Updated May 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee operates under a fault-based liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for injuries and damage in a collision. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility, typically satisfied through liability insurance with minimum limits of 25/50/15. Drivers who receive a suspension notice for certain violations must file Form SR-22 with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to prove continuous coverage during the filing period.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
Non-owner SR-22 policies cost substantially less than standard owner SR-22 because there's no vehicle attached to the policy and no comprehensive or collision coverage. Tennessee non-owner SR-22 premiums depend on the violation that triggered the filing requirement, your age, and your prior insurance history.
What Affects Your Rate
- DUI-related SR-22 filings in Tennessee add $40–$80/month to non-owner base rates compared to driving-without-insurance filings.
- Drivers under 25 pay roughly 25–40% more for non-owner SR-22 than drivers over 30 due to accident frequency statistics.
- Urban Tennessee counties like Davidson and Shelby have higher non-owner rates than rural counties because of collision density and uninsured motorist rates.
- A clean driving record prior to the SR-22 trigger can reduce premiums by 15–25% compared to drivers with multiple prior violations.
- Carriers writing non-owner SR-22 in Tennessee include Progressive, The General, National General, and Bristol West, with rates varying by up to 40% between carriers for identical coverage.
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only coverage that satisfies Tennessee SR-22 filing requirements without a vehicle attached to the policy. Covers you when driving borrowed or rented cars.
Liability-Only Coverage
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Tennessee requires 25/50/15 minimums, which non-owner policies provide.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Optional on non-owner policies.
Owner SR-22 Conversion
If you buy or are gifted a vehicle during your SR-22 filing period, you must switch from non-owner to owner SR-22 and add comprehensive and collision if the vehicle is financed.
Find Your City in Tennessee
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security — SR-22 filing requirements and reinstatement procedures
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance — minimum liability coverage standards