Most Tennessee homeowners never read the state law that governs how insurers handle claims. It is short, and it is useful to know before you file. Tennessee Code § 56-8-105, part of the Unfair Trade Practices and Unfair Claims Settlement Act of 2009, lists 15 acts by an insurer or person that count as an unfair claims practice. Several apply directly to a homeowners claim after a storm, fire, or water loss.
| § 56-8-105 item | What it lists as unfair (plain English) |
|---|---|
| (2) | Not acknowledging claim communications with reasonable promptness |
| (3) | No reasonable standards for prompt investigation and settlement |
| (4) | Not trying in good faith to settle promptly once liability is reasonably clear |
| (6) | Refusing to pay without a reasonable investigation |
| (7) | Not affirming or denying coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss is completed |
| (10) | Paying without saying which coverage each payment is under |
| (12) | Not promptly explaining a denial or a compromise offer |
| (13) | Not providing claim forms within 15 calendar days of a request |
| (14) | No workmanlike-repair standards when the insurer owns or requires the repairer |
Source: Tennessee Code § 56-8-105. The full list also covers misrepresenting policy provisions, life insurance lawsuits, settlements based on advertising or altered applications, duplicate proof-of-loss paperwork, and workers' compensation payments.
Communication: acknowledging your messages
Item (2) lists failing to acknowledge with reasonable promptness pertinent communications with respect to claims. The statute does not set a number of days for this item, so keep a dated record of every call, email, and portal message. If you need a step-by-step on starting the claim itself, see How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Investigation and a coverage decision
Items (3), (4), (6), and (7) work together. An insurer is expected to have reasonable standards for prompt investigation, to try in good faith to settle once liability is reasonably clear, not to refuse payment without a reasonable investigation, and to affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed.
The law also protects the insurer's ability to investigate. It says nothing in item (11) obligates an insurer to make a decision without sufficient investigation and information to determine whether a claim is false, fraudulent, or excessive. Responding quickly to reasonable document requests helps keep a claim moving.
Payments and explanations
Item (10) lists paying an insured without indicating the coverage under which each payment is made. On a homeowners claim, that might mean separate amounts for the dwelling, other structures, personal property, or additional living expenses. Item (12) lists failing to promptly provide a reasonable and accurate explanation when a claim is denied or a compromise settlement is offered.
If a payment seems low, compare it with how your policy values property: TDCI explains Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost for Tennessee homeowners.
Claim forms within 15 calendar days
Item (13) is the one specific deadline in the list for homeowners. Failing to provide the forms needed to present a claim within fifteen calendar days of a request, with reasonable explanations of their use, is listed as unfair. Ask for forms in writing so the request date is clear.
Insurer-owned or required repairers
Item (14) applies only if the insurer owns a repairer or requires one to be used. In that case, failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards to assure workmanlike repairs is listed. Before you sign with any roofer, read Tennessee homeowners can cancel a roofing contract within three business days after their insurer says the claim is not covered.
A simple claim file
- Claim number, adjuster name, and contact information.
- A dated log of every call, email, and letter, sent and received.
- Photos and video of damage before cleanup or repairs.
- Copies of estimates, receipts, and any proof of loss you submit.
- Every payment, with the coverage it was paid under.
- Any denial or settlement letter and its stated reasons.
If you think a claim is being mishandled
Start by asking the insurer, in writing, for the explanation or forms you need. Policyholders can also contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: How Tennesseans file an insurance complaint with TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services.
A separate Tennessee statute deals with bad-faith refusal to pay: Tennessee law can add up to 25% when an insurer refuses in bad faith to pay a loss within 60 days of a demand. For storm-claim disputes, also see Storm Claim Underpaid in Tennessee? Your Next Steps and TDCI’s glossary says public insurance adjusters in Tennessee must be licensed by the state.
This article is informational only. It summarizes a Tennessee statute and is not legal advice. It does not promise coverage, eligibility, or any claim outcome; your policy and the facts of your claim control.
Related reading from All Seasons
- How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
- How Tennesseans file an insurance complaint with TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services.
- Tennessee law can add up to 25% when an insurer refuses in bad faith to pay a loss within 60 days of a demand.
- Storm Claim Underpaid in Tennessee? Your Next Steps
- TDCI’s glossary says public insurance adjusters in Tennessee must be licensed by the state.
- TDCI explains Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost for Tennessee homeowners.
- Tennessee homeowners can cancel a roofing contract within three business days after their insurer says the claim is not covered.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
What Tennessee law lists unfair claims practices?
Tennessee Code § 56-8-105, part of the Unfair Trade Practices and Unfair Claims Settlement Act of 2009, lists 15 acts that count as an unfair claims practice.
Does an insurer have to respond to my claim messages?
The statute lists failing to acknowledge pertinent claim communications with reasonable promptness as an unfair claims practice. It does not set a specific number of days for that item.
How fast must an insurer send claim forms in Tennessee?
Failing to provide the forms needed to present a claim within 15 calendar days of a request is listed as an unfair claims practice.
Does the insurer have to explain a claim denial?
Failing to promptly provide a reasonable and accurate explanation of the basis for a denial or compromise settlement offer is on the list.
When should the insurer accept or deny coverage?
The statute lists failing to affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed.
Should a claim payment say which coverage it is for?
Yes. Paying without indicating the coverage under which each payment is made is listed, with a limited exception for urgent-needs payments that are later explained in writing.
Can an insurer take time to investigate?
Yes. The law says it does not obligate an insurer to decide a claim without sufficient investigation and information to determine whether it is false, fraudulent, or excessive.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
