Tennessee Auto Insurance Guide for New Drivers
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
15
Minimum learner's permit age, 50 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Tennessee operates under a traditional tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for damages in an accident. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and uses electronic verification to monitor compliance. Tennessee law mandates financial responsibility coverage before vehicle registration, enforced through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$262/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Annual mileage over 12,000 miles increases rates as commuting on I-24, I-40, and I-65 corridors elevates accident exposure compared to occasional drivers.
Start Your First Policy on the Right Foot
Get Your First Auto QuoteRules for new drivers
Night driving
11pm-6am
Passengers
no more than 1 passenger
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay on my parents' car insurance in Tennessee?
You can remain on your parents' policy as long as you live at the same address and are listed as a rated driver on their policy. This is often cheaper than purchasing your own policy as a first-time driver. Once you move out or purchase your own vehicle, you'll need your own policy, though some insurers allow college students living away to remain on their parents' policy until age 24.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. This is legally required in Tennessee and the foundation of every policy. Your premium pays for your liability limit — the maximum your insurer will pay per accident — and anything beyond that comes from your personal assets.
Full Coverage
Industry term for a policy combining liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage with higher limits. This protects both your legal obligation to others and your own vehicle. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and strongly recommended for any vehicle worth more than $4,000.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle from everything except collisions — theft, vandalism, weather, falling objects, fire, and animal strikes. You choose a deductible, typically $500 or $1,000, which is what you pay before insurance covers the rest.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and car repairs if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or who flees the scene. Acts as a safety net when the at-fault driver cannot pay. Tennessee law requires insurers to offer this, but you can reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash with another car or object like a guardrail, regardless of fault. Your deductible applies each time you file a claim. Lenders require this if you finance your vehicle.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a coverage type but a certificate proving you carry minimum liability insurance, filed by your insurer with the state. Required after certain violations like DUI, driving uninsured, or multiple at-fault accidents. You maintain this filing for a period set by the court, typically three years.