Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance

Disability insurance is an often-overlooked line of insurance, but it can provide significant benefits to policyholders at a time of great need. Disability insurance protects a policyholder by providing financial assistance that can help cover the cost of expenses such as food, mortgages, or tuition that might otherwise be difficult to afford if the policyholder were to lose his/her ability to earn a living.

Employers can play an important role in providing access to disability insurance for their employees. However, many individuals may also wish to purchase this type of insurance outside of their employer-sponsored plans. TDCI offers consumers the expertise of the Consumer Insurance Services (CIS) Team, which educates consumers and mediates insurance-related disputes. Consumers who wish to learn more about disability insurance may reach out to our CIS Team by calling (615) 741-2218 or (800) 342-4029. Treated unfairly by an insurance company or agent? Visit our website and file a complaint today.

With the official start of summer (June 21) just a few weeks away, we're helping raise awareness about the potential hazards that could lead to electric shock drowning.

Electric shock drowning occurs when a swimmer unknowingly enters water that has been electrified by a nearby power source such as a boat or a marina. While swimming in the electrified water, the swimmer is paralyzed by the electric current in the water before drowning.

To learn more and see an updated inspection list of Tennessee public marinas, visit: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2026/5/22/sfmo-reduce-the-risk-of-electric-shock-drowning-while-boating-and-swimming-this-summer.html

Honored to have an audience with Gov. Bill Lee to share about Electric Shock Drowning.

Tennessee public marinas are inspected once every five years as a result of our law. With Memorial Day being the unofficial start of lake season be aware of what you can do to be aware of the dangers of Electric Shock Downing.

1. Have your boat tested once a year.
2. Never use common household extensions or household wiring for your boat.
3. Never swim within 100 yards of freshwater marina or boatyard.

Please contact us if you wish to make a donation to Electric Shock Drowning. We are a 501 C3 Organization.

To see a complete list of the status of marina inspections please click here:

https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/sections-programs/fire-electrical-residential-and-marina/5-year-tracker.html

Tennessee consumers are encouraged to file complaints with our team when they feel they have been the victim of an unfair or deceptive business practice, witnessed unlicensed activity or seen suspected misconduct or other violations of respective law or rules.

Our new Disciplinary Action Report can be found here:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/dar/2026/DAR-04-2026.pdf

On , we honor all of those who gave all.

The upcoming final week of is all about “Communities Without Limits” and showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design. Building Safety Month honors the hard work of codes enforcement professionals who are committed to ensuring the safety and prosperity of Tennesseans. The State Fire Marshal’s Office team takes pride in helping support 's mission of saving lives and property of our fellow Tennesseans.

Hitting the water this weekend? To assist boaters, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office posts a list of inspections of Tennessee public marinas, harbors, and docks. By law, marina inspections by the SFMO occur every 5 years.

To check the inspection status of a Tennessee public marina, visit: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/sections-programs/fire-electrical-residential-and-marina/5-year-tracker.html

While you're in the water, make sure you're paying attention so you can avoid the hazards of electric shock drowning.

Electric shock drowning occurs when a swimmer unknowingly enters water that has been electrified by a nearby power source such as a boat or a marina. While swimming in the electrified water, the swimmer is paralyzed by the electric current in the water before drowning.

Remember:

-NEVER swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or boatyard.

-If you own a boat, have your boat tested once a year to see if it is leaking electricity, or buy a clamp meter and test it yourself.

-If you find any problems, have your boat inspected by a qualified electrician trained to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. Have a qualified ABYC electrician install an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) on your boat or use an ELCI in the shore power cord. As an alternative, install an isolation transformer on the boat.

See our full press release here: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2026/5/22/sfmo-reduce-the-risk-of-electric-shock-drowning-while-boating-and-swimming-this-summer.html

Hiring a contractor for work around your home? Get it in writing. Contracts should include details such as the start and completion dates, payment terms, installation costs allowances, materials, labor, change orders, and warranty information. Consumers should retain a copy of the contract. Also, make sure the contractor is insured to cover workers’ compensation, damage and general liability insurance by requesting copies of the contractor’s insurance certificates showing a current effective date.

As part of , and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office is making Tennessee first responders aware of the First Responders Resilience Summit on Wednesday, May 27th in Crossville at the Historic Palace Theater.

This is a free, one-day event focused on practical resilience, mental health, and long-term sustainability in the field. It's a simple way to invest your team whether they need support, want to stay proactive, or are looking to strengthen others on their team by showing support and opening conversation.

The event begins at noon with check-in at 11:00 AM. To register, visit the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serve-strong-first-responder-resilience-summit-2026-tickets-1988244637232

All State offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday. Please don't drink and drive!

Planning a spring/summer home renovation project? Never pay cash or pay the total amount before the work is complete or turn over your insurance check. (Consider paying with credit cards with special protection). State law prohibits requiring more than one-third down payment. Be wary of contractors selling repairs door-to-door, especially when they offer deep discounts that seem too good to be true.

Finally, if the contractor asks you to pull your own permits, that’s a warning sign. The person performing the work should obtain the building permits, not the homeowner.

To learn more, visit: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2026/5/18/tdci-highlights-consumer-awareness-during-contractor-fraud-awareness-week.html

Starting work on a renovation/remodeling project? Before it's "hammer time", ask questions about your contractor's background, training, and insurance coverage. If you ever feel that they have been treated unfairly, they should contact at the Board for Licensing Contractors and file a complaint.

For tips about hiring contractors, spotting the red flags of fraudsters, and filing insurance claims after a storm, check out this new, in-depth video courtesy of Memphis's WREG News Channel 3. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zAa22Pq64q0&ra=m