For most drivers with a DUI in the state, Tennessee Farm Bureau offers the cheapest car insurance at $48 per month for minimum coverage. State Farm, Travelers and Erie also have affordable rates for those with a DUI conviction.
DUI Car Insurance in Tennessee
Tennessee Farm Bureau, State Farm and Travelers offer the cheapest car insurance for Tennessee drivers with a DUI.
Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance below.

Updated: November 27, 2025
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Tennessee Farm Bureau offers the state's cheapest car insurance, with rates starting at $48 per month.
Depending on your driver profile and coverage level chosen, car insurance with a DUI in Tennessee has an average cost of $940 per year.
In Tennessee, a DUI conviction requires you to file an SR-22 and carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP) is not required.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Cheapest DUI Car Insurance in Tennessee
| Tennessee Farm Bureau | $48 | $142 |
| State Farm | $49 | $129 |
| Travelers | $59 | $130 |
| Erie | $67 | $159 |
| Farmers | $80 | $161 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old male driver with good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance With a DUI in Tennessee
The rates above reflect a standard driver profile, but your actual costs depend on your age, credit score and coverage choices. Use the filters below to find the cheapest insurers for your specific situation.
| Tennessee Farm Bureau | $48 | $581 |
| State Farm | $49 | $585 |
| Travelers | $59 | $713 |
| Erie | $67 | $802 |
| Farmers | $80 | $962 |
*A 100/300/100 liability-only coverage represents the minimum policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy Tennessee law for most drivers.
How Much Does DUI Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
Car insurance with a DUI in Tennessee costs around $940 per year for minimum coverage. Your actual rate depends on your driver profile and coverage level. A DUI increases rates by around 64% compared to drivers without violations.
| $78 | $940 | $31 | $368 | 64% |
*A 100/300/100 with no comprehensive and collision coverage represents the minimum coverage policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy Tennessee law for most drivers.
A DUI conviction remains on your Tennessee driving record indefinitely, but insurers consider it when setting rates for up to 10 years. You'll pay much higher premiums during this time as a high-risk driver. After 10 years, your DUI won't affect insurance rates, though the conviction stays on your record.
Additional Costs to Consider When Having a DUI in Tennessee
While car insurance rates increase after a DUI, the fine itself is only the beginning. Other expenses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Here's a refined breakdown:
- Fines and fees. Tennessee law requires DUI offenders to pay mandatory fines that depend on the number of offenses. First-time convictions carry fines from $600 to $3,500. A second DUI within five years may also involve vehicle seizure on top of a fine. A third offense brings a fine of $1,100 to $10,000, while a fourth or subsequent DUI is considered a Class E felony, with fines ranging from $3,000 to $15,000.
- Towing and impound fees. Your vehicle is towed and impounded following a DUI arrest. Reclaiming it involves initial towing and impound fees ($250 to $500), plus storage fees depending on impoundment length.
- Drug and alcohol education or treatment. Courts in Tennessee commonly require DUI offenders to enroll in an alcohol/drug treatment program or DUI school. Standard DUI school instruction can cost anywhere from $150 to $500.
- Ignition interlock device. Following a DUI, Tennessee often mandates the installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). Installation can cost up to $225, with monthly leasing, monitoring, and maintenance fees as high as $125. An annual administrative fee of $12.50 also applies, bringing first‑year costs to over $1,000.
- DMV reinstatement and SR‑22 fees. Reinstating a license after a DUI involves multiple state fees, including a reinstatement fee of $65 to $100, a $50 SR‑22 financial responsibility filing fee, and a possible $75 failure‑to‑surrender fee.
- Court, attorney, restitution and accident costs. If your DUI involves an accident, injury, or property damage, expect to pay legal costs, attorney fees (often several thousand dollars), court costs, restitution to victims and possible civil liability .
Tennessee DUI Car Insurance Requirements
After a DUI conviction in Tennessee, drivers must file an SR‑22 certificate to prove financial responsibility. Under Tennessee law, the SR‑22 must be maintained for three continuous years, though the court or DMV may require it for up to five years based on your violation severity. Coverage must meet the state’s minimum liability limits: $25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 per accident bodily injury, and $25,000 property damage. Failing to carry the SR‑22 or allowing a lapse in coverage will result in license suspension.
Other Tennessee DUI Laws to Know
In addition to the SR‑22 filing and enhanced insurance coverage, Tennessee enforces several other DUI-specific laws and penalties:
Tennessee DUI fines depend on conviction history and circumstances such as having a child in the vehicle. A first offense carries fines ranging from $600 to $3,500. A third DUI is fined between $1,100 and $10,000, while a fourth or subsequent DUI is classified as a Class E felony, with fines ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 .
