Car Insurance In Tennessee 2026: Laws, Costs, Requirements & Companies

After analyzing the car insurance market in Tennessee, I’ve seen the way that car related crime, deer collisions, and changing legislation can impact drivers. This guide is designed to provide comprehensive information from start to finish about getting car insurance in Tennessee, so drivers can make confident choices behind the wheel.

Does Tennessee Require Car Insurance?

Yes, Tennessee requires that all drivers maintain car insurance and proof of their financial responsibility. Failure to do so can trigger a series of administrative penalties and fines. Tennessee state minimums are 25/50/25 liability limits:

• Bodily Injury Liability ($25,000 per person)
• Bodily Injury Liability ($50,000 per accident)
• Property Damage Liability ($25,000 per accident)

How Much Insurance Should You Get In Tennessee?

Tennessee’s car insurance laws are designed to ensure that all drivers have financial protection to cover other people, so to cover yourself and your passengers, it’s important to consider some optional coverages, particularly given the high rate of uninsured drivers and the volatile mountain weather throughout the state.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) is not legally required but is highly recommended, given that nearly 21% of all drivers in Tennessee are uninsured. This means you have a one in five chance of being hit by a driver without insurance.

Tennessee has some of the highest traffic fatality rates per capita, particularly along major arteries like the I-40 and I-24. This means that multi-car pileups are a serious risk, especially when combined with severe weather like tornadoes, floods, and hail. Collision coverage can ensure your vehicle is repaired quickly, no matter who was at fault for an accident, while comprehensive coverage can protect against hail damage or tornado damage, as well as wildlife strikes or single-vehicle collisions like sliding on black ice and hitting a pole.

Adding roadside assistance to your policy can help protect you if you break down in the Great Smoky Mountains and need a long-distance tow.

How Much Is Car Insurance In Tennessee?

The average minimum coverage premium is around $50 per month, but the full coverage premium can be around $165 per month. There are several factors that can influence your Tennessee car insurance costs, like the following:

• Low-income car insurance: Tennessee does not have a state-sponsored program to help provide low-income coverage, which means the best course of action is to pay for the minimum liability requirements.
• Non-owner car insurance: Drivers who don’t own a car can still get coverage for rented or borrowed cars at an average of $30 per month.
• Temporary car insurance: A temporary, one-month car insurance policy can cost around $112 per month.
• Senior car insurance: Tennessee Seniors can pay an average of $170 per month for full coverage, and prices increase by age 75.
• Teen car insurance: Teen drivers in Tennessee have some of the highest premiums, with minimum coverage costing around $120 per month and full coverage costing upwards of $600 per month, especially for individual policies.
• At-Risk/SR-22 insurance: At-risk drivers with an SR-22 can expect to pay around $140 per month.
• Young Adults: Young drivers will pay around $210 per month for full coverage. Prices tend to drop around age 25.
• Bad Credit Score: Drivers with a poor credit score will often see rates double that of the state average compared to drivers with a good credit score.
• With a speeding ticket: In Tennessee, a single speeding violation can raise your premiums by around $20 per month for minimum coverage.

These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurer and your personal driving profile.

Which Car Insurance Companies Operate In Tennessee?

There are many national and local carriers that provide comparative insurance products for things such as comprehensive coverage, high-risk coverage, and everything in between. These include:

• State Farm
• Progressive
• Allstate
• GEICO
• Travelers
• USAA
• Nationwide
• Farmers Insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• American Family Insurance
• Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
• Erie Insurance
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• Grange Insurance
• Westfield Insurance
• Cincinnati Insurance
• Amica Mutual Insurance
• The General
• Direct Auto Insurance
• GAINSCO
• Trexis Insurance
• Mile Auto
• Sun Coast

Note: If you want a list of all licensed insurance providers in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Licensed Company List is available online.

Don’t forget to compare quotes and coverage details through Insuranceopedia to find the best fit for your needs.

How To Get Lower Insurance Premiums In Tennessee

If you are looking to reduce premiums on your car insurance, there are many measures available to Tennessee drivers.

Complete A State-Approved Accident Prevention Course

Per Tennessee Code § 56-7-1107, insurance companies are legally required to offer a premium reduction for older drivers (55+) who voluntarily complete an approved safety course. These courses are typically 8 hours, but the discount you receive lasts for three years. Tennessee drivers can save up to 15%.

Coordinate With Tennessee’s GDL

If you have a teenage driver in the family, many Tennessee insurance providers will give discounts for those who complete a driver education course, maintain a B average or higher, or are added to an existing family policy.

Request A Credit Score Re-run

Tennessee law allows your car insurance provider to base your premiums on things like your credit score, but if your credit score has recently improved, you can ask for what’s called a rerun. This is where your insurance agent checks your credit score again, and if it has changed, that could result in lower premiums.

Pay Annually

Paying your premiums annually or biannually can save you an average of 10% off your premiums.

Use Telematics

If you are a safe driver, you can prove that by participating in telematics programs which track your driving habits, such as your speed or the number of times you brake too hard. If you utilize an app on your phone or install a device in your car, some insurance providers can give you robust discounts from month to month as a result of your habits.

Bundle Your Policies

If you can, try bundling multiple Insurance products with the same company. Regional or national companies in Tennessee will typically provide substantial discounts, sometimes up to 30% or more, across different Insurance products if you bundle them.

Keep A Clean Driving Record

Keeping your driving record clean can qualify you for many different discounts, especially safe driver discounts and clean record discounts. Remember that things like car accidents and tickets can stay on your record for between 3 and 5 years, so the longer you utilize safe driving practices, the better off you will be.

