Tennessee Consumer Resources
Tennessee residents: Are you looking for state resources? You don’t have to look any further. Our webpage has extensive information on a variety of topics. Whether your search is on state agencies, legal resources, educational, financial, health, or employment-related subjects, the data we’ve gathered can help you get what you are looking for.
Below is a summary of what each link has to offer. Any necessary contact information is included as well.
STATE AGENCIES
Attorney General – Get general information on a variety of state subjects through this website. You can find out how the state is helping crime victims and protecting consumers. Read news articles or report an issue. Learn about fighting crime and fraud. You can contact the division at (615) 741-3491.
Department of Commerce & Insurance – This department oversees insurance companies and providers to ensure that they are offering affordable service to consumers and operating within Tennessee law. You can search for agents and types of insurance. Read about recent news. You can also report problems through the website.
Tennessee Regulatory Authority - This commission oversees public utilities services and providers to ensure they are offering consumers safe and reliable service and operating under law. Read about energy conservation and search specific utilities providers. You can also contact the office at (800) 342-8359.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court – Looking to pursue a small claims court case? Our website can help you. You can find out about court cost limits, attorney requirements and hearing date information. Read about special provisions in Tennessee law.
Lemon Law – Do you feel that your recently purchased vehicle is a lemon? Find out how you can get into the right vehicle through our helpful article. We outline the lemon law rules and characteristics for Tennessee. Step by step legal process is included, as well at contact information for the Attorney General’s office.
EDUCATION
Department of Education – This department outlines the educational system in Tennessee. You can read about programs and funds implemented in the system. Educators can find helpful links for teaching as well. You can contact the department directly at (615) 741-2731.
FINANCE
Department of Financial Institutions – This division oversees banking and financial institutions in the Tennessee state to ensure they are fiscally strong and comply with laws. You can get information on individual financial institutions and regulations. You can also report a problem online. You can also contact the office at (615) 741-2236.
HEALTH CARE
TennCare – This website explains health care options in Tennessee. You can view coverage programs and how TennCare is helping out state residents. Learn about the 2013 budget plan, and find out eligibility. You can reach TennCare toll free at 1-800-342-3145.
Cover Tennessee – Get information on Cover Tennessee through this website. Find out what it is, and who it is available to. Learn about the extent of coverage and how you can apply for it. The office can be reached at 1-866-COVERTN.
EMPLOYMENT
Department of Human Resources – Looking for a job with the state of Tennessee? You can start here online. You can search current job openings and learn about how you can submit an application online. You can also read about employee testing and other programs. You can contact the office at (615) 741-4841.
Contact Tennessee State & Local Consumer Agencies
State and local consumer protection offices mediate disputes, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. To save time, call the office before sending in a written report. Ask if the office handles the type of problem you have and if forms are provided.
State Offices
Mark S. Williams, Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
Fifth Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0600
615-741-4737
Toll free in TN: 1-800-342-8385
Fax: 615-532-4994
E-mail: mwilliams2@mail.state.tn.us
Web site: www.state.tn.us/consumer
Cynthia Carter
Deputy Attorney General
Division of Consumer Protection
Office of Attorney General
425 Fifth Ave. N., 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0491
615-741-1671
Fax: 615-532-2910
State Banking Regulators
The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems about other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit. If you are dealing with a federally chartered bank, check the listing of Selected Federal Agencies.
Bill Houston
Commissioner, Financial Institutions
John Sevier Building
500 Charlotte Avenue, 4th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0705
615-741-2236
Fax: 615-741-2883
E-mail: tsmith@mail.state.tn.us
State Insurance Regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Doug Sizemore
Commissioner, Department of Commerce and Insurance
500 James Robertson Parkway
5th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0565
615-741-2241
615-741-2218 (consumer insurance services)
Toll free in TN: 1-800-342-4029 (consumer insurance services)
Toll free in TN: 1-800-525-2816 (counseling for seniors)
Web site: www.state.tn.us/commerce/insurdiv.html