The cheapest claim is the one that never happens. However, at some point in time you will probably experience a financial loss and have the need to file an insurance claim. The Pool feels that, if at all possible, the claims adjustment (settlement) process should be a positive experience for the member and/or the claimant and should reinforce your reasons for placing your coverage with the Pool.

The TML Pool's claims management philosophy is based on claims administration and litigation procedures tailored to the specific types of claims normally made against municipal coverages. The investigation and settlement (payment or denial) of claims may vary slightly based on the circumstances of each particular occurrence. For instance, the severity of a claim may determine whether it is promptly settled or whether an investigation must be conducted.

In general, upon confirming coverage, each claim is acknowledged and then assigned to an adjuster for investigation. Interviews with claimants, witnesses, and employees of the member are performed to verify the details of the event and to determine the Pool's exposure. When necessary, police reports, fire reports, and medical records, in the case of injury, are obtained to complete the case file. Timely, accurate reporting of every incident is critical. Quick response to a claim can, in many instances, prevent anger, frustration and potential lawsuits.

Should a lawsuit arise, the case is assigned to an attorney, from the Pool's legal defense network. This network is composed of attorneys, from different areas of Tennessee, familiar with the Pool's strategy for defending lawsuits, along with an extensive knowledge of trends in court decisions affecting Tennessee municipalities and related governmental entities.

Claims settlements are made based on previous Tennessee municipal experience, with similar court cases and prior awards taken into consideration. When these court decisions have shown trends toward severe monetary losses to the TML Pool and its members, the Pool will often (but not always) negotiate a settlement rather than incur enormous legal expenses fighting it out in court.

Claims administration is handled, through contract, by Public Risk Services, a professional third party administrator, specializing in Tennessee municipal claims. TML Pool members can be assured that each claim is handled with competence, by a staff of experienced adjusters.

CAUTION!!! BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL NOT TO ACCEPT OR DENY COVERAGE OR MAKE COMMITMENTS TO PAY FOR SERVICES WHEN TAKING LOSS REPORTS OR SPEAKING WITH CLAIMANTS.

The TML Pool has purchased excess loss coverage (reinsurance) for each product line from third party reinsurers. These reinsurance carriers require certain investigative and reporting procedures of the Pool. Erroneous confirmations or denials of claims could violate provisions of the reinsurance contracts and leave the Pool and/or the member liable for such a claim. For this reason, claims settlement must be left to the professional expertise of the claims personnel.