Tennessee SR22 Insurance Facts – (Everything You Need to Know)

SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee: What You Need to Know

First off, go here if you are looking for the cheapest rates and companies for SR22 insurance in Tennessee. In Tennessee, drivers who commit serious traffic offenses may be required to file an SR-22 form as part of the process to reinstate or maintain their driving privileges. The SR-22 itself is not an insurance policy—it’s a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS).

This filing verifies that you carry at least the state’s minimum required auto liability coverage. Common violations that lead to SR-22 requirements include driving under the influence (DUI), driving without insurance, reckless driving, and accumulating excessive traffic violations in a short period of time.

Once filed, the SR-22 serves as proof that you’re financially responsible and capable of covering damages or injuries if you’re at fault in a future accident. Failing to maintain the required coverage will result in automatic notification to the TDOSHS and may lead to another license suspension.

If you’ve been told you need to file an SR-22 in Tennessee, it’s important to understand your responsibilities, how to get the right insurance, and what steps to take to remain compliant with the law.

Topics Covered in This Guide:

  • Who is required to file an SR-22 in Tennessee?
  • How to obtain SR-22 insurance in Tennessee
  • Do all insurers offer SR-22 filing?
  • What happens if you move out of Tennessee?
  • How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Tennessee?
  • Penalties for failing to maintain SR-22 coverage
  • What is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?

Who Is Required to File an SR-22 in Tennessee?

SR-22 insurance is typically required for drivers considered “high-risk” by the state of Tennessee due to serious or repeated driving violations. If your license has been suspended or revoked, the court or TDOSHS may mandate that you file an SR-22 in order to reinstate your driving privileges.

You may be required to file an SR-22 for the following reasons:

  • Conviction for driving under the influence (DUI or DWI)
  • Driving without valid auto insurance
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Causing a serious at-fault accident, especially without insurance
  • Multiple traffic violations in a short time (points accumulation)
  • Reckless driving or street racing
  • Failing to appear in court or pay fines related to traffic offenses
  • Refusing a chemical test (breathalyzer or blood test) under the Implied Consent Law

In most cases, either the court or the TDOSHS will notify you directly that you are required to carry SR-22 insurance. You cannot legally drive until the SR-22 form has been filed and accepted by the state.

How to Obtain SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee

Getting SR-22 insurance in Tennessee involves working with an insurance provider that’s authorized to file SR-22 forms with the TDOSHS. Not all companies offer this service, so it’s important to confirm before purchasing your policy.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. Contact an insurer that offers SR-22 filings in Tennessee.
  2. Pay the SR-22 filing fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $50.
  3. Purchase at least the state’s minimum required liability coverage.
  4. Your insurer will file the SR-22 form electronically with the TDOSHS.
  5. Once filed and accepted, your license can be reinstated (if suspended).

You must maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for three to five years, depending on the offense. If your policy lapses or is canceled for any reason, your insurer must notify the state by filing an SR-26 form, which may lead to immediate license suspension.

Do All Insurance Companies File SR-22 Forms?

No, not all insurance providers file SR-22 forms. Many standard insurers do not work with high-risk drivers and may deny your request. If your current provider doesn’t offer SR-22 filing, you will need to shop for coverage with a company that does.

In Tennessee, these insurers are known to file SR-22 forms:

  • GEICO
  • State Farm
  • Progressive
  • Nationwide
  • The General
  • Dairyland
  • Direct Auto (based in Nashville)

If you don’t own a car, some of these companies also offer non-owner SR-22 insurance policies to help meet state requirements.

What If You Move to Another State?

Moving out of Tennessee does not eliminate your obligation to maintain SR-22 coverage if it was ordered by the TDOSHS. The requirement is tied to your Tennessee driver’s license, not your current state of residence.

Here’s what to do if you move:

  • Maintain a valid SR-22 policy that meets Tennessee’s liability limits.
  • