Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates & Requirements
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Tennessee at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Tennessee operates as a tort state where at-fault drivers are financially responsible for crash damages. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it during traffic stops or after accidents.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
about $87/mo
Average car insurance spending in Tennessee
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- Drivers with a DUI face premiums 2–3 times higher and must file SR-22 proof of insurance for three years following conviction.
- Vehicle theft risk varies widely — pickup trucks are stolen at higher rates in rural Tennessee, while sedans and SUVs are targeted more in Memphis and Nashville metro areas.
Check Your Rate Against the Market
Compare Auto Rates for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a no-fault state for car insurance?
No, Tennessee is a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for crash damages. Injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver's liability insurance or sue directly for amounts exceeding policy limits. This makes carrying higher liability limits critical for protecting personal assets from lawsuits.
How does Tennessee verify auto insurance?
Tennessee participates in an electronic insurance verification system where insurers report policy information directly to the state. Law enforcement can verify coverage instantly during traffic stops. The Tennessee Department of Safety monitors coverage gaps and automatically suspends registrations when insurers report policy cancellations, requiring reinstatement fees even for brief lapses.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee's tort system allows injured parties to sue for amounts exceeding your policy limits, making higher liability limits essential for asset protection.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection. Covers both your vehicle and others regardless of fault, offering complete financial protection in crashes, theft, and weather events.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for non-crash damage including theft, hail, falling objects, fire, and animal strikes. Covers your vehicle's actual cash value minus your deductible regardless of fault.
Collision Coverage
Repairs or replaces your vehicle after crashes with other vehicles or objects, regardless of who caused the accident. Pays up to your vehicle's actual cash value minus your chosen deductible.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Also applies in hit-and-run crashes where the responsible party cannot be identified.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Tennessee Department of Safety, required after DUI convictions, driving without insurance, or multiple serious violations. Not a separate policy, but proof your coverage meets state requirements.