Is Tennessee an at-fault or no-fault state?

Tennessee is an at-fault state for car insurance claims.

Field report · TN

Car insurance in Tennessee

Tennessee is an at-fault state with a minimum liability requirement of 25/50/25. Here's what that means, what it costs, and what to check before you buy.

Minimum coverage25/50/251

Fault systemAt-fault1

Uninsured motoristMust be offered1

RegulatorVehicle registration/titling: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division; driver licenses: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

What the minimums actually mean

$25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage, reflecting a 2023 increase (property damage minimum rose from $15,000). UNCERTAIN: a small number of sources still reference the older 25/50/15 figure - this should be confirmed against the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance directly before publishing as settled fact.

Not mandatory; insurers must offer UM/UIM, and drivers can decline.

Estimated cost

$513 a year for minimum coverage, $2,004 for full coverage2

Average annual premiums in Tennessee for a 40-year-old with a clean record and good credit, driving a 2023 Toyota Camry. Full coverage here means 100/300/50 liability plus collision and comprehensive.

Why this is an average, not a quote

Rates depend heavily on your driving record, exact ZIP code, vehicle, and the insurer's own pricing model — two neighbors can legally pay very different amounts for the same coverage. Use our cost calculator for a figure based on your own details, or get matched with carriers directly.

SR-22 & high-risk filings

Typically required after a DUI/DWI, driving without insurance, an at-fault accident while uninsured, or reckless driving, commonly for about 3 years.

Local conditions worth knowing

Tennessee sits partly within the shifting 'Dixie Alley' severe-weather/tornado zone, a well-documented and growing driver of comprehensive claims in the region.

Frequently asked

What is the minimum car insurance requirement in Tennessee?: Tennessee requires liability limits of at least 25/50/25. $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage, reflecting a 2023 increase (property damage minimum rose from $15,000). UNCERTAIN: a small number of sources still reference the older 25/50/15 figure - this should be confirmed against the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance directly before publishing as settled fact.
Is Tennessee an at-fault or no-fault state?: Tennessee is an at-fault state for car insurance claims.
Do I need an SR-22 in Tennessee?: Typically required after a DUI/DWI, driving without insurance, an at-fault accident while uninsured, or reckless driving, commonly for about 3 years.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Tennessee?: Not mandatory; insurers must offer UM/UIM, and drivers can decline.

Sources

MoneyGeek, Minimum car insurance requirements by state, October 1, 2026.
Bankrate, using Quadrant Information Services rates (November 2025), Average cost of car insurance, updated June 5, 2026.

Figures checked against these sources on October 2, 2026.

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