What to ask your insurance company after East Tennessee storm damage
Questions to ask your insurance company when you report roof damage in Knoxville and East Tennessee, as a printable list, with the Tennessee rules that apply.
Last reviewed against official sources. General information, not insurance or legal advice.
On the first call, get a claim number and the adjuster's contact, confirm the deductible in dollars and how the roof is valued, ask which temporary repairs are covered, when the inspection will be, what the suit limitation clause says and when its clock starts, how matching will be handled, and how payments and your mortgage company will work.
Ask early about your policy's suit-limitation clause. Tennessee courts often enforce one-year limits, so knowing the date that clock starts is one of the most important things you can learn on the first call.
Have these ready
Short answer: your policy number, the storm date, a list of damage and your photos.
- The declarations page, so you can confirm deductibles.
- Storm date and time, hail size, wind and anything that fell on the house.
- A list of damage inside and out, including outbuildings.
- Receipts for emergency work.
- For a cabin: booking records if you will claim lost rent.
Coverage questions
Short answer: confirm the deductible, how the roof will be valued and any cosmetic exclusion before work begins.
Ask whether a separate wind/hail deductible applies, whether the roof is paid at replacement cost or actual cash value, and whether there is a cosmetic exclusion on a metal roof. Ask how the insurer applies Tennessee's matching rule if only part of the roof is replaced.
Immediate steps
Ask which emergency repairs they want you to do and whether they reimburse them. You can generally choose your own roofer; ask how to submit their estimate. Ask whether to keep damaged materials for the adjuster.
Deadlines
Short answer: ask about the inspection date, the decision timeline, any proof of loss deadline and the suit limitation clause.
Check your policy's suit limitation clause. Many Tennessee policies require suit within one year, and Tennessee courts generally enforce that. Ask the insurer what event it treats as the start of that period, and write the answer down. Tennessee's unfair claims settlement law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-8-105) and the Department of Commerce and Insurance's claim settlement rules (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05) set standards for how insurers investigate and settle claims, including timely coverage decisions and prompt, accurate explanations of denials.
Payments
Ask whether you will get one payment or ACV first with depreciation later, who will be named on the check and how your mortgage company handles claim money. For a rental, ask how lost rent is documented and paid.
Keep notes
After every call, write the date, time, name and what was agreed, then confirm by email. Keep everything together.
The TN Department of Commerce and Insurance Consumer Insurance Services section (615-741-2218 or 800-342-4029) can help with questions and complaints.
Mortgage company questions
- Will my lender be named on the check?
- What does the lender need before releasing repair money?
- Can payments go to me and the lender together?
Call your lender's loss draft department early. Large checks are often released in stages as work is done.
If answers are slow
Put requests in writing, keep copies and ask for a supervisor if you don't hear back. Tennessee's Department of Commerce and Insurance accepts consumer complaints. Keep an eye on the one-year suit clause while you wait.
Tennessee quick reference for roof claims
The state rules that most often matter on a roof claim in Knoxville and East Tennessee. Summaries only; rules can change, and your policy and the full text control.
| Insurance regulator | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, 615-741-2241 |
|---|---|
| File a complaint | TN Department of Commerce and Insurance complaint form, 615-741-2218 or 800-342-4029 |
| Wind/hail and hurricane deductibles | Some Tennessee policies carry a separate wind/hail deductible, often written as a percentage of the dwelling coverage (Coverage A), for example 1% or 2%, rather than a flat dollar amount. The declarations page shows which deductibles apply. The Department of Commerce and Insurance can explain terms and take complaints. (TN Department of Commerce and Insurance) |
| Time limit to sue | Many Tennessee homeowners policies say any lawsuit must be filed within one year, and Tennessee courts generally enforce a clear contractual limit like that. Tennessee courts have held that the period usually starts when the claim is denied or when the policy's settlement period ends, and in one 2015 case the clock started when the insurer issued its settlement check. Because one year goes quickly, mark the date early and talk to a Tennessee attorney well before it if a dispute is not resolved. (Daniel v. Allstate Ins. Co. (Tenn. Ct. App. 2015)) |
| Unfair claims practices | Tennessee's unfair claims settlement law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-8-105) and the Department of Commerce and Insurance's claim settlement rules (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05) set standards for how insurers investigate and settle claims, including timely coverage decisions and prompt, accurate explanations of denials. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-8-105) |
| Public adjusters | Tennessee public adjusters must be licensed under the Tennessee Public Adjuster Licensing Act. For personal (non-commercial) claims, a public adjuster hired before the insurer makes a settlement offer may charge no more than 15% of the settlement; one hired after an offer may charge no more than 25% of the increase over the insurer's last offer (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-6-913). No fee, retainer or deposit may be taken before the claim settles. You can rescind the contract in writing within three business days of signing (§ 56-6-914), and if the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within 72 hours of the loss report, the adjuster cannot take a percentage commission. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-6-901 and following (Tennessee Public Adjuster Licensing Act of 2006)) |
| Matching | Tennessee's claim settlement rules (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.10(1)(b)) say that when a loss requires replacing items and the replacements 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. The department has said this applies to replacement, not repair. Ask the adjuster how it applies to your roof and siding, and get the answer in writing. |
| Roofers and your claim | Only you, or a licensed public adjuster you hire, should negotiate the claim itself; ask any contractor who offers to do it whether they hold a public adjuster license. |
| Contractor licensing | In Tennessee, a contractor license from the Board for Licensing Contractors is required for projects of $25,000 or more, including labor and materials. In Knox County (one of nine counties that adopted the law), residential remodeling and repair jobs, roofing included, from $3,000 to $24,999 also require a state Home Improvement license, which requires a $10,000 bond and proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Blount, Anderson, Sevier and Loudon counties have not adopted the Home Improvement law, so for smaller jobs there, ask for proof of insurance and check the local permit office. You can check any state license at verify.tn.gov. (license lookup) |
Questions for your Tennessee insurer (printable)
- Claim number: ____ Adjuster and contact: ____
- Which deductible applies, and how much is it?
- Is my roof on replacement cost, actual cash value or a schedule?
- Is there a cosmetic exclusion for my metal roof?
- What temporary repairs should I do, and will you pay for them?
- When will the inspection be? Can my roofer attend?
- What does my policy's suit limitation clause say, and when does it start?
- If some shingles or panels are replaced, how will matching be handled?
- Is a proof of loss required? By when?
- Does my policy cover lost rent on a rental cabin?
- How will recoverable depreciation be paid, and by what deadline?
- Will my mortgage company be on the check?
- How should I send photos and documents?
- Can I get your coverage decision and reasons in writing?
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own roofer in Tennessee?
Generally yes. Ask how your insurer wants the estimate submitted.
When does my one-year suit clock start?
It depends on your policy and the facts; Tennessee courts have often started it at denial or the end of the settlement period. Ask your insurer and an attorney.
Should I file a small claim?
Get a roofer's estimate first and ask your agent how a claim under the deductible is recorded.
What if my insurer will not respond?
Escalate in writing, then contact the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Policies vary. Check your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about anything that affects your claim. Laws and rules can change; this page reflects official sources as of October 29, 2026. KnoxvilleRoof.com is not a contractor, insurer, adjuster or law firm.
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