Insurance Division to Set up Memphis Storms Response Center
Thursday, June 02, 2011 | 07:14am
NASHVILLE- In keeping with its custom of providing insurance support to victims of natural disasters, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) will set up a customer response center in Memphis, June 6-10.
“Every day, our Consumer Insurance Services section helps policyholders across the state understand the terms of their coverage, takes their complaints against insurers and mediates disputes with them,” says TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “The weather-related events that affected West Tennessee make the section’s services even more critical for that region. The section set up a similar response center in Chattanooga, a few weeks ago, to help answer questions and resolve issues for people affected by tornadoes in Hamilton County.”
The Memphis/Shelby County Code Enforcement building, at 6465 Mullins Station in Memphis, will be the location of the response center. Commissioner McPeak will have a press availability there at 2 p.m. Monday. CIS will begin work midday June 6. On subsequent days, the hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency handles flood insurance through its National Flood Insurance Program (http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/index.shtm). The CIS team will assist with non-flood-insurance issues.
TDCI’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/