Updated March 2026
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security – Driver Services
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 (Motor and Other Vehicles)