Consumer Insurance Services to Set Up Storm Response Centers
Friday, May 13, 2011 | 05:32am
NASHVILLE- In keeping with its custom in providing insurance support to victims of natural disasters, the Insurance Division’s Consumer Insurance Services (CIS) section will set up a customer response center in Chattanooga next week.
“Every day, the CIS section helps customers understand the terms of their policies, takes their complaints against insurers and mediates disputes,” says Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “During the aftermath of a disaster, their services become even more critical. They routinely set up such response centers to help those who have been most directly affected by a disaster.” The Chattanooga area, hit by recent tornado activity, had 11 victims and significant property damage.
Coordinating with Hamilton County’s TEMA director, Don Allen, CIS will set up in a former empty nursing home building at 455 N Highland Park Ave. The phone numbers for the site are 423-209-6400, 423-209-6401 and 423-209-6402. The CIS team will begin work midday May 16. On subsequent days, the hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Commerce and Insurance’s staffers routinely play a significant role in responding to Tennesseans’ needs after natural disasters, which are events that give rise to insurance and consumer concerns.
Last year, CIS staffers reached out to flood and storm victims in North Nashville, Gallatin and Cheatham and Williamson County. In 2009, CIS set up a counseling center for insurance policyholders affected by spring tornadoes in the Murfreesboro area.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. www.tn.gov/commerce/