Insurance
Homeowners Insurance in Tennessee
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Tennessee homeowners paid about $1,492 a year on average in 2022, the 23rd highest and a bit below the U.S. average of $1,569. Tornadoes, hail, and wind drive many claims.
But the two disasters that can do the most damage in Tennessee are ones a regular policy doesn't cover at all: floods and earthquakes. Here's what that means for you, and what Tennessee law says when an insurer won't pay a claim it owes.
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Flooding: Tennessee's costliest gap
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't pay for flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Tennessee knows this lesson well. The May 2010 floods around Nashville caused about $2 billion in damage and took more than 20 lives.
Many people assume flood insurance is only for homes in a mapped flood zone. Tennessee's insurance and emergency agencies point out that about 40% of NFIP flood claims come from outside high-risk zones. A few more numbers they share:
- One inch of water in a home can cause about $25,000 in damage.
- After a disaster, FEMA grants average less than $8,000, and they don't have to be enough to rebuild.
- A new NFIP policy usually takes 30 days to start. You can't wait for the forecast.
What to do: if you've never priced flood insurance because you're "not in a flood zone," get a quote anyway. It's often lower outside high-risk zones.
Earthquakes: two zones, not one
Most people think of the New Madrid Seismic Zone near Memphis. But Tennessee actually sits on two seismic zones: New Madrid in the west and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone in the east.
Tennessee recorded 301 earthquakes in 2018. Most were too small to feel. Scientists estimate a 25% to 40% chance of a magnitude 6.0 or larger earthquake in the central U.S. within 50 years.
A standard homeowners policy doesn't cover earthquake damage. You need a separate policy or endorsement. Here's what earthquake coverage usually does and doesn't include, according to Tennessee's Department of Commerce and Insurance:
| Usually covered | Usually not covered |
|---|---|
| Repairs to your home | Damage to the land itself, like sinkholes or erosion |
| Removing debris | Your car (check your auto policy) |
| Extra living costs while your home is repaired | Water damage from outside sources, like flooding |
| Other structures and belongings, depending on the policy | Rebuilding with the exact original materials |
Ask about the deductible. Earthquake deductibles are usually a percentage of your coverage, so ask for the amount in dollars before you decide.
If your insurer won't pay: Tennessee's 25% rule
Tennessee law gives you leverage when an insurer drags its feet on a covered claim. If you make a formal demand for payment and the insurer refuses in bad faith to pay within 60 days, it may have to pay up to 25% more than the loss.
That extra amount is based on the added costs the refusal caused you, which can include attorney fees. A court or jury decides it.
This rule only applies to bad-faith refusals. An insurer that disputes a claim for a good reason isn't penalized. If you're stuck, start by calling the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's Consumer Insurance Services at 1-800-342-4029. It's free.
Tornado and storm season
Middle and West Tennessee see tornadoes most springs. Wind and hail damage are covered by a standard homeowners policy, but check your wind and hail deductible. Some policies use a percentage deductible for those storms. Ask for it in dollars.
After a storm, take photos, make temporary repairs to prevent more damage, and keep your receipts. Be wary of contractors who knock on your door and ask you to sign over your claim.
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Renters Insurance
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Condo Insurance
Explore condo coverage options alongside your association policy.
Landlord Insurance
Explore coverage options for a property you rent out.
Flood Insurance
Explore flood coverage, which standard home policies usually exclude.
Sources
- NAIC homeowners report (2022 data), via Insurance Information Institute
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, TDCI and TEMA remind consumers to learn more about earthquake insurance (Feb. 12, 2020)
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, TDCI and TEMA remind Tennesseans that flood insurance can help prevent a financial catastrophe (May 24, 2024)
- Tennessee Code §56-7-105, Additional liability upon insurers for bad faith refusal to pay