Tennessee / claim guidance
A plain-language guide to the Tennessee rules our calculator references — and where your own policy, damage and local building requirements matter more than a formula.
Return to calculatorHow the number is made
The calculator applies broad, illustrative repair-price ranges to the quantities you enter and compares that range with the insurer's offer. The displayed percentage is the estimated shortfall divided by the estimated repair total, not a legally established underpayment rate. No Tennessee statute supplies those unit prices or requires the calculated amount to be paid. Deductibles, depreciation, exclusions, limits, cause of loss, and actual local bids can materially change a claim.
Primary legal sources
This provision identifies practices such as knowingly misrepresenting coverage, failing to acknowledge pertinent communications reasonably promptly, refusing to pay without a reasonable investigation, and not attempting a fair settlement when liability is reasonably clear. It does not set a universal dollar amount for a roof or automatically entitle anyone to a larger settlement.
A court or jury may award an additional amount not exceeding 25% of the liability for the loss when an insurer refuses to pay within 60 days after the policyholder's demand, the refusal was not in good faith, and it caused additional expense, loss or injury. The amount is discretionary and measured by the harm shown; the passage of 60 days alone is not enough. This potential penalty is not included in our repair-cost estimate.
For qualifying structural-damage claims under personal-lines fire or homeowners policies with an estimated value of at least $20,000, the insurer must provide a written statement of basic rights. These include requesting a free copy of the policy, receiving a detailed repair estimate, and choosing a contractor. Eligibility depends on the kind and estimated value of the claim.
Tennessee requires written public adjuster contracts with specific terms and disclosures. Fee limits differ depending on whether the adjuster was retained before or after the insurer's offer and other circumstances. Review a complete written agreement before signing; this free calculator does not create an adjuster-client agreement.
Roof, cabinets & flooring
A nonmatching roof slope, cabinet run or continuous floor does not automatically require full replacement under a Tennessee matching statute. Whether a wider scope is covered depends on the policy's replacement-cost and like-kind-and-quality language, exclusions, whether a reasonable repair can achieve the required condition, and evidence of the physical loss. Ask for the exact policy provision the insurer relies on. Local adopted building codes and any ordinance-or-law endorsement may affect eligible code upgrades; a model code citation is not proof that it applies at a particular property.
Nick Shank is a licensed Tennessee public adjuster representing policyholders, not an attorney or an insurance company. This page and the calculator provide general educational information, not legal advice, a coverage determination, an appraisal, a contractor bid, or a promise of payment. A free review does not establish a representation agreement. Claims are evaluated against your policy, documentation, applicable law and local rules. Consult a Tennessee attorney for legal advice, deadlines or litigation questions.