home improvement |
| Generators | Outdoors only; at least 15 feet from buildings; never indoors or near vents |
| Complaints | 615-741-2218 / 1-800-342-4029 or online complaint form |
What does TDCI say is typically not covered by a standard homeowners policy?
TDCI lists interior water damage from a storm when there is no damage to the roof or walls; flood damage; removal of fallen trees if the trees do not land on and damage the home; food spoilage due to a power outage; and water damage from backed-up drains or sewers. Some insurers offer endorsements for certain gaps. Ask before you need them—not after the freezer thaws.
Are frozen pipes always covered after extreme cold?
Not always. TDCI states frozen pipes as the result of extreme cold might not be covered if the damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there. Check the policy language. Call the agent or company for clarification on your form.
What contractor rules does TDCI highlight after a storm?
Ask whether licensed contractors will use their own employees or subcontract the work. Check license status at verify.tn.gov. Beware door-to-door or telephone solicitations for roof and storm repairs. For home improvement projects, state law limits deposits to no more than one-third of the contract price. Avoid paying the full amount before work is complete. Ask for references, licenses, permits, insurance, and bonding. Record the contractor’s license plate and driver’s license numbers.
What generator safety rules does TDCI list?
Portable fuel-powered generators produce carbon monoxide—an odorless, colorless gas. Never use a gas generator inside a home, garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or outside near a window, door, or vent. Use it outdoors and at least 15 feet away from buildings. TDCI also warns it is dangerous to use a gas or kerosene heater inside a home or other buildings.
How do I file a TDCI insurance complaint if a Fern claim is denied?
When a company declines a claim, TDCI can mediate if the policy was written in Tennessee. Investigators communicate with insurers to help overturn wrongfully denied claims. Call Consumer Insurance Services at 615-741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029, or use the online complaint form. Our companion guide walks the complaint desk in more detail.
Does this article promise that my Fern claim will be paid?
No. TDCI published consumer education after a named winter storm. All Seasons Insurance Group is restating those tips so East Tennessee and statewide readers can find them in one place. Bring the declarations page and photos to a free policy review—not a coverage promise.
Seasons change. So should your coverage.
Call All Seasons Insurance Group at 865-263-1400 or request a review at https://asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. For TDCI questions, use 615-741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
This article is informational only. It does not promise coverage, price, eligibility, or claim payment.
