Tennessee requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. Tennessee is an at-fault state and verifies coverage electronically through the Department of Revenue's insurance verification program.
- Fault system
- At-fault (tort)
- Minimum liability
- 25/50/25: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage
- Uninsured motorist
- Optional; must be offered and can be rejected in writing
- Proof after a violation
- SR-22 filed by your insurer
- Verified by
- Tennessee Department of Revenue electronic insurance verification program
- Regulator
- Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
Tennessee minimum car insurance requirements
| Coverage | Minimum | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $25,000 | Covers injuries to one other person in a crash you cause. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $50,000 | Total injury coverage for everyone you injure in one crash. |
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 | Pays for other people's vehicles and property you damage. |
What affects car insurance rates in Tennessee
- High uninsured rate: Roughly one in five Tennessee drivers carries no insurance, one of the highest rates in the country, which makes uninsured motorist coverage worth pricing even though it's optional.
- Memphis and Nashville: Shelby and Davidson counties see more traffic, theft and claims than the rest of the state, so urban ZIP codes cost more.
- Severe weather: Tornadoes, hail and flash flooding across Middle and West Tennessee drive comprehensive claims.
- Rural and mountain roads: High-speed two-lane roads and the Smokies produce more severe single-vehicle crashes.
- Vehicle and usage: Trucks and SUVs, long commutes on I-40 and I-24, and business use all move your premium.
How to get cheaper car insurance in Tennessee
Start by comparing. A GEICO quote through DriveLower takes about two minutes and shows you a real rate for your ZIP code, not an estimate. Then stack the savings: bundle auto with renters, home or condo coverage, choose deductibles you can actually afford, keep your coverage continuous, and ask us to check every discount you may qualify for, including good driver, multi-vehicle, military, federal employee and good student.
If you're carrying only the state minimum, consider raising your liability limits. Tennessee's average premiums sit a little below the national average, though Memphis is among the more expensive cities in the South. Either way, the minimums above rarely cover a serious crash today, and the difference in premium is often smaller than people expect; we'll show you both options side by side. Read our guide on liability vs. full coverage and 12 ways to lower your car insurance.
Serving drivers across Tennessee
We quote and write GEICO policies for drivers throughout Tennessee, including:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Murfreesboro
- Franklin
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Kingsport
- Hendersonville
- Smyrna
- Bartlett
- Collierville
- Cleveland
Not listed? Every Tennessee ZIP code works. Enter yours above to get started.
Coverage available in Tennessee
- Auto insurance: liability, collision, comprehensive, UM/UIM, medical payments, roadside and rental.
- Motorcycle insurance, RV insurance and boat insurance.
- Homeowners, condo and renters insurance through the GEICO Insurance Agency.
Tennessee car insurance FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in Tennessee?
25/50/25 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Is Tennessee an at-fault state?
Yes. The driver who causes a crash pays for the other party's injuries and damage through their liability coverage. Tennessee uses modified comparative fault, so you can recover damages only if you were less than 50% at fault.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Tennessee?
No, but insurers must offer it and you have to reject it in writing. With about one in five Tennessee drivers uninsured, most people should keep it.
How does Tennessee check that I have insurance?
Through an electronic insurance verification program run by the Department of Revenue. If your coverage can't be confirmed you'll get a notice; failing to respond leads to fees and registration suspension. Carry your ID card (digital is fine) as well.
Can I get a Tennessee quote online?
Yes. Enter your ZIP code and you'll go straight to a secure GEICO quote. Or call (904) 622-1850 to quote by phone.
How much does car insurance cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee premiums are generally below the national average. Memphis ZIP codes tend to be the most expensive in the state, followed by Nashville; rural East and Middle Tennessee price lowest. Your record, vehicle and coverage limits matter most, so enter your ZIP code to see your real GEICO rate in about two minutes.
What happens if I drive without insurance in Tennessee?
Driving without proof of financial responsibility is a misdemeanor in Tennessee that can bring fines, registration suspension and reinstatement fees. Because the Department of Revenue verifies coverage electronically, lapses are usually caught by mail before a traffic stop. Keeping continuous coverage avoids the fees entirely.
Does GEICO offer car insurance in Tennessee?
Yes. DriveLower is an exclusive GEICO agency operated by IBRP, Inc, and we write GEICO auto, motorcycle, RV and boat policies in Tennessee. Quote online with your ZIP code or call (904) 622-1850 to buy with a licensed agent. Coverage can start the same day with digital ID cards.
Do I need an SR-22 in Tennessee?
Only if the state requires one after a suspension, DUI or uninsured-driving offense. The SR-22 is filed by your insurer and usually required for three to five years depending on the offense. GEICO files SR-22s electronically; tell us when you quote.