Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Non-Owner SR-22 QuoteTennessee 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
$65
State license reinstatement fee, about 5 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 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.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Non-Owner SR-22 Liability
What Drivers Pay in Tennessee
$198–$294/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Urban Tennessee counties like Davidson and Shelby have higher non-owner rates than rural counties because of collision density and uninsured motorist rates.
Cover Your Filing Before You Own a Car Again
Get My Non-Owner SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driver License (Class D, M) — Order for Restricted License
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SR-22 insurance in Tennessee if I don't own a car?
Yes, Tennessee accepts non-owner SR-22 policies that provide liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rented vehicles. The carrier files Form SR-22 electronically with the Tennessee Department of Safety, satisfying the filing requirement without a vehicle attached to the policy. You must maintain the policy without lapse for the full 3-year filing period or your license will be automatically re-suspended.
What happens if I buy a car during my Tennessee SR-22 filing period?
You must convert from non-owner SR-22 to owner SR-22 within 30 days of acquiring the vehicle, or the non-owner policy becomes invalid and Tennessee considers your SR-22 lapsed. The Department of Safety receives electronic notification when your SR-22 is cancelled, which triggers automatic suspension. Contact your carrier immediately when you buy or are gifted a car to add it to an owner policy and file updated SR-22.
Does non-owner SR-22 cover me when I drive my friend's car in Tennessee?
Yes, non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage when you drive someone else's vehicle with permission, up to your policy limits. If you cause an accident, your non-owner policy pays first up to its limits, and the vehicle owner's insurance acts as secondary coverage. The policy does not cover any vehicle you own, regularly use, or that is registered to someone in your household.
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires SR-22 filing for 3 years after most violations including DUI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, or multiple serious violations within 12 months. The 3-year period begins on the date Tennessee reinstates your license, not the date of the violation. If your policy lapses or is cancelled before the 3 years end, the Department of Safety suspends your license again and the clock resets when you reinstate.
Will my Tennessee SR-22 requirement transfer if I move to another state?
No, SR-22 requirements do not automatically transfer between states. If you move during your filing period, contact the new state's DMV or equivalent agency to determine whether they honor Tennessee's SR-22 or require a new filing under their system. You must also notify your insurance carrier of the address change so they can file SR-22 with the correct state and update your policy to meet the new state's minimum coverage requirements.
Coverage 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.