Tennessee car insurance requirements

Last updated: November 12, 2026

Tennessee requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which pays for injuries and damage you cause to other people. Here's what the minimum is and what it does and doesn't cover.

The minimum: 25/50/25

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

You can also meet the requirement in other ways the state allows, but for most drivers, an insurance policy is the way to do it.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Insurers in Tennessee have to offer uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough. If you don't want it, you have to turn it down in writing. Given how many drivers are uninsured, it's worth thinking twice before rejecting it.

What the minimum doesn't cover

Liability coverage pays for other people's injuries and property. It doesn't pay to repair your own car. For that, you'd need collision coverage (for crashes) and comprehensive coverage (for theft, hail, flooding, hitting a deer and similar). If you have a car loan or lease, your lender will usually require both.

Is the minimum enough?

For many drivers, no. A serious accident can easily cost more than $25,000 per person in medical bills, and repairing or replacing a newer car can cost more than $25,000. If costs go past your limits, you can be personally responsible for the rest. Higher limits often cost less than people expect, so it's worth comparing prices at a few levels.

Proof of insurance

Keep proof of insurance in your car or on your phone. Tennessee checks insurance status electronically, and driving without insurance can lead to fines and a suspended registration.

For SR-22 rules, average costs in Tennessee and the data behind them, see Tennessee car insurance: minimums, SR-22 rules and costs.

Compare car insurance options in your area → It takes about 2 minutes, and we never ask for your name, phone number or email.

DriveCheaper may be paid by companies shown on this site. How we make money. This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Check details with your insurer or your state's insurance department.