TDCI Forum Offers Wildfire Survivors Insurance Information

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 9 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news:

A community insurance assistance forum for home and property owners affected by the wildfires in Sevier County will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 at Rocky Top Sports World, 1870 Sports World Blvd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Hosted by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI), the forum offers consumers a chance to ask questions, get information, and file complaints related to the Nov. 28, 2016 wildfires.

The Department is holding the forum with the support of Sen. Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), Rep. Dale Carr (R-Sevierville) and Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) who share the Department's goal in aiding the ongoing recovery effort.

"The resilience and determination of the Sevier County community since the wildfires is truly inspiring," said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. "However, there is still much more work to be done in the months and years ahead. As part of our ongoing efforts to assist insurance consumers, our team will be available at the forum to listen to consumers' concerns and field complaints so that we might help Sevier County residents get back on their feet."

During the forum, the TDCI's Consumer Insurance Division team will learn common concerns among homeowners related to their insurance claims, explain the state's complaint process, and help consumers file complaints during one-on-one sessions. Home and property owners should bring any paperwork or photos related to their existing claims to the forum. All complaints must be submitted in writing.

"Tennessee consumers deserve straight answers to the questions facing them when it comes to insurance claims," said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "We sincerely hope that insurance carriers will also help guide them through the claims process on an individual basis. By working together, the Smoky Mountains community will be restored and once again be as strong as it once was."

If residents cannot attend the meeting, an online insurance complaint form is available here (https://sbs-tn.naic.org/Lion-Web/servlet/org.naic.sbs.ext.onlineComplaint.OnlineComplaintCtrl?spanishVersion=N).

What: TDCI Community insurance assistance forum Who: TDCI Consumer Insurance team When: 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (EST), Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. Where: Rocky Top Sports World, 1870 Sports World Blvd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Why: Listen to insurance consumer complaints and assist consumers in filing complaints.

For media inquiries and more information, contact Kevin Walters at (615) 253-8941 or kevin.walters@tn.gov.

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