Tennessee Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (September 2024)

Tennessee drivers are required to have minimum car insurance that includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the damages. Car insurance is mandatory if you own a vehicle. To align with the state's legal stipulations, consider the minimum car insurance requirements.

The monthly cost of state minimum car insurance in Tennessee can be as low as $37. When looking for the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee, choose the coverage that meets your needs.

In Tennessee, drivers are legally required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance before driving. This ensures financial responsibility in case of an accident.

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

As Tennessee is a fault state, the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages incurred. This means that insurance companies will pay out claims based on who is at fault in the accident. Being a fault state impacts your premium, as insurers consider the probability of the driver being at fault when determining rates.

The table reflects Tennessee's minimum car insurance inclusions, such as bodily injury and property damage. Remember, your policy's specifics are governed by its terms and conditions.

Age is a pivotal factor in determining the cost of your minimum car insurance. In Tennessee, drivers who are 22 to 29 often face the highest premiums due to their relative inexperience behind the wheel, which insurers see as a risk factor. The table shows the average cost for minimum coverage car insurance in Tennessee by age group.

The table below shows the average minimum coverage cost in Tennessee per age group. This information can help you better understand the pricing landscape and budget accordingly.

If you are looking for the most affordable state minimum coverage auto insurance in Tennessee, Auto-Owners Insurance Co and Westfield offer the lowest rates:

• Auto-Owners: $328 per year and $27 per month
• Westfield: $335 per year and $28 per month

While affordability is crucial, choosing the best car insurance in Tennessee is based on your coverage needs.

In Tennessee, you can choose optional add-on coverages such as collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. These cover costs from accidents, theft, natural disasters and injuries. To assess how much car insurance you need, consider the value of your vehicle, personal assets and risk factors.

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Tennessee can vary, particularly if you've been caught without insurance before. For a first offense, the penalties may include a fine. Repeat offenders could face increased fines and other consequences.

• Fine for non-compliance: Your car may be taken away, and you'll have to pay costs related to its tow and storage.
• Vehicle impoundment with associated fees: Authorities can prevent you from legally driving your car by suspending its registration.
• Vehicle registration suspension: Your driving privilege may be temporarily withdrawn, necessitating a fee to restore your license once eligible.
• License suspension and potential reinstatement fee: Your driving privilege may be temporarily withdrawn, necessitating a fee to restore your license once eligible.
• SR-22 requirement for high-risk drivers: You might need to file an SR-22 — a document proving that you carry the required insurance — which will raise your insurance premiums for years.
• Possibility of jail time: You could face up to six months in jail.especially if involved in an accident while uninsured**

Maintaining at least minimum coverage auto insurance is crucial. It keeps your driving privileges intact and offers financial protection on the road.

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Tennessee, you should immediately seek a new policy. Avoid driving without insurance, as this is illegal and can result in significant penalties. Contacting an insurance agent or reaching out to other insurance companies for a new policy is advisable.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Tennessee will be notified if you are uninsured. The state uses an electronic insurance verification system that regularly checks the insurance status of registered vehicles. If there is no valid insurance on file, you may face fines or vehicle registration suspension.

Drivers in Tennessee who are having difficulty obtaining insurance can explore options through the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan. This program aims to provide coverage to individuals who cannot acquire insurance through the traditional way.

Driving without the state minimum coverage in Tennessee is illegal. Always maintain at least the minimum required insurance to protect yourself and comply with state regulations.

Here, we answer commonly asked questions about Tennessee's state minimum car insurance requirements.