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Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 13, 2026

What homeowners insurance costs in Tennessee: average premium, 2023 $1,649 a year in Tennessee vs. $1,737 countrywide · 22nd highest of 51 · All states (HO-3 policies; NAIC)

Tennessee's market right now

TDCI's recent insurance bulletins have followed tornadoes and flooding. After these events TDCI asked insurers to give affected policyholders more time and flexibility:

- December 9, 2023 tornadoes (Bulletin 23-06): TDCI asked insurers to suspend cancellations and nonrenewals for nonpayment for at least 60 days from the date of loss for policyholders with property damage, injuries or loss of life, and to refrain from cancelling or not renewing policies "solely because of claims resulting from the tornadoes." - Sept. 26-27, 2024 flooding from Hurricane Helene (Bulletin 24-03): the same 60-day request, plus a request to refrain from cancelling or nonrenewing "solely because of claims resulting from the flooding." TDCI also ordered property insurers, including surplus lines insurers, to report Helene claims data monthly through March 2025 (Bulletin 24-04).

These were requests to insurers, not new laws, and the 60-day extension did not waive the premium.

Aerial photos (April 2026). In Bulletin 25-03, dated April 14, 2026, TDCI told property insurers that aerial imagery (satellite, plane or drone photos) "should not be the only information utilized" in decisions such as "nonrenewals, cancellations, underwriting, claims handling, and similar activities." TDCI said insurers should:

- get a physical inspection or other clear information if the images don't show the property's condition with certainty; - let you provide updated information or dispute the images; - give you "a reasonable amount of time to make needed repairs before taking other action, such as nonrenewal or cancellation"; and - consider how old and clear the images are.

TDCI added that denying a claim based solely on unclear or outdated aerial images, or not giving you copies of aerial images used to deny or settle a claim, is an unfair claims practice under Tenn. Code 56-8-105. If you file a complaint, TDCI and you are entitled to see the evidence the insurer relied on. [5][9][10][11][12]

Can't find insurance? No FAIR plan in Tennessee

Many states have a FAIR plan, a state-created pool that sells basic property insurance when regular insurers won't. The national directory of these plans (PIPSO) lists none for Tennessee, and TDCI's homeowners pages do not name a state pool or market-assistance program.

For questions about an insurance policy, TDCI says to call Consumer Insurance Services at (615) 741-2218 or (800) 342-4029. TDCI's site also links to a license search so you can check that a company or agent is licensed.

For other options, see our surplus lines guide and our national FAIR plan guide. [1][6][7][13]

If your insurer won't renew

Tennessee's law on "personal risk insurance" covers insurance on one- to four-family homes, including mobile homes, and on household goods. Since Jan. 1, 2026, it also covers farm property and farm risks unless they are insured on a commercial policy (Public Chapter 183 of 2025). For these policies:

- 30 days' notice. If the insurer does not intend to renew, it must mail or deliver notice to you at the address on the policy "at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the policy" (Tenn. Code 56-7-1901). - The reason. If the notice doesn't give a reason, it must tell you that you can ask for one in writing. Your request must be mailed or delivered to the insurer no later than 15 days after the nonrenewal takes effect, and the insurer must then mail you a written reason within 20 days (Tenn. Code 56-7-1902). - Questions are not claims. An insurer may not raise your premium or cancel your homeowners policy "solely on the basis of an inquiry or inquiries," such as asking whether your policy covers a type of event or how to file a claim. A question is not a claim. The exception: if your communication leads to an investigation and a written finding of a change in the property's condition or use, or fraud (Tenn. Code 56-7-113). This law covers premium increases and cancellation before the policy period ends; it does not mention nonrenewal.

These two sections make up the part of the Tennessee Code titled "Cancellation of Personal Risk Insurance." We did not find a Tennessee statute listing the reasons or notice days for cancelling a homeowners policy mid-term, so read the cancellation section of your policy and confirm with TDCI. See also our nonrenewal guide. [2][3][4][6][8][14]

Flood is separate

TDCI's flood brochure says: "Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover damages to a structure or contents in the event of a flood. Only a flood insurance policy will cover flood damage." Our sister site FloodHawk covers flood zones and flood insurance. [15]

Where to get help

TDCI's Consumer Insurance Services handles questions and complaints about insurance companies and agents:

- Toll free: (800) 342-4029 - Nashville: (615) 741-2218 - Complaints: TDCI's complaint page has an online form, or you can print the form and mail or fax it to Consumer Insurance Services, 500 James Robertson Parkway, 10th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243.

TDCI says the insurance policy must have been written in Tennessee. [6][7]

Questions people ask