Proof Of Insurance In Tennessee

Tennessee’s financial responsibility law mandates that every driver in the state carry either a state-approved alternative or the minimum liability insurance for Tennessee. Drivers who cannot present proof of their insurance or the proof of a $65,000 cash deposit or bond with the Tennessee Department of Revenue can be subject to a Class C misdemeanor, which includes a citation, fines, and jail time.

The reinstatement process can involve filing an SR-22 for 3 years and retaking your Tennessee driver’s license exam, in addition to your reinstatement fees and showing proof of a new insurance policy.

Tennessee State Driving Laws

Tennessee has many state driving laws that are designed to ensure all drivers can meet their respective financial obligations and keep other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Below are some of the most important regulations that every Tennessee driver should know:

Fault State

Tennessee is considered an at-fault state, so whichever driver causes the accident is financially responsible.

Drivers Without Insurance

Driving without insurance is illegal in Tennessee, and it comes with steep penalties like suspension of your registration and license, a potential SR-22 filing, and fines.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Insurance providers in Tennessee have to offer uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage with every policy, with limits that are the same as the liability coverage limits of the state, but drivers can choose to reject them in writing, as it is not legally mandatory to carry.

SR-22s

Drivers who are convicted of driving without insurance might have to submit an SR-22 form with the state for 3 years. This can also be associated with other offenses, like a DUI conviction.

Self-Insurance

Large organizations or individuals can opt for self-insurance if they can prove they have the financial stability to meet the same state requirements set for minimum liability coverage, out of pocket.

Seat Belt Laws

All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts in Tennessee. Failure to do so is grounds for being pulled over and issued a citation.

Distracted Driving Laws

Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers, and for those under 18, using any type of handheld cellular device is prohibited.

Teen Driving Laws

Tennessee uses a graduated driver licensing system with an intermediate restricted license and a learner’s permit for those aged 15 and 16.

DUI Laws

Tennessee has a strict DUI Law of 0.08% blood alcohol concentration for anyone over the age of 21 and a zero tolerance for anyone under the age of 21. Driving under the influence comes with consequences that include license suspension, an ignition interlock device program, jail time, and fines.

Statute Of Limitations For Claims

The statute of limitations to submit a claim after an accident is one year from the date of the crash for personal injury and 3 years after the date of the crash for property damage.

When To Report An Accident

Accidents have to be reported to the police if there is an injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, and written reports must be submitted to the Tennessee DMV within 20 days thereafter.

When Is A Car Declared A Total Loss?

A car is declared a total loss when the repairs exceed the actual cash value, but this is contingent upon internal policies set by each insurance provider in the state.

Cancellation/Non-Renewal Notification Laws

Insurance providers must provide written notice 30 days before canceling your policy or choosing not to renew your policy.

Defensive Driving

Drivers who voluntarily complete state-approved defensive driving courses can get a reduction in the points on their record and qualify for an insurance premium discount.

Tennessee Car Insurance Contact Information

There are many organizations that oversee issues pertaining to Tennessee drivers and their insurance needs, which is why it’s good to have the right contact information when you need it.

1. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI)

The TDCI is where to go for issues with insurance-related disputes. For example, if you are disputing a denied claim through mediation, this is where you start that process. It is also where you go if you have an issue with your agent or you want to confirm that an agent/insurance company is legitimate.

Contact Information:

• Consumer Insurance Services: (615) 741-2218 or (800) 342-4029.
• General Information: (615) 741-2241.
• Agent Licensing: (615) 741-2693.
• Email: ask.tdci@tn.gov.
• Address: 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243.
• Website: gov/commerce.

2. Tennessee Department of Revenue (Vehicle Services)

The Department of Revenue manages vehicle titles, registration, and the statewide insurance verification system, meaning you contact this department for basic plate renewals, registration issues, or to resolve an issue with confirming your coverage through the state.

Contact Information:

• Vehicle Services Hotline: (615) 741-3101 or (888) 871-3171.
• Insurance Verification Unit: (615) 741-3101 (Option 2) or insurance.verification@tn.gov.
• Website: tn.gov/revenue.

3. Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (Driver Services)

This is the department to use if you need to request a copy of your driver record. If your license was suspended for not having insurance, this is where you go to restore your driving privileges.

Contact Information:

• Driver Services/Reinstatement Center: (866) 903-7357.
• Address: 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243.
• Website: gov/safety.

4. Local County Clerk Offices

Tennessee allows citizens to register vehicles and pay fees using their respective county clerk’s office, so if you want to handle an in-person registration, you can use this route as well.

Contact Information:

• Varies by county (e.g., Shelby County: (901) 222-3000; Knox County: (865) 215-2385).

Common Tennessee Car-Related Crime And Fatalities

Drivers in Tennessee can benefit from understanding the risks of car-related crime and fatalities to find the best type of insurance for their needs.

Traffic Fatality Facts

In 2025, Tennessee recorded over 3,500 traffic-related accidents, with around 500 of those involving fatalities. The riskiest areas are Shelby and Davidson counties, respectively, which consistently have the highest numbers of serious car accidents and car accident fatalities.

The most vulnerable groups across Tennessee are teenage drivers, in large part due to things like speeding, involved in roughly 29% of all car accident fatalities. Failure to wear seat belts is a common issue among car accidents and fatal collisions, as are the over 8,000 deer-related car accidents that happen every year, and the black ice conditions that happen in mountainous regions.

Vehicle Theft Trends In Tennessee

Tennessee drivers are at risk for relatively high levels of theft, with car theft at 105 per 100,000 residents. One of the biggest concerns is Nashville; rates of car theft and gun theft from vehicles have risen by 10% over the last year.