Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. SR-22 filing usually lasts 3 years from the date of reinstatement, and any lapse in coverage during this period restarts the requirement clock and triggers immediate license suspension.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
High-risk auto insurance in Tennessee typically costs $200–$400/mo for drivers with SR-22 requirements, compared to $80–$140/mo for clean-record drivers. Rates depend on violation type—DUI offenders see the steepest increases, often 150–250% above standard rates—while drivers with lapses or minor violations face smaller but still substantial surcharges. Non-standard carriers dominate the high-risk market in Tennessee and pricing varies widely, so comparing multiple quotes is essential.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type—DUI and reckless driving trigger the highest surcharges, often 150–250% above standard rates
- SR-22 filing duration—longer requirements signal higher risk to insurers and may increase premiums
- Coverage lapses—gaps in insurance history add 20–50% to premiums even after reinstatement
- Location—urban areas like Nashville and Memphis see higher rates due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates
- Credit score—Tennessee allows credit-based insurance scoring, and high-risk drivers with poor credit pay 30–60% more
- Age and experience—drivers under 25 with violations face compounded surcharges, often exceeding $400/mo for full coverage
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Tennessee
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Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Insurance Information Institute