INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE - 2020 Consumer Calendar - TN.gov
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE
2020 Consumer Calendar
Dear Tennesseans,
Insurance can be complicated and leave people feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
To help make insurance more manageable, we’ve created this 2020 calendar that’s
loaded with tips and information that we hope will make your year brighter and
insurance a little bit easier to understand. If you still need help, our insurance team
will advocate on behalf of consumers when it comes to common problems like
denied or delayed claims. We encourage Tennesseans to contact us when they have
an issue, and we will do our best to address it on their behalf. Our entire team at
the Department of Commerce & Insurance is dedicated to helping consumers and
answering your questions. Our divisions include the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, Insurance, Securities,
Regulatory Boards, TennCare Oversight, the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Tennessee
Emergency Communications Board. We take our mission seriously: Protecting Tennesseans through balanced
oversight of insurance and regulated professions while enhancing consumer advocacy, education, and public
safety.
Have a wonderful 2020!
Sincerely,
Hodgen Mainda
Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
Consumer Insurance Resources
Need help? It’s simple.
I’m an agent. How do I get information
I need to to file a complaint. What should I do? How can I search for a loved one’s
about my license and renewing my license?
Contact the Consumer Insurance Services Section life insurance policy? Complete a request
Contact our Agent Licensing Section at
at (615) 741-2218. form at www.naic.org.
(615) 741-2693.
How can I check if my insurance How do I check on a disciplinary action Where can I get more information
agent is licensed? Look up an agent’s taken against an agent? about disaster recovery?
license at naic.org/index_consumer.htm. Visit www.tn.gov/commerce/disciplinary-actions. Visit www.tn.gov/commerce/disasters.
Still have questions?
Visit www.tn.gov/commerce or call 1-800-342-4029
for more information.
MAKE THE RIGHT PICK. Have questions about choosing the right insurance? We can help. It’s a new year, and it’s a good time to review your insurance coverage. Choosing an insurance policy can be a confusing and overwhelming task. Make sure you get the policy you want with these quick tips: • Verify the license of the insurance agent and company at naic.org/index_consumer.htm. • Look up complaint data for the company, and make sure no disciplinary action has been taken for that agent at tn.gov/insurance. • Get quotes from multiple companies to get the best deal and protect your finances by not falling for high-pressure sales tactics. • Don’t just consider the premium price. Make sure the policy covers what you want protected. • If you experience a misunderstanding with the insurance company, contact Consumer Insurance Services at 615-741-2218.
January 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
NEW YEAR’S EVE NEW YEAR’S DAY
State Offices Closed State Offices Closed
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
MARTIN LUTHER
KING DAY
State Offices Closed
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT. Questions about health programs or discounts? We can help. February is American Heart Month, and the perfect time to focus on your health. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, but there are many actions you can take to lead a healthier lifestyle – and even save money on your insurance: • If you have heart disease, it may be more difficult to get a life insurance policy. • By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you could lower your premiums on your health insurance and life insurance policies. • Your health plan may have tools and programs to help you lose weight, stop smoking, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. • Some employers and some health insurance policies offer discounts on gym memberships and weight-loss programs. • If you are quitting smoking, talk to your insurance provider to see if you can get a discount on your premium. When smokers quit, the risk of a heart attack drops sharply after just one year.
February 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
February is
Black History Month
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
VALENTINE’S DAY
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
State Offices Closed
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN A SCAMMER’S TRAP. Want to learn more about insurance scams? We can help. Scammers are creative, targeting your phone, your email, and sometimes even knocking on your door. Always be careful before giving your money or personal information to a person or organization you don’t know. • Before purchasing insurance, visit naic.org/index_consumer.htm to make sure the company and/or agent are licensed in the State of Tennessee. • Be aware of high pressure tactics. If a particular group or agent has rushed you into making a financial decision or contacted you repeatedly, offering a “limited-time” deal that makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and steer clear. • Report identity theft to law enforcement, creditors and credit bureaus. • Beware of scammers trying to take advantage of the chaos following a disaster. Con artists sometimes pose as government employees, insurance adjusters or law enforcement officials. Confirm credentials by calling the agencies if necessary. • If you suspect insurance fraud, call Consumer Insurance Services at 615-741-2218.
March 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
SPRING FORWARD!
Don’t forget to set your clocks
ahead one hour and change
the batteries in your smoke
alarms and carbon monoxide
detectors!
