Tennessee Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re going to Graceland or Beal Street in Memphis, cruising Music Row or taking in a Titan Game in Nashville, or driving up to Lookout Mountain, the Volunteer State is full of history, beautiful scenery and miles of open roads. From Collierville to Bristol, Union City to Chattanooga and all points in between, sightseeing or commuting, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Tennessee driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for TN State Residents

As of 2010, there were more than 4.2 million drivers in the Volunteer State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 20% of Tennessee drivers are uninsured. The Tennessee Department of Safety Traffic Crash Facts analysis published in 2008 reported a total of 179,000 car crashes in 2006; 74,834 resulted in non-fatal injuries; there were 1,284 fatalities. Excessive speed, alcohol and driver distraction were leading causes in car Tennessee car accidents. Uninsured, drunk, speeding and reckless drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Volunteer State.

 

Tennessee State Minimum Car Insurance

Tennessee state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Volunteer State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Tennessee does not require you to carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability

 

Tennessee Car Insurance Laws

Tennessee law requires that you carry proof of Tennessee auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. Driving without car insurance in Tennessee is a Class C misdemeanor with fines not to exceed $100 for a first offense. If you are convicted, the state will also suspend your driver’s license and put a stop on your vehicle registration. If you can show proof of insurance or financial responsibility before your court date, the fines and suspensions will be dismissed. The next time you want to renew your vehicle registration, you will also have to submit proof of insurance or financial responsibility. If you are convicted and your license is suspended, you will have to keep an SR-22 form on file with the Tennessee Department of Safety before your privileges can be reinstated.

If you cause an accident and cannot show proof of insurance, your driver’s license and registration will be revoked. You will have to obtain notarized releases from all injured parties or post a bond for the amount of damages sustained to reinstate your privileges.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance/Insurance Divisions
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Tennessee. For more information, visit their website at www.state.tn.us/commerce/insurance/index.shtml

Tennessee Department of Safety/Driver Services
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Tennessee auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at www.state.tn.us/safety/dlmain.htm

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

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