Tennessee Auto Insurance | EagleWay Auto Insurance
EagleWay Auto Insurance is proud to offer cheap car insurance in Tennessee, the “Volunteer State.” Whether you live in Music City, Memphis, or the Tri-Cities area, you must meet Tennessee’s minimum auto insurance requirements to be street legal. Learn which coverages are mandatory, which are optional, and how Direct Auto can help you find affordable Tennessee car insurance. Get a free quote to see how much you can save.
Do You Have to Have Car Insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee law requires all drivers to have proof of financial responsibility, usually satisfied with a car insurance policy. Policies must meet at least the state’s minimum liability coverage limits, expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For Tennessee, these limits are 25/50/25.
Tennessee Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
| Coverage Type | Required by Law | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability – Pays for medical expenses and legal costs if you injure someone in an accident. | Yes | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability – Pays to repair or replace others’ property damaged in an accident. | Yes | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Pays for medical bills and property damage if the other driver lacks insurance. | Not required but included unless rejected in writing | Same as policy limits |
| Medical Payments (Med Pay) – Pays for your medical expenses regardless of fault. | Not required | – |
| Collision – Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision. | Not required¹ | – |
| Comprehensive – Pays for non-collision damages like fire, vandalism, flood, or animal impact. | Not required¹ | – |
¹May be required by lenders if the vehicle is leased or financed.
Important: Liability-only coverage meets Tennessee law but does not cover your own injuries or damage to your vehicle. Additional coverage like UM/UIM, comprehensive, and collision is recommended for full protection.
Additional Coverage Options
- Roadside Assistance*
- Emergency Protection Plan (EPP)*
- Towing & Labor Coverage
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
Failing to meet Tennessee’s minimum car insurance requirements can result in:
- Coverage failure fees up to $125
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Other administrative penalties
Always carry proof of insurance to provide it during a traffic stop or after an accident. Tennessee uses an online insurance verification system to track coverage.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
Driving while suspended, revoked, or canceled is a Class B misdemeanor:
- Max $500 fine and/or 6 months in jail for a first offense
- Second offense within 10 years is a Class A misdemeanor: up to $2,500 fine and nearly 1 year in jail
SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee
High-risk drivers may be required to maintain an SR22 certificate (proof of financial responsibility) if they:
- Committed serious driving violations
- Failed to maintain proper liability coverage
- Were convicted of a DUI/DWI
Direct Auto can help file an SR22 and guide drivers through compliance.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Drivers with violations or poor records may need non-standard (high-risk) auto insurance. Direct Auto provides quality coverage for these drivers, regardless of past driving history.
Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in Tennessee
Rates vary depending on:
- Type and amount of coverage
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Driving habits and location
- Demographics, driving record, and credit history
Direct Auto can help all drivers find affordable insurance. Get a free quote online or work with an agent to create a plan that fits your needs and ensures you get every available discount.