The Midwest and Southeastern states see their share of severe weather. Flooding, hailstorms, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat, and drought conditions all occur, and each can damage homes and businesses in different ways. When property is damaged in a natural disaster, the next step is usually an insurance claim. Coverage, however, is not always as…

Hailstorms occur across many parts of the United States each year and can cause significant damage to residential and commercial roofing systems. Even relatively short storms can produce hail large enough to compromise shingles, metal roofing components, and other roof materials.When those storms hit, roofs tend to take the brunt of the damage. Shingles can…

Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. For that reason, many people who live in areas prone to flooding purchase separate flood insurance. That coverage is often provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), though some private insurers also offer flood policies. Even with coverage in place, flood claims do not always…

People end up dealing with insurance companies in many different situations. Sometimes the claim is made under your own policy, for example, after a storm damages your home or business property. This is referred to as a first party insurance claim because you and your insurance company are both parties to the insurance contract (policy).…

Insurers are using satellite images, drone photos, and other aerial imagery more often in underwriting and property claims. Tennessee addressed that trend in Bulletin 25-03, warning that aerial imagery should be only one tool among many and that blurry, outdated, or imprecise imagery cannot reasonably justify denial of a property-damage claim. Tennessee also tied that…

An important new opinion regarding property insurance appraisals was just issued by Judge Aleta A. Trauger in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville Commc’ns, Inc. v. Auto-Owners Mut. Ins. Co., No. 3:24-cv-01020, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 223455 (M.D. Tenn. Nov. 13, 2025). McWherter Scott & Bobbitt proudly represents…