Tennessee Auto Insurance Car Insurance Comparison

Home of "The Music City," Tennesse is known as the country music capital of the world. The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running live radio program in the world.

Requirement : Yes

Car insurance is required in Tennessee . Drivers must have a minimum of liability coverage.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability coverage is required:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $15,000 for property damage per accident.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability coverage is the only requirements for Tennessee motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

• Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
• Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
• Medical Payments – Helps cover your medical or funeral costs due to an accident.
• Rental reimbursement – Reimburses you if you have to rent a car after an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party, or they don’t have adequate coverage.

• Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include:

• $55,000 cash or securities deposit with the state comptroller.

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times. You don’t need proof of insurance to register your car or obtain a driver’s license.

Valid forms of proof of financial responsibility include:

• Insurance card.
• Online proof of insurance via smart phone.
• Certification of financial responsibility.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

• Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
• $300 maximum fine.
• Suspension of driver’s license and vehicle registration

SR-22:

A SR-22 may be required after a suspension in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. An SR-22 certificate only certifies proof of insurance of minimum requirements, it is not insurance.

• An SR-22 certification may be required to reinstate your license or registration if you’ve been convicted of:
• Driving with a suspended license.
• You will have to hold an SR-22 for 3 – 5 years.

  Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All Tennessee drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. Drivers unable to get private coverage can purchase insurance through the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan (TAIP)

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

• Age
• Gender
• Credit history
• Driving history
• Deductible
• Year, make, model of vehicle

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in Tennessee:

• Good driver discount.
• Good student discount.
• Homeowner discount
• Multi-vehicle discount.

Cellphone Use:

There is no ban on cellphone use while driving except drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from cellphone use. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting violations are considered primary offenses. Violators face up to a $50 fine, and court costs not to exceed $10. Novice drivers, however, are subjected to up to a $100 fine, and ineligibility to apply for an intermediate or unrestricted license for an extra 90 days.