Quick answer

If an insurer closed your auto damage claim without notice, act quickly: gather documentation, ask the insurer for the claim file and reason for closure in writing, submit new evidence or a written request to reopen, follow the insurer’s internal appeal process, and if necessary file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) or consult an attorney. Keep copies of all communications and avoid signing any release until you are sure the claim is resolved correctly.

Detailed answer — step by step under Tennessee practice

1. Don’t panic; preserve evidence and notes

Immediately preserve all evidence: photos of damage, repair estimates, invoices, text messages, emails, and notes of phone conversations (include date, time, name/title of person you spoke with, and what was said). If repairs were done, keep detailed invoices and before/after photos. These records will be crucial to get the claim reopened or to support a complaint.

2. Ask the insurer exactly why the claim was closed

Contact the claims adjuster by phone to learn the reason the file was closed. Then send a short written request (email + certified mail or other trackable delivery) asking them to:

• Confirm the date the claim was closed;
• State the specific reason for closure (e.g., no coverage, duplicate claim, lack of evidence, claimant non-response); and
• Provide a complete copy of the claim file and any recorded statements, including notes, estimates, photos, and correspondence.

3. Review your policy and the insurer’s reason

Read the relevant parts of your auto policy (coverage, exclusions, duties after loss, appraisal clause, time limits for suit and for providing notice). If the insurer closed for lack of information but you did supply required documentation, note those dates and the method(s) you used to communicate with the company.

4. Submit a written request to reopen with supporting documentation

Send a concise written request to the claims adjuster and supervisor that:

• Identifies the claim number and policy;
• Explains why the file should be reopened (e.g., new evidence, missed communication, incorrect closure); and
• Attaches supporting documents (new photos, repair estimate, invoices, witness statements, police report).

Deliver by email (if you have documented email contact) and certified mail or other trackable method. Ask for confirmation of receipt and a timeframe for a decision.

5. Use the insurer’s internal appeal or dispute process

Most insurers have an internal appeal or dispute procedure. Ask the adjuster how to file an official appeal and follow the insurer’s stated steps. Be sure to include all evidence and a clear timeline showing why the original closure was incorrect or why new evaluation is needed.

6. Consider the policy’s appraisal clause (if dispute is amount, not coverage)

If the closing relates to the value of damage (amount in dispute) and your policy contains an appraisal clause, you may be able to invoke appraisal to get an independent estimate. Appraisal resolves value disagreements, not coverage disputes. Review the clause and request appraisal in writing if appropriate.

7. Escalate to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI)

If the insurer refuses to reopen the claim or fails to respond reasonably, file a complaint with the TDCI. TDCI can review whether the insurer followed Tennessee insurance laws and regulations and can mediate or investigate unfair practices. File a complaint online: TDCI: File an Insurance Complaint. For general consumer information see: TDCI Consumer Resources.

8. Avoid signing a broad release

Do not sign any release or settlement document that cuts off future claims unless you fully understand and agree to the terms. A broad release can prevent you from reopening the claim or making further claims for related damage.

9. Know when to consult an attorney

Consider talking to a Tennessee attorney if:

• The insurer denies coverage and you believe coverage applies;
• The insurer acted unreasonably or appears to have engaged in bad faith;
• You have substantial unrepaired damage or costly repairs that the insurer refuses to pay; or
• You face a short deadline to file suit and the insurer is unresponsive.

An attorney can send a demand letter, advise on bad-faith claims, and help preserve rights under Tennessee law.

10. Act quickly — preserve rights and deadlines

Tennessee law imposes time limits for filing lawsuits and disputing insurance actions. If your insurer’s closure effectively denies your claim, prompt action is important. If you are unsure about applicable deadlines, consult counsel quickly or ask TDCI for guidance.

Note on Tennessee law and enforcement: The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance enforces insurance laws and investigates complaints. See the TDCI consumer complaint page above for how to file. For an overview of state insurance law, refer to the Tennessee Code (Title 56 – Insurance) via the Tennessee General Assembly website: Tennessee Code, Title 56 (Insurance). The TDCI page includes helpful consumer guidance and complaint forms: TDCI Consumer Resources.

Sample written request to reopen (short template)

Use this template as a starting point. Send via email (if documented) and certified mail.

Date

To: [Insurer name], Claims Department
Claim #: [claim number]
Policy #: [policy number]

Re: Request to Reopen Auto Damage Claim

I request that you reopen the above-referenced claim. On [date] I provided [photos/estimate/police report/etc.]. The claim appears to have been closed on [date] without prior notice and without addressing [explain missing evaluation/ evidence/coverage].

Attached: [list documents].

Please confirm receipt and reopen the file for further investigation within 14 days. If you will not reopen the claim, please provide the specific reason for closure and copies of all file documents, including adjuster notes, estimates, and recorded statements.

Sincerely,
[Your name] — [contact information]
    

Helpful Hints

• Always send key communications in writing and keep calendar notes of phone calls.
• Request the insurer’s claim file — having the file helps show mistakes or missed documents.
• Use certified mail or email with read receipts for important submissions so you have proof of delivery.
• Keep copies of every repair estimate and every photo (time-stamped if possible).
• If the dispute is only about the amount, consider appraisal; if it’s about coverage, appraisal won’t help.
• Filing a TDCI complaint can prompt insurer review; include copies of your written communications and evidence in the complaint.
• Don’t sign broad releases or final settlement paperwork until you are satisfied the claim is resolved.
• If repairs are urgent, get temporary repairs documented and keep receipts — submit them to the insurer to support reopening the claim.