Serving Legal Documents on an Insurance Company

If you have filed a lawsuit, subpoena, demand notice, or other legal action against an insurance company, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance may be able to accept service of process on behalf of that company as required by Tennessee law. This page explains when the Department can accept service, what documents and fees are required, and how to verify the insurance company’s full legal name and NAIC CoCode before submitting documents.

You can verify an insurance company license here and confirm the respective NAIC CoCode here.

Please note the following policies:

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-2-504, the process to be served on an insurance company may be made through the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. 

All complaints/demand notices/duces tecum/subpoenas, etc., will need to list the complete insurance company name to be served AND the NAIC CoCode on the summons. This information can be found at the link listed above.

Active authorizations, registrations, eligibilities, and other insurance company licensing transactions in Tennessee may easily be verified in real time using the link above
Please note that “Jurisdiction” on this page is Tennessee and only Tennessee. Search type would be “Company”.

  • All complaints/demand notices/duces tecum/subpoenas, etc., will need to list the complete insurance company name to be served AND the NAIC CoCode on the summons. This information can be found at the link listed above.
  • Active authorizations, registrations, eligibilities, and other insurance company licensing transactions in Tennessee may easily be verified in real time using the link above.
  • Please note that “Jurisdiction” on this page is Tennessee and only Tennessee. Search type would be “Company”.
  • The Department serves as the agent for service of process for certain entities regulated by the Department and required by law to appoint the Commissioner as an agent for service of process.  These entities include most types of insurance companies, insurance rating companies, self-insured companies for workers’ compensation, and auto clubs.  We do not serve as the agent for service of process for banks, individuals, insurance agents/agencies, or third-party administrators.
  •  Miscellaneous Mail:  The Department is unable to forward miscellaneous mail to an insurance company

In order for the Department to serve process, the following is required:

  • 2 copies of a court-issued summons, 1 original and 1 copy;
  • 1 copy of the Complaint (Inclusion of Complaint is not necessary if it was filed in the General Sessions Court);
  • $15 cash, check, or money order payable to the Commissioner of Insurance; and
  • An affidavit giving the last known address of the defendant(s).

The above can be delivered by mail, messenger, or hand delivered to:

The Department of Commerce and Insurance
Attn: Service of Process
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243

Please contact the Department at 615-532-5260 or email Service.Process@tn.gov with any questions.