Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Tennessee at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Tennessee operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for accident damages. All drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility — typically an insurance card — and present it during traffic stops or accidents. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance enforces these requirements through the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law, which mandates both minimum liability coverage and immediate proof of insurance.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Cost Overview
about $87/mo
Average car insurance spending in Tennessee
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
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Compare Auto Insurance RatesFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a no-fault state for car insurance?
No, Tennessee is a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for all accident damages. You can file a claim against the other driver's liability insurance or sue them directly if their coverage is insufficient. This makes carrying higher liability limits essential to protect your assets from lawsuits.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee?
While not legally required, uninsured motorist coverage is critical in Tennessee where nearly 1 in 5 drivers carries no insurance. Your insurer must offer it at the same limits as your liability policy, and declining it leaves you fully exposed if hit by an uninsured driver. Most financial advisors recommend accepting this coverage given Tennessee's high uninsured rate.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimum is often insufficient for serious accidents — a single hospitalization can exceed $25,000, leaving you personally liable for the balance.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection into a complete package. Protects both your vehicle and your financial exposure in Tennessee's high-risk driving environment.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for vehicle damage from non-collision events: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Includes glass damage, which is common from road debris on Tennessee highways.
Collision Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle when you hit another car, object, or roll over, regardless of fault. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, but optional once you own the vehicle outright.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by a driver with no insurance or who flees the scene. Also covers underinsured motorist situations where the at-fault driver's limits are too low.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer to the Tennessee Department of Safety proving you carry continuous coverage. Required after DUI convictions, license suspensions, or serious violations.