First or second DUI offenders face jail time between 45 days and 11 months and 29 days. A third offense carries the same maximum jail term. A fourth or subsequent DUI (Class E felony) results in up to one year in jail, with at least 150 days served. Arrested drivers can be released when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) drops below measurable levels, they're no longer intoxicated, or after a period determined by law enforcement or the court.
Tennessee law allows vehicle impoundment for DUI offenders. First offenses result in seven to 30 days of impoundment depending on jurisdiction. A second DUI triggers a 28-day impoundment, and a third or subsequent DUI leads to vehicle seizure and forfeiture.
Drivers convicted of a DUI face license revocation for at least one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense, six years for a third and eight years for a fourth or subsequent DUI. Restricted or hardship licenses become available after a court-ordered suspension, but commercial drivers (CDL holders) lose those privileges permanently following two DUIs or test refusals.
All DUI offenders are required to complete a state-certified alcohol and drug education program. Individuals with BAC over .08 or who refuse testing must attend a standard DUI school, while repeat offenders or those with felony convictions may need advanced programs. Under‑21 drivers with a BAC of .02 or higher or a test refusal must take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course, and if their BAC is .05 or higher, a DUI program is also required to qualify for a hardship license.
How to Get the Best Cheap Tennessee Car Insurance With a DUI
Here's how to find affordable car insurance in Tennessee with a DUI, plus options if insurers deny you coverage.
- 1Understand your needs
A DUI conviction in Tennessee raises your insurance requirements. Assess whether you need more than minimum coverage based on your income, commute and vehicle type. Use our auto insurance coverage needs calculator to get started.
- 2Research costs and discounts
Check average rates for drivers with your profile in Tennessee. Insurers don't offer DUI-specific discounts, but you can save by requesting online quotes or paying upfront. Complete a state-approved defensive driving course (around $30) to lower premiums by up to 10%.
- 3Compare multiple providers
Gather quotes from multiple companies, even if you've already contacted major carriers. Compare the same coverage levels each time.
- 4Use state high-risk car insurance programs if denied
If multiple insurers decline coverage, Tennessee participates in the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan (TAIP). This program helps high-risk drivers get the minimum required coverage through carriers working with the state under the AIPSO network.
- 5Make lifestyle or vehicle changes
Improve your credit to lower rates. In Tennessee, drivers with poor credit and a DUI pay over $1,083 more annually than those with good credit. Learn how to improve your credit score here. Choose a cheap-to-insure car with a strong safety record.
- 6Consider nontraditional coverage types
A pay-per-mile insurance policy can lower rates if you don't drive often. Many insurers offer telematics or usage-based discounts based on your driving behavior. Check if your vehicle manufacturer has an in-house insurance program.
Cheap DUI Insurance in Tennessee: Bottom Line
Tennessee Farm Bureau, State Farm and Travelers offer the cheapest car insurance for Tennessee drivers with a DUI. Compare rates, research costs and decide what coverage you need to find the best deal.
DUI Insurance in Tennessee: FAQ
MoneyGeek's expert answers to common questions about Tennessee DUI insurance:
Who has the cheapest car insurance for Tennessee drivers with a DUI?
For those with good credit and a DUI, Tennessee Farm Bureau and State Farm offer the cheapest overall rates in Tennessee for minimum and full coverage, respectively.
How much does a DUI increase rates in Tennessee?
A DUI increases rates up to 64% for minimum coverage and 61% for full coverage compared to drivers without violations.
How much does DUI car insurance in Tennessee cost?
For minimum coverage, the average cost is around $78 per month, and for full coverage, it's $175.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for Tennessee's DUI Drivers
A DUI conviction complicates your insurance search. Some companies refuse coverage entirely, while others charge rates that strain your budget. We evaluated insurers willing to cover Tennessee drivers with DUIs, focusing on those that balance accessibility with reasonable premiums.
Our analysis compared financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims handling and affordability using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. These factors matter because a cheap policy from an unstable insurer won't help when you need to file a claim.
Sample Driver Profile
We gathered quotes for a 40-year-old male driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with 12,000 annual miles. We collected rates both with and without a DUI to show the exact cost increase you'll face. We then adjusted this profile across different ages, coverage levels and violation types to reflect Tennessee's diverse driver population.
Your actual rates will vary based on your circumstances, but these comparisons show which insurers offer the most competitive options for DUI drivers in Tennessee. Use these findings as a starting point, then request personalized quotes to get accurate rates for your situation.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- AIPSO. "Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan (TAIP)." Accessed June 24, 2025.