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
TUXES. CORSAGES. CAR INSURANCE. Have a teen driver hitting the road for prom night? We can help. As teens get ready for prom, they are probably getting ready to drive, too. Teens are not only the most expensive age group of drivers for auto insurance coverage, they are also at higher risk of being involved in crashes. In most cases, safer teen drivers mean lower insurance premiums. • Talk to your auto insurance agent about discounts for your teen. Some offer discounts if your teen makes good grades in school or if they enroll in a defensive driver course. • Ask your insurance agent about accident forgiveness clauses that guarantee premiums will not increase after one minor accident. • Texting while driving can increase your premium by 20%. Many smartphones have a “Do Not Disturb” feature or app. Consider having your teen use this while driving. • Make sure your teen knows where their proof of auto insurance is in case of a wreck. • Let your teen know if their auto insurance policy includes roadside assistance if the car breaks down.
April 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
GOOD FRIDAY
State Offices Closed
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
EASTER SUNDAY TAX DAY
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
EARTH DAY
26 27 28 29 30 1 2STAY AFLOAT. Is flood insurance right for you? We can help. Tennessee is swimming with creeks, rivers and lakes. But the water leaves some communities vulnerable to flooding. Damage from floods is not included in your homeowners insurance policy, so consider these facts when reviewing your coverage: • Most standard policies cover damage from strong winds, lightning, hail and tornadoes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding and earthquakes. • Anyone can purchase flood insurance. Properties outside high-risk flood zones account for more than 20% of flood claims and receive one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding. • Flood insurance covers the structure of the building, such as electrical and plumbing systems, furnaces, water heaters, and built-in appliances. Sometimes the policy also covers damage by mudflow caused by flooding. • In order to have the contents of your home covered by flood insurance, you will need to get a policy that covers both the structure and contents. • The cost of each policy depends on a number of factors. Speak with an insurance agent to determine the policy that best fits your needs. • There is a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a new flood policy goes into effect.
May 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
26 27 28 29 30 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
MOTHER’S DAY
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MEMORIAL DAY
State Offices Closed
31 1 2 3 4 5 6ACCIDENTS HAPPEN. BE PREPARED! Questions about disaster preparedness? We can help. Severe weather can hit any community at any time. Make a plan not only for your own safety, but for the protection of your home and assets, too. • If you do not have a home inventory, make a list of items in each room and include as much detail as possible with photos. • Contact your insurance company as soon as it is safe to do so. • Take pictures of the damage and send them to your insurance company. • After you file your claim, your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to your home to assess the damage at no cost to you. • Ask your insurance company if your policy covers a hotel stay for you and your family while your house is damaged. • Before hiring a contractor to repair your home, visit verify.tn.gov to make sure the contractor is properly licensed. Get at least three bids and never pay more than one-third down before the work is completed. • If severe weather is expected, make a “go bag” including important documents, prescriptions, water and snacks. Know how to contact your insurance company to file a claim.
June 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
FATHER’S DAY
28 29 30 1 2 3 4
NATIONAL INSURANCE
AWARENESS DAYMADE IN THE SHADE. Are you covered while you travel? We can help. Vacation is a time to relax. Put your mind at ease knowing your possessions are protected. • If your baggage gets lost or stolen, it may be covered by your homeowners insurance. For more protection, you can consider a travel insurance policy. • If you are renting out a vacation home, make sure the house and all who use it are protected with the right insurance policy. Consider purchasing additional liability or umbrella insurance to protect the home and your renters. • Installing an alarm system not only protects your home but may also give you a discount on your insurance premium. Check with your insurance agent to see if adding home security can save you money. • Check to see if your homeowners insurance may cover thefts of your belongings at your hotel or short-term rental. • Before starting your road trip, always keep proof of auto insurance in your vehicle.
July 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2981 | (615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
28 29 30 1 2 3 4
State Offices Closed INDEPENDENCE DAY
(Independence Day observed)
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 1BABY STEPS. Need assistance choosing the right insurance for you? We can help. As your family grows, your insurance coverage should grow, too. Whether you have a new kid on the way or your kids are growing older, here are some things to consider for your family. • Life insurance can be a safety net to ensure your partner can financially take care of your children in case of the worst. Talk with an agent to see what best meets your needs. • With pregnancy comes a slew of questions. Don’t let insurance coverage be one of them. Check your health insurance policy to see what is and what isn’t covered during your pregnancy and the birth of your child. • If you have a baby, be sure to inform your health insurance company within 30 days of the baby’s birth or child’s adoption. • Your children can stay on your health insurance plan until they turn 26 years old. • Make sure your hospital and healthcare providers (including anesthesiologists and others) are in-network with your health plan. • If coverage is denied by your health insurance company for some or all of your baby’s hospital or NICU stay, call your insurance company to resolve your claims dispute. If you don’t reach an agreement, call Consumer Insurance Services at 615-741-2218 for help.
