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
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate filed by your insurer proving you carry state-required liability coverage. Required for DUI, license suspension, or uninsured driving convictions in Tennessee for 3 years with no lapses allowed.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Tennessee requires 25/50/15 minimums, but high-risk drivers should consider higher limits given lawsuit exposure.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Not required in Tennessee but must be offered by all insurers.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies written for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, lapses, or violations who cannot obtain coverage from standard carriers. Often feature higher premiums and limited coverage options.
Full Coverage Insurance
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive. Not a legal term, but common shorthand for coverage that protects both your liability and your own vehicle.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. Not required by Tennessee but mandated by lenders on financed vehicles.
