Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2025)

Quick Answer: Tennessee Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Yes, Tennessee requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. Here are the state minimum requirements:

This is commonly written as 25/50/15 plus $10,000 PIP.

Penalties for driving uninsured:

• First offense: $300 fine + license/registration suspension
• Must file SR-22 for 3 years
• Vehicle registration suspended

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Tennessee Auto Insurance Law Overview

Tennessee requires all registered vehicles to carry continuous auto insurance under the Financial Responsibility Law (Tennessee Code § 55-12-139). The state uses electronic verification to monitor insurance status in real-time.

What Makes Tennessee Different

Tennessee is one of the few states that requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage even though it's not technically a no-fault state. This $10,000 PIP coverage provides immediate medical expense coverage regardless of who caused the accident.

Key features:

• Electronic insurance verification system (all insurers report directly to the state)
• Mandatory PIP coverage
• Strict enforcement with automatic license suspension for lapses
• SR-22 requirement for violations

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Tennessee Minimum Coverage Requirements

Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000/$50,000

What it covers:

• Medical bills for people you injure in an accident
• Lost wages for injured parties
• Pain and suffering claims
• Legal defense costs if you're sued

Limits explained:

• $25,000 per person: Maximum paid for one person's injuries
• $50,000 per accident: Maximum paid for all injuries in one accident

Example: You cause an accident injuring two people. Person A has $30,000 in medical bills. Person B has $25,000. Your insurance pays $25,000 to Person A (the per-person limit) and $25,000 to Person B. You're personally liable for Person A's remaining $5,000.

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Property Damage Liability: $15,000

What it covers:

• Damage to other vehicles
• Damage to buildings, fences, mailboxes
• Damage to personal property in other vehicles

What it doesn't cover:

• Your own vehicle damage (need collision coverage)
• Your own property

Tennessee's $15,000 limit is dangerously low. The average new car costs $48,000+. If you total a new vehicle, you're personally liable for the difference.

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Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000

Tennessee requires $10,000 in PIP coverage, which is unusual for a tort (at-fault) state.

What PIP covers:

• Your medical expenses (regardless of fault)
• Your passengers' medical expenses
• Lost wages (up to policy limits)
• Funeral expenses

PIP benefits:

• Pays immediately without determining fault
• Covers you and your passengers
• No deductible required
• Applies no matter whose vehicle you're in

Important: PIP covers only economic losses (medical bills, lost wages). It doesn't cover pain and suffering.

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Who Must Carry Insurance in Tennessee?

Required:

✅ All registered vehicle owners

• Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans
• Must maintain continuous coverage
• Lapses trigger automatic suspension

✅ Motorcycles

• Same liability limits as cars (25/50/15)
• PIP coverage also required

✅ Commercial vehicles

• Minimum state requirements or higher
• May need commercial policy depending on use

✅ Out-of-state vehicles (if staying 30+ days)

• Must meet Tennessee minimums
• Must register and insure in Tennessee

Exemptions:

❌ Self-insured entities

• Must post $60,000 bond with the state
• Requires Tennessee Department of Revenue approval
• Not practical for individuals

❌ Vehicles in storage/not driven

• Must surrender license plates to avoid penalties
• Cannot be parked on public roads

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Tennessee Electronic Verification System

Tennessee uses one of the nation's most advanced insurance verification systems.

How It Works:

1. Insurers report directly to the state

   • Real-time updates when policies start/cancel
   • Automatic matching with registration database

2. Automatic detection of lapses

   • State detects uninsured vehicles within days
   • Warning letter sent to vehicle owner

3. Progressive penalties

   • 30 days to prove insurance or registration suspended
   • Fines increase with each violation

Cannot avoid: You cannot simply show proof at a later date. The system detects the exact dates you were uninsured.

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Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

First Offense:

Fines and fees:

• $300 civil penalty
• Potential criminal misdemeanor charge
• Court costs and administrative fees

License consequences:

• Driver license suspended until proof of insurance provided
• Vehicle registration suspended
• Must file SR-22 for 3 years

Total cost: $1,500-$2,500 (fines + SR-22 + reinstatement)

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Second Offense (Within 5 Years):

Increased penalties:

• $350 fine
• Longer suspension period
• SR-22 requirement continues
• Possible vehicle impoundment

Criminal charges:

• Class C misdemeanor
• Up to 30 days in jail (rare but possible)
• Permanent criminal record

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Third Offense:

Severe consequences:

