Updated May 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee operates under a tort liability system and requires proof of financial responsibility at all times. After a DUI conviction, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security suspends your license for a mandatory period with no option for restricted driving. You must serve the full suspension, file SR-22 with the state, pay reinstatement fees, and demonstrate continuous coverage before legal driving resumes.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee DUI offenders pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the state. A first-offense DUI increases your premium by 60–90% on average, and you remain in the high-risk pool for the entire 3-year SR-22 filing period. Carriers that specialize in high-risk coverage — Progressive, The General, National General, and Bristol West — dominate the Tennessee DUI market.
What Affects Your Rate
- First-offense DUI conviction adds $80–$140/mo to your Tennessee premium for 3 years minimum
- Second-offense DUI increases premiums by 120–150% and limits you to 3–4 carriers statewide
- SR-22 filing fee is $25 one-time in Tennessee, but the premium increase lasts the full 3-year filing period
- Memphis and Nashville DUI offenders pay 15–25% more than rural Tennessee drivers due to higher accident and theft rates
- Refusal to submit to BAC testing triggers automatic 1-year license revocation plus SR-22 requirement identical to DUI conviction
- Drivers under age 25 with a DUI pay an additional 30–40% above standard DUI rates until age 25
Get insured and start your reinstatement process today
Compare carriers that file SR-22 in your state and work with suspended license drivers.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a state-mandated filing that proves you carry continuous liability coverage. Your insurer files it electronically with the Tennessee Department of Safety within 30 days of your request.
Non-Owner SR-22
Provides liability coverage and SR-22 filing when you don't own a vehicle. Covers you when driving borrowed, rental, or employer-owned vehicles during your 3-year SR-22 period.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers that specialize in DUI, suspended license, and major violation cases. Non-standard carriers use different underwriting models and accept drivers standard carriers reject.
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimum is one of the lowest in the country and covers less than one moderate injury claim.
Find Your City in Tennessee
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security — SR-22 filing requirements and DUI suspension schedule
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 — motor vehicle and traffic regulation statutes
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners — state insurance requirement database