Tennessee Car Insurance Requirements (2024)
Unraveling Tennessee Car Insurance Requirements: A definitive guide to effortlessly navigate the intricate web of regulations, demystify coverage options, and empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions for maximum protection and tranquility while driving in the Volunteer State. Our comprehensive resource will equip you with valuable insights and expert advice, ensuring you have the insurance coverage that meets your specific needs and complies with Tennessee's regulations.
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Peyton Leonard
Published Author & Insurance Expert
Peyton Leonard is an insurance and finance writer living in Colorado Springs, CO. She is currently obtaining her Bachelor’s in English at Thomas Edison State University. Peyton is the author of “Lyme & Not the Fruit.” She also has experience writing for the business magazine, Productivity Intelligence Institute.
Published Author & Insurance Expert
UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Tennessee car insurance requirements. If you’re a Tennessee resident or planning to drive in the Volunteer State, understanding the insurance regulations is crucial.
In this article, we will delve into the key topics you need to know, such as minimum liability coverage limits, uninsured motorist coverage, and optional coverages that can provide additional protection. We will also discuss factors that can affect your insurance rates and tips to find the best insurance providers in Tennessee.
To ensure you get the coverage you need at the best possible rates, we invite you to enter your ZIP code below. Compare rates from top insurance providers in your area and make an informed decision to safeguard yourself and your vehicle on Tennessee’s roads.
Required Coverage
All personal vehicles in Tennessee require the following liability coverage requirements:
- Bodily Injury
- Property Damage
| Minimum Tennessee Car Insurance Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 / $50,000 Limit | ||
| Property Damage Liability | $15,000 Limit | ||
Additional insurance coverage can include:
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
- Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
Comprehensive and collision are optional but highly recommended, especially if your car is on the list of most stolen vehicles in Tennessee.
Comprehensive will pay for repairs or replacements if your car is broken into or has non-collision damage such as from a flood. Collision covers for repairs to your vehicle after being hit and damaged.
Uninsured / Underinsured insurance will protect you against drivers who cause an accident with you but either don’t have enough insurance or any at all to cover expenses.
Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Establishing proof of insurance and financial responsibility
- Get a standard liability car insurance policy
- Post a bond or deposit with the Department of Safety (DOS)
- Self insurance – available to businesses with 25+ vehicles
Required Documentation
In order to provide proof of insurance, you can provide one of the following:
- Insurance ID Card
- Insurance binder or declaration binder
- Certificate showing that you’ve posted a deposit or bond with the DOS
- When asked by a police officer
- After receiving a letter from the DMV
- After an accident
- When registering or renewing your vehicle’s registration
- Anytime you are operating a vehicle
- Suspension of license
- Suspension of your registration in the form of a STOP
- Fines of no more than $100
- You must maintain proof of insurance and financial responsibility and present it:
Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility Penalties
If you are unable to show proof of insurance, you can face the following penalties:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum insurance requirements for personal vehicles in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires all drivers to carry at least 25/50/15 in bodily injury and property damage coverages.
What is the tort system in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows a tort system, which means that after an accident, someone will always be found at fault for causing the accident and be responsible for paying for damages.
What other insurance coverage options are available in Tennessee?
In addition to the minimum required coverages, drivers in Tennessee can choose to add comprehensive and collision coverage, which are optional but highly recommended. Uninsured/underinsured insurance can also protect you against drivers who cause an accident but don’t have enough insurance to cover expenses.
What is comprehensive insurance, and why is it recommended in Tennessee?
Comprehensive insurance will pay for repairs or replacements if your car is broken into or has non-collision damage such as from a flood.
What is collision insurance, and why is it recommended in Tennessee?
Collision insurance covers repairs to your vehicle after being hit and damaged.
What are the penalties for driving without maintaining proper financial responsibility in Tennessee?
If you are caught driving without proof of insurance, you can face stiff penalties and the suspension of your license/registration.
How can I establish proof of insurance and financial responsibility in Tennessee?
You can provide proof of insurance by carrying a copy of your insurance card in your vehicle or showing an electronic version of the card. Other acceptable forms of proof include a certificate of self-insurance or a surety bond.
What happens if I fail to maintain financial responsibility in Tennessee?
If you are unable to show proof of insurance, you can face penalties such as fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and impoundment of your vehicle.
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Peyton Leonard
Published Author & Insurance Expert
Peyton Leonard is an insurance and finance writer living in Colorado Springs, CO. She is currently obtaining her Bachelor’s in English at Thomas Edison State University. Peyton is the author of “Lyme & Not the Fruit.” She also has experience writing for the business magazine, Productivity Intelligence Institute.
Published Author & Insurance Expert
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.