Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee requires liability minimums of 25/50/25 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage). Drivers convicted of DUI, suspended for excessive points, or caught driving uninsured typically must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Tennessee uses a 12-month rolling point system — accumulating 12 points in 12 months triggers license suspension. Most violations requiring SR-22 also trigger suspension, resetting your insurance profile into the high-risk market.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee high-risk auto insurance costs vary significantly by violation type, points, and county. A driver with a single DUI typically pays $200–$400/mo for minimum liability with SR-22, while a driver with multiple violations or a suspension may see $300–$500/mo. Rates reset gradually — most drivers see measurable decreases after 3 years if they maintain continuous coverage and avoid new violations.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI costs more than a single speeding ticket or at-fault accident
- Points on license: 6–8 points elevate rates 40–60%; 10+ points often double premiums
- County: Davidson, Shelby, and Hamilton counties show higher rates due to urban density and accident frequency
- Coverage lapse duration: gaps over 30 days signal higher risk and elevate quotes 20–40%
- SR-22 duration remaining: rates begin declining after 2–3 years of clean driving during the requirement period
- Vehicle type: newer or high-performance vehicles increase collision and comprehensive premiums significantly for high-risk drivers
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Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 (Motor and Other Vehicles)
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance