Ice Storm Damage in Middle Tennessee: What Homeowners & Renters Need to Know
(Educational Information Only)
Middle Tennessee just experienced a severe ice storm that left many people dealing with power outages, frozen pipes, flooding, and property damage. These kinds of weather events are not something our region is well-equipped to handle, and a lot of homeowners and renters are finding themselves overwhelmed, unsure of next steps, or afraid of “doing the wrong thing.”
This post is shared for educational purposes only and is meant to help you understand your options — not to replace guidance from your insurance provider, legal counsel, or licensed professionals.
First Things First: You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong by Asking Questions
One of the biggest things I see in my line of work is people delaying action because they’re afraid:
Afraid of being “blacklisted”
Afraid their premiums will go up
Afraid the damage isn’t “bad enough”
Afraid they waited too long
Let me say this clearly: asking questions and exploring your options does not hurt you.
Understanding Insurance Claims After Storm Damage
Here are some common scenarios I’m seeing right now — again, this is general educational information, not personal advice:
🏠 Renters
If you’re renting and your apartment or rental home flooded due to burst pipes or storm-related issues, this is typically what renter’s insurance exists for. If you have a policy, it’s worth reviewing what coverage may apply.
🚗 Vehicles & Property
If ice damaged your vehicle, collapsed a structure like a greenhouse, or caused exterior damage to your property, there may be coverage through auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or both, depending on your policy.
🚿 Frozen or Burst Pipes
If pipes froze or burst because the heat was off during power outages — whether the damage seems small or significant — it may still be worth documenting and discussing with your insurance provider.
Many people assume:
“It wasn’t that bad”
“It happened before the power came back on”
“It happened after the power came back on”
None of those automatically disqualify you from coverage. Policies differ, and the only way to know what applies to youis to ask.
If a Claim Is Denied, You Still Have Options
A denial isn’t the end of the road.
Depending on your situation and policy, you may have options such as:
Requesting a review
Providing additional documentation
Consulting an independent insurance adjuster
Again — educational info only — but don’t assume “no” means never.
Why Timing Matters Right Now
Here’s the contractor side of this conversation — and this is important.
We were already short on licensed, qualified professionals before this storm. Once the ice and snow fully melt, demand for repairs is going to spike hard.
That means:
Longer wait times
Full schedules
Increased competition for reputable contractors
If you already know who you want to work with, it’s smart to:
Start the conversation early
Get on their schedule if possible
Understand their process and availability
You’re not committing — you’re preparing.
Protect Yourself From Predatory Contractors
Unfortunately, storm damage also attracts people who are not licensed, not insured, or not operating ethically.
Before hiring anyone:
Verify licensing and insurance through official state resources
Be cautious of high-pressure tactics
Avoid large cash demands up front
Get documentation in writing
If something feels off, pause. You are allowed to protect yourself.
One Last Thing — And This Matters
You have survived 100% of the hard things you’ve been through so far.
This storm, this damage, this season — it’s heavy, but it’s not something you have to navigate alone. There are options. There are professionals who care. And there is a path forward, even if it feels unclear right now.
Take it one step at a time.
Ask questions.
Advocate for yourself.
You’ve got this. 💚
— Bri the Builder