Tennessee SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Tennessee's 25/50/25 minimums are the legal floor for all drivers, including those with SR-22 requirements. High-risk drivers should consider higher limits—50/100/50 or 100/300/100—because minimums may not cover damages in a serious accident, and a subsequent at-fault crash while already high-risk can lead to policy cancellation and difficulty finding replacement coverage. Many non-standard carriers in Tennessee require limits above state minimums to write SR-22 policies.

SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy but a certificate filed by your insurer with the Tennessee Department of Safety proving you carry continuous coverage. It's required after DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points.

Full coverage (liability plus collision and comprehensive) is not legally required in Tennessee unless mandated by a lender, but high-risk drivers with financed vehicles must maintain it to protect the lien. Dropping to liability-only after paying off a loan can reduce costs but leaves you without protection for your own vehicle.

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk drivers and are often the only option for those with DUI, multiple violations, or lapses. These carriers file SR-22 certificates and work with drivers standard insurers decline.

Tennessee does not require uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, but insurers must offer it and you must reject it in writing.