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Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates & Requirements

Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Tennessee at a Glance

25/50/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Tennessee operates as an at-fault tort state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility — either an active insurance policy meeting minimum limits or a certificate of self-insurance. Tennessee law also mandates electronic verification of insurance through the Tennessee Monitoring System Governing Committee (TMSGC), which checks coverage status in real time during traffic stops and registration renewals.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an at-fault accident. Tennessee's tort system allows injured parties to sue for damages beyond policy limits, putting your personal assets at risk if you carry only the minimum.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage to another person's vehicle or property when you're at fault. Tennessee does not require separate coverage for damage to your own vehicle — that requires collision and comprehensive policies.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Insurers must offer this coverage at the same limits as your bodily injury liability unless you explicitly decline it in writing.

Collision Coverage

Pays for damage to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault. Not mandated by Tennessee law, but required by lenders if you finance or lease a vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision damage — theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Tennessee sees frequent severe weather including hail in Middle Tennessee and flash flooding in eastern mountain counties. Lenders require comprehensive if you have a car loan or lease.

Cost Overview

about $87/mo

Average car insurance spending in Tennessee

Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tennessee a no-fault insurance state?

No, Tennessee is an at-fault tort state. The driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages, and injured parties can sue for compensation beyond insurance policy limits. This makes carrying liability coverage above the 25/50/25 minimum critical, as a serious crash can result in personal financial liability if your limits are exhausted.

Find Your City in Tennessee

Nashville

urban

Memphis

urban

Knoxville

urban

Chattanooga

urban

Clarksville

suburban

Murfreesboro

suburban

Franklin

suburban

Jackson

urban

Johnson City

urban

Hendersonville

suburban

Kingsport

urban

Maryville

suburban