The Tennessee Department of Insurance has issued a bulletin requesting insurers take reasonable efforts to assist policyholders experiencing losses because of the severe weather and flooding on August 21, 2021. If the severe weather and flooding is the reason a Tennessee AmShield Insurance® customer’s nonpayment of their insurance premium, they should notify their Shelter agent or call 1-844-AMSHIELD (1-844-267-4435). AmShield can work with you and your agent to reinstate the policy with no lapse in coverage.
This Bulletin was issued September 7, 2021 and encompasses the entire state.
Details
The Commissioner requests that cancellations and non-renewals of policies for the non-payment of premium be suspended for at least 60 days from the date of the loss for policyholders affected by the catastrophic events. Insurers should take reasonable steps to inform affected policyholders that the extension is available. Insurers should take into account disruptions in the mail delivery system and displacement of policyholders before cancelling a policy.
Additionally, the Commissioner requests the following efforts be made:
1. Allow exceptions to proof of loss deadlines, notice requirements and other contract or underwriting requirements.
2. Allow for policyholders to voluntarily enter payment plans.
3. Allow policyholders to temporarily postpone payment due dates to continue coverage.
4. 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.
5. Allow insureds to request a duplicate copy of their policy at no additional cost.
6. Refrain from cancelling or non-renewing policies solely because of claims resulting from flooding.
7. Allow for one early or replacement refill per medication.
Questions should be directed to the Policy Analysis Section, 500 James Robertson Parkway, Davy Crockett Tower, 10th Floor, Nashville, Tennessee 37243 and/or (615)741-8173.