Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee mandates 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. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires SR-22 filing for drivers convicted of DUI, multiple violations within 12 months, driving without insurance, or after license suspension for points accumulation. High-risk drivers often need coverage above state minimums to satisfy SR-22 continuous coverage requirements and protect against out-of-pocket costs if found at fault again.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
High-risk auto insurance rates in Tennessee depend on violation type, prior coverage history, and whether you maintain continuous SR-22 filing. A first DUI typically doubles or triples premiums compared to a clean record, while multiple violations or an at-fault uninsured accident can increase rates 200–400%. Non-standard carriers writing SR-22 policies in Tennessee base rates on the severity of the triggering offense and time elapsed since the violation date.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions increase rates 150–300%, while multiple speeding tickets or at-fault accidents increase rates 100–200%
- Time since violation: Rates decrease 10–20% annually after the first year if no additional violations occur
- SR-22 filing period: Drivers who complete the 3-year requirement without lapses see rates drop 30–50% in the year following filing termination
- Carrier type: Non-standard insurers charge 150–300% of standard rates but are often the only option immediately after a major violation
- Coverage level: Adding comprehensive and collision to an SR-22 policy increases premiums 40–70% compared to liability-only
- Payment plan: Paying a 6-month or annual premium upfront may reduce total cost by 5–10% compared to monthly installments with fees
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Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security – Driver Services
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 – Motor and Other Vehicles
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance – Consumer Resources