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). Drivers convicted of DUI, cited for driving without insurance, or caught after a license suspension must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The SR-22 filing itself does not change the minimum coverage amounts, but high-risk drivers often face policy cancellations from standard carriers and must turn to non-standard insurers who may require higher limits.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in Tennessee costs substantially more than standard coverage, with premiums determined by violation type, frequency, and time elapsed since the offense. A DUI can increase rates by 80–150% for the first three years, while drivers with SR-22 requirements and multiple violations may see premiums double or triple. Tennessee does not prohibit insurers from considering credit history, which further impacts non-standard rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions carry the highest surcharges, followed by reckless driving and at-fault accidents with injuries
- Number of violations: Multiple offenses within 3 years can move you into assigned risk pools with significantly higher premiums
- Time since violation: Rates typically decrease 10–20% per year after the first year violation-free, with the largest drops occurring after 3 and 5 years
- Location: Memphis and Nashville high-risk drivers pay 15–30% more than drivers in Knoxville or rural counties due to accident frequency and uninsured motorist rates
- Credit history: Tennessee allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, which heavily impact non-standard pricing
- Age and gender: Young high-risk drivers under 25 with DUIs face the steepest premiums, often $500+ monthly for full coverage
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Tennessee
Coverage Options
Find Your City in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 (Motor and Other Vehicles)