• $500+ fine
• Extended license suspension (6-12 months)
• Vehicle may be impounded
• SR-22 required for 5+ years
• Class B misdemeanor (more serious criminal charge)

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SR-22 Requirements in Tennessee

An SR-22 is not insurance—it's a certificate proving you carry the required insurance. Tennessee requires SR-22 filing for:

• Driving without insurance
• DUI conviction
• Multiple traffic violations
• At-fault accident while uninsured
• License reinstatement after suspension

SR-22 Process:

1. Purchase auto insurance meeting state minimums
2. Request SR-22 from insurer ($25-$50 fee)
3. Insurer files electronically with Tennessee Department of Safety
4. Maintain continuous coverage for 3 years
5. Any lapse triggers new suspension and restarts the 3-year period

Cost impact: SR-22 increases insurance rates by 40-80% on average.

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Why Tennessee Minimums Aren't Enough

Scenario: Serious Accident

Example accident costs:

• Two injured parties: $150,000 in medical bills
• Three damaged vehicles: $90,000
• Lost wages: $50,000
• Total damages: $290,000

Your insurance pays:

• Bodily injury: $50,000 (your maximum)
• Property damage: $15,000 (your maximum)
• PIP: $10,000 (your medical bills)
• Total coverage: $75,000

You owe personally: $215,000

Consequences:

• Lawsuit for the difference
• Wage garnishment (up to 25% of your income)
• Liens on your home
• Bankruptcy possible

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Average Accident Costs vs. State Minimums

Tennessee's minimums were set decades ago and haven't kept pace with medical and vehicle costs.

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Recommended Coverage Levels

Minimum Acceptable (Better Than State Minimums):

• Bodily Injury: 50/100/50 (double state minimums)
• PIP: $10,000 (state minimum)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: 50/100 (match bodily injury)
• Cost increase: $200-$500/year over minimums

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Good Coverage (Recommended for Most Drivers):

• Bodily Injury: 100/300/100
• PIP: $25,000
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: 100/300
• Collision & Comprehensive: Actual cash value with $500-$1,000 deductible
• Cost: $800-$1,800/year depending on driver/vehicle

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Excellent Coverage (Best Protection):

• Bodily Injury: 250/500/100
• PIP: $50,000
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: 250/500
• Umbrella Policy: $1M-$2M (adds $200-$400/year)
• Cost: $1,200-$2,500/year + umbrella

Umbrella policies are extremely cost-effective: $1M in additional liability coverage typically costs only $200-$300/year.

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Optional But Recommended Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Tennessee does NOT require this coverage, but you should carry it.

Why it matters:

• 20% of Tennessee drivers are uninsured (above national average)
• Another 30% carry only minimum coverage
• Half of drivers on the road cannot fully cover a serious accident

What it covers:

• Your injuries when hit by an uninsured driver
• Your injuries when hit by an underinsured driver
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Your passengers' injuries

Cost: $100-$300/year for 50/100 coverage

Worth it: Absolutely. This protects YOUR family when the other driver has no insurance.

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Collision Coverage

Covers: Damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault

Required if:

• You have a car loan or lease
• Your vehicle is worth more than $5,000

Not required if:

• You own your vehicle outright
• Your vehicle is worth less than $2,000

Typical deductible: $500-$1,000

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Comprehensive Coverage

Covers: Damage to your vehicle from non-accident causes:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Hail, falling trees
• Animal strikes (deer, etc.)

Cost: Usually $200-$600/year

Worth it if: Your vehicle is worth more than $3,000

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Tennessee Insurance Costs

Average Annual Premiums:

Factors affecting your rate:

• Age and driving history
• Credit score (Tennessee allows credit-based pricing)
• Vehicle type and value
• Annual mileage
• Coverage limits and deductibles
• Zip code

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Why Memphis Has Higher Rates:

• Higher uninsured driver rate (25%+)
• More accidents and claims
• Higher theft and vandalism rates
• Urban traffic congestion

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How to Get Insurance in Tennessee

Step 1: Shop Around

Get quotes from 5+ insurers:

• National companies (State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate)
• Regional insurers (Auto-Owners, The General)
• Independent agents (compare multiple companies)

Rates vary dramatically: The difference between the highest and lowest quote can be $1,000+/year for the same coverage.

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Step 2: Choose Coverage Levels

Don't just buy minimums. Consider:

• Your assets (home, savings, retirement accounts)
• Your income (can be garnished in a lawsuit)
• Your family's needs
• Your risk tolerance

Rule of thumb: Carry liability limits equal to your net worth plus 2-3 years of income.

