For most drivers in Tennessee, Tennessee Farm Bureau offers the cheapest car insurance with a DUI with rates of $48 per month for minimum coverage. However, State Farm, Travelers, and Erie also have very affordable rates for those with a DUI conviction.
DUI Car Insurance in Tennessee
Updated: June 26, 2025
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Key Takeaways
In total, the cheapest car insurance with a DUI in Tennessee is offered by Tennessee Farm Bureau 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.
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 driver with good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance With a DUI in Tennessee
While the information above covers most drivers, it doesn't represent everyone with a DUI in Tennessee. Below, we've broken down the cheapest companies for those with DUIs by coverage level, age and credit score so you can find the rates that are best for your profile.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| 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?
For most drivers, car insurance with a DUI in Tennessee costs around $940 per year for minimum coverage. However, depending on your unique driver profile and coverage level chosen, the yearly costs can vary significantly. Compared to clean drivers without a DUI, those with the driving violation can increase rates by around 64%.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $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.
HOW LONG DOES A DUI AFFECT CAR INSURANCE IN TENNESSEE?
In Tennessee, a DUI conviction remains on your driving record indefinitely, but insurers typically factor it into your rates only for up to 10 years. This look‑back period is standard across most insurance companies. Expect significantly higher premiums during this time, as you're classified as a high-risk driver. After 10 years, your DUI will no longer impact 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 often 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. Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is towed and impounded. Reclaiming it often involves initial towing and impound fees, which typically run between $250 and $500, plus potential storage fees depending on the length of impoundment .
- 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 depending on your case. 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:
Fines
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 .
Imprisonment and release
For a first or second DUI, offenders may face jail time between 45 days to 11 months and 29 days. A third offense carries the same maximum jail term. A fourth or subsequent DUI, as a Class E felony, may result in up to one year in jail, with at least 150 days to be served . Arrested individuals may be released if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) drops below measurable levels, they are not intoxicated, or after a period determined appropriate by law enforcement or the court.
Impounding of vehicles
Tennessee law allows vehicle impoundment for DUI offenders. First offenses may result in the vehicle being impounded for seven to 30 days depending on the jurisdiction. A second DUI typically triggers a 28-day impoundment, and a third or subsequent DUI can lead to seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle.
Suspension periods
Drivers convicted of a DUI face license revocation for at least one year for a first-time 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 are often available after a court‑ordered suspension, but commercial drivers (CDL holders) lose those privileges permanently following two DUIs or test refusals.
DUI education requirements
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
Below are tips to help you find the best deal on car insurance in Florida with a DUI. We also cover what to do if insurers deny you traditional coverage.
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Understand your needs
A DUI conviction in Tennessee typically raises your insurance requirements, but you’ll also want to assess whether you need more than the minimum. Consider your income, commute patterns, and vehicle type before making coverage decisions. We also provide an auto insurance coverage needs calculator to help you get started.
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Research costs and discounts
Check average rates for drivers with your profile in Tennessee. While insurers don’t offer DUI-specific discounts, you may still qualify for savings by requesting online quotes or paying upfront. You may also benefit from completing a state-approved defensive driving course, which costs around $29.95 and can lower premiums by up to 10%.
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Compare multiple providers
Even if you’ve been quoted by major carriers, it’s smart to gather several quotes from different companies. Just make sure you’re comparing the same coverage levels each time.
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Use state high-risk car insurance programs if denied
If multiple insurers decline to cover you, Tennessee participates in the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan (TAIP). This program helps high-risk drivers secure the minimum required coverage through carriers that work with the state under the AIPSO network.
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Make lifestyle or vehicle changes
You can often lower your rates by working on your credit. In Tennessee, drivers with poor credit and a DUI can pay over $1,083 more annually than those with good credit. You can learn how to improve your credit score here. Also, consider choosing a cheap-to-insure car, especially if it’s older and has a strong safety record.
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Consider non-traditional coverage types
A pay-per-mile insurance policy could lower rates if you don't drive often. Alternatively, many insurers offer telematics or usage-based discounts based on your actual driving behavior. It’s also worth checking if your vehicle manufacturer has an in-house insurance program.
Cheap DUI Insurance in Tennessee: Bottom Line
Overall, we found the cheapest overall car insurance providers for Tennessee drivers with a DUI are Tennessee Farm Bureau, State Farm and Travelers. You should compare rates for yourself, research costs, and decide what coverage you need beforehand, to find the best deal.
DUI Insurance in Tennessee: FAQ
Below, we've provided MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked 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?
Overall a DUI can increase your rates up to 64% for minimum coverage and 61% for full coverage compared to those without a DUI.
How much does DUI car insurance in Tennessee cost?
For minimum coverage, the average cost is around $78 monthly and for full coverage it is $175 per month.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for Tennessee's DUI Drivers
To determine the top companies for drivers with DUIs in Tennessee, MoneyGeek analyzed each company's financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services.
The rates above reflect a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with 12,000 annual miles. We modified this base profile to create the other profiles presented.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- AIPSO. "Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan (TAIP)." Accessed June 24, 2025.