Updated May 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee operates under a fault-based liability system and requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility. The state issues Restricted Licenses administratively through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, not through the courts. Most restricted licenses require SR-22 filing for the duration of the suspension period, and the filing requirement typically outlasts the restricted driving period itself.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee restricted license insurance costs stack in layers: standard liability premium, SR-22 filing fee, and the underwriting surcharge for the suspension cause. DUI-related restricted licenses carry the highest premiums. Uninsured-cause suspensions typically cost less because the violation history is shorter.
What Affects Your Rate
- DUI-related restricted licenses in Tennessee add $1,200-$2,400 annually to premiums for the first three years after conviction.
- Memphis and Nashville drivers pay 15-25% more than rural Tennessee drivers due to accident frequency and theft rates in urban counties.
- SR-22 filing fees in Tennessee range from $15-$50 depending on the carrier, paid at policy inception and again at each renewal.
- Uninsured motorist suspensions typically add $600-$1,000 annually compared to a clean driving record, roughly half the DUI penalty.
- Drivers under 25 with restricted licenses pay an additional 30-50% over base rates due to age-based risk multipliers that stack with the violation surcharge.
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SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Tennessee Department of Safety. Required for most restricted license approvals.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability coverage for drivers who don't own vehicles but need to meet SR-22 filing requirements for a restricted license.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimum is among the lowest in the country.
Ignition Interlock Insurance
Coverage for drivers required to install an ignition interlock device as a condition of restricted license approval.
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Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security — Restricted License Program Guidelines
- Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55 — Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Auto Insurance Database Report