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Step 3: Get Your Insurance ID Card

Tennessee requires:

• Digital or physical insurance card
• Must show current policy dates
• Must include vehicle VIN

Keep copies:

• In your vehicle
• On your phone (digital ID accepted)
• At home

Insurer automatically reports your coverage to the state—you don't need to file anything separately.

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FAQ

What happens if I let my insurance lapse in Tennessee?

Immediate consequences:

• State detects the lapse within 1-7 days
• Warning letter sent to your address
• 30-day grace period to provide proof of insurance
• If not resolved: License and registration suspended
• $300 civil penalty
• SR-22 required for 3 years

Don't let it lapse. The 3-year SR-22 requirement costs $1,500-$3,000 in increased premiums.

Can I drive in Tennessee with out-of-state insurance?

Yes, if visiting. Out-of-state insurance is accepted for visitors.

No, if moving to Tennessee. You must:

• Register your vehicle in Tennessee within 30 days
• Obtain Tennessee insurance meeting state requirements
• Your out-of-state policy may not meet Tennessee's PIP requirement

Does Tennessee require uninsured motorist coverage?

No, but insurers must offer it. You can decline UM/UIM coverage in writing, but this is a bad idea.

Why you should buy it:

• 20% of Tennessee drivers are uninsured
• Hit-and-run accidents are common
• Protects you when the other driver can't pay
• Relatively inexpensive ($10-$25/month)

What is Tennessee's electronic verification system?

Tennessee's VerifyInsuranceNow system automatically:

• Receives real-time insurance data from all insurers
• Matches insurance policies to registered vehicles
• Detects lapses within days
• Triggers automatic suspension letters

You cannot fake or delay proof of insurance. The state knows your exact coverage status at all times.

How much does SR-22 cost in Tennessee?

SR-22 filing fee: $25-$50 (one-time)

Insurance rate increase: 40-80% ($500-$1,500/year increase)

Total 3-year cost: $1,500-$4,500 in extra premiums

Required for: 3 years from date of violation

Any lapse restarts the 3-year clock, so maintain continuous coverage.

Can I get insurance with a DUI in Tennessee?

Yes, but it's expensive. After a DUI:

• SR-22 required for 3 years
• Rates increase 80-150%
• May need high-risk insurer (The General, Direct Auto)
• Cannot get excluded from household member's policy

DUI insurance cost: $2,500-$5,000/year for minimum coverage

Strategy: Take defensive driving course, maintain clean record, shop around annually.

What's the difference between PIP and medical payments coverage?

Tennessee requires $10,000 PIP, which is broader than optional medical payments (MedPay) coverage:

PIP covers:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Funeral costs
• Essential services (childcare if you're injured)

MedPay covers:

• Medical expenses only
• No lost wage coverage

You can buy additional MedPay to supplement PIP. For example, $10,000 PIP (required) + $5,000 MedPay (optional) = $15,000 total medical coverage.

Do I need insurance for a car that doesn't run?

No, but you must surrender the license plates to avoid penalties.

Process:

• Take plates to local County Clerk office
• Complete affidavit that vehicle is not being driven
• Plates will be suspended (not canceled)
• Cannot park vehicle on public roads

When you fix the vehicle:

• Get insurance first
• Reinstate plates at County Clerk
• Insurer automatically reports to the state

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Summary: Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements

State-Required Minimums (25/50/15 + $10K PIP):

• ✅ $25,000 bodily injury per person
• ✅ $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• ✅ $15,000 property damage
• ✅ $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Recommended Additions:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (50/100 minimum)
• Higher liability limits (100/300/100)
• Collision and comprehensive if vehicle worth $3,000+

Key Tennessee Rules:

• Electronic verification system detects lapses immediately
• SR-22 required for 3 years after insurance violations
• PIP coverage is mandatory (unusual for tort state)
• 20% of drivers are uninsured—protect yourself with UM coverage

Penalties:

• First offense: $300 fine + license suspension + SR-22
• SR-22 increases insurance costs by $1,500-$4,500 over 3 years
• Criminal charges possible for repeat offenses

Bottom line: Tennessee's minimums are dangerously low. Carry at least 50/100/50 with UM coverage to adequately protect yourself.

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Tennessee auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: December 2025 Sources: Tennessee Department of Safety, Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-12-139, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance