State Requirements
Tennessee mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15). SR-22 filing is required for DUI convictions, driving on a suspended license, accumulating 12 points in 12 months, at-fault accidents without insurance, and repeat offenses. The Tennessee Department of Safety requires continuous SR-22 certification for 3 years, and any lapse triggers license suspension and restarts the filing period.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance rates in Tennessee vary significantly based on violation type, location, and driving history. DUI convictions typically increase premiums by 80–140% over standard rates, while SR-22 requirements for license suspensions may increase rates by 50–90%. Urban counties like Davidson and Shelby generally see higher premiums than rural areas due to accident frequency and theft rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions carry higher surcharges than speeding violations or point accumulation
- Time since violation: Rates decrease 15–30% at the 3-year mark when violations drop off the driving record
- County: Urban areas like Memphis (Shelby County) and Nashville (Davidson County) see rates 20–35% higher than rural counties
- Age and experience: Drivers under 25 with SR-22 requirements face compounded high-risk classification
- Filing duration remaining: Some carriers offer modest discounts after 2 years of clean SR-22 filing
- Down payment ability: Non-standard carriers may reduce monthly costs if 30–50% is paid upfront
Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle
Compare carriers that offer non-owner policies with SR-22 filing — required for reinstatement in most states.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimums are low for high-risk drivers who face elevated lawsuit risk after another violation.
SR-22 Insurance
Certification filed by your carrier proving continuous coverage. Required for 3 years in Tennessee after DUI, suspensions, or uninsured accidents.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your injuries and damage when hit by an uninsured driver. Not required in Tennessee but recommended given the state's 20% uninsured driver rate.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, lapses, or multiple violations. Often the only option after license reinstatement.
Collision Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident. Required by lenders for financed vehicles even with SR-22 status.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, or weather. Required for financed vehicles and recommended in high-theft areas.
