SR-22 Insurance — Tennessee
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
$65
State license reinstatement fee, about 5 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee operates under a traditional tort liability system, which means the at-fault driver's insurance pays for injuries and damage. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires all drivers to maintain proof of financial responsibility — either active insurance or a posted bond. Suspended drivers must verify continuous coverage during the suspension period in most cases, even if they are not actively driving.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Non-Owner SR-22 Liability
What Drivers Pay in Tennessee
$198–$294/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Memphis and Nashville ZIP codes carry higher SR-22 premiums than rural Tennessee counties — urban uninsured motorist rates and theft frequency drive the gap.
- Maintaining continuous coverage during the suspension period — even with a non-owner policy — reduces post-reinstatement rates compared to drivers who let coverage lapse entirely.
- Carriers that specialize in SR-22 filings (such as The General, Direct Auto, and Acceptance Insurance) typically offer lower rates than standard carriers for suspended drivers in Tennessee.
- Tennessee allows hardship licenses (restricted licenses) during some suspension periods, but you must maintain SR-22 coverage to qualify and throughout the restricted period.
See What an SR-22 Really Costs in Tennessee
Get My Tennessee SR-22 Auto Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driver License (Class D, M) — Order for Restricted License
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need SR-22 in Tennessee after a DUI?
Tennessee requires SR-22 for 3 years after a DUI conviction, measured from the conviction date, not the filing date. If your policy lapses at any point during those 3 years, the carrier notifies the Tennessee Department of Safety within 24 hours, your license suspends again, and the 3-year period restarts from the date you file a new SR-22. Continuous coverage for the full period is the only way to satisfy the requirement.
Can I get a hardship license in Tennessee while suspended?
Tennessee offers restricted licenses for some suspension types, allowing limited driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You must maintain SR-22 coverage to qualify and throughout the restricted period. Not all suspensions qualify — DUI convictions under certain BAC thresholds and some administrative suspensions are eligible, but others require serving the full suspension with no driving privileges. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to confirm your eligibility.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses in Tennessee?
Your carrier notifies the Tennessee Department of Safety electronically within 24 hours of cancellation or lapse. The state suspends your license immediately, and reinstatement requires filing a new SR-22, paying a reinstatement fee, and restarting the 3-year SR-22 period from the new filing date. Even one day of lapse resets the clock — there is no grace period.
Which Tennessee insurance companies file SR-22?
Standard carriers like State Farm and GEICO typically do not write SR-22 policies for suspended drivers in Tennessee. Non-standard carriers that specialize in high-risk filings include The General, Direct Auto, Acceptance Insurance, National General, and Bristol West. These carriers file the SR-22 electronically with the state within 1–3 business days of binding coverage. Rates vary significantly between carriers, so compare at least three quotes.
Does Tennessee require FR-44 or SR-22?
Tennessee requires SR-22, not FR-44. FR-44 is a separate filing used only in Florida and Virginia with higher liability limits. Tennessee SR-22 certifies you hold the state's minimum 25/50/15 liability coverage. If you move to Tennessee from Florida or Virginia with an FR-44 requirement, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to confirm whether you need to convert to Tennessee SR-22 or continue the FR-44 filing in your previous state.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Tennessee Department of Safety. Required for 3 years after DUI, driving uninsured, excessive points, or at-fault accidents without coverage.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability coverage and SR-22 filing for drivers without a vehicle. Satisfies Tennessee reinstatement requirements if you do not own a car but need to maintain financial responsibility during suspension.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee requires 25/50/15 minimums, but those limits do not cover the cost of most serious accidents in metro areas.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage if an uninsured driver hits you. Optional in Tennessee, but approximately 20% of Tennessee drivers operate without insurance.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage for high-risk drivers, including those with suspended licenses, DUI convictions, excessive violations, or lapses in coverage. Specialty carriers underwrite policies standard carriers decline.