August 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 1 2 3 4 5TOGETHER AT LAST. Looking for a loved one’s insurance benefits? We can help. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Understand how life insurance works, and what to do if you are the beneficiary of a lost loved one’s policy. • Life insurance makes sure your loved ones have financial help after you are gone. • There are many types of life insurance, such as term life, which provides coverage for a specific period as long as you pay the premium, or whole life, which you have until you die. See which type of life insurance fits your needs. • If you have life insurance through your employer, ask if you can take the coverage with you if you change jobs or retire. • Make sure the beneficiaries for your life insurance policy are up to date, and inform the person you chose as a beneficiary. • If you are not sure if a deceased loved one had life insurance, visit naic.org/index_consumer.htm for the Lost Policy Service. • If the insurance company your loved one had a policy through is denying a claim, contact Consumer Insurance Services at 615-741-2218 to get help. • Changes in your family because of divorce or the passing of a loved one? Make sure the beneficiaries for your life insurance policy are up to date, and inform the person you chose as a beneficiary.
September 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
LABOR DAY
State Offices Closed
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 1 2 3BE SURE YOU’RE COVERED. Questions about your insurance policy? We can help. Open enrollment is prime time to consider your health coverage. Here are some things to consider while searching for the best health plan for you: • Don’t just consider the premium – think of the out-of-pocket costs you may have to pay as well. Are there copays? What is the deductible, or amount you spend before insurance starts paying? What is the out-of-pocket maximum for you and your family? • Call your provider to make sure they are in-network with your insurance company before your visit. • Some plan types allow you to use almost any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers outside their network. Make sure you understand what your policy allows. • Before seeing a specialist, see if your insurance policy requires you obtain a referral from your primary care physician first and find out if the specialist is in-network. • If you are considering a short-term health plan, take a detailed look at what is and what is not covered, and for how long, before purchasing. • Look closely to know what you are buying. Look up the agent or company’s license at tn.gov/insurance before signing a policy.
October 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
COLUMBUS DAY
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
HALLOWEENDON’T BE SCARED. BE PREPARED! Questions about coverage or in-network providers? We can help. Life is full of surprises, sometimes including emergencies. Be prepared for those times by understanding what is covered by your insurance policies. • If you haven’t looked at your insurance policy in a while, take a look or contact your agent and make sure it is up to date. • Look at the exclusions portion of your insurance policy so you know what is not included. • Understand what your health insurance policy covers for in-network and out-of-network providers. Some policies cover a portion of out-of-network provider costs, while others do not. • Double check that everything you want to be covered is included in your homeowners insurance policy. If you’ve added to your home or have recently obtained valuable assets, make sure they are protected. • Keep an inventory of everything you own in your home, especially valuable possessions. This is useful for you and your homeowners insurance company in the event of a loss. • Make sure the beneficiaries for your life insurance policy are up to date.
November 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
FALL BACK! ELECTION DAY
Don’t forget to set your clocks
back one hour and change
the batteries in your smoke
alarms and carbon monoxide
detectors!
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
VETERANS DAY
State Offices Closed
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
THANKSGIVING DAY State Offices Closed
State Offices Closed
29 30 1 2 3 4 5DON’T BE NAUGHTY. USE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS! Questions about holiday fire and home safety? We can help. While this time of year is full of decorating, cooking and shopping, there is also a higher risk of house fires and theft. Be cautious and safe to protect yourself and your home. • More house fires occur during the winter months. Make sure your homeowners insurance policy is updated just in case of a fire. • To prevent fires in your home, turn off Christmas lights, blow out all the candles, and make sure the stove burners and oven are turned off before leaving them unattended. • Prevent a holiday hospital visit by using caution while hanging up and taking down decorations and keeping small decorations and breakable ornaments away from small children. • Keep your car doors locked while shopping for holiday gifts to prevent theft. Keep valuables out of sight. Make sure your auto insurance policy covers break-ins. • If your vehicle gets broken into, take pictures and contact your insurance agent as soon as you are able. Download the WreckCheck app to determine what information is needed to file a claim. • If you are hauling Christmas trees or other large items on the roof of your vehicle, double-check that they are tightly and securely strapped on to avoid an accident.
December 2020
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2218 | tn.gov/insurance
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
29 30 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY
State Offices Closed State Offices Closed
27 28 29 30 31 1 2
NEW YEAR’S EVE NEW YEAR’S DAY
State Offices Closed State Offices Closed500 James Robertson Parkway | Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 741-2281 | tn.gov/insurance
tn.gov/commerce
/TennesseeCommerceAndInsurance
/TNCommerceInsur
@tncommerceinsur
@TDCI
Department of Commerce and Insurance
Authorization No. 335565 | 7,500 copies | November, 2019
This public document was promulgated at a cost of $.90 per copy.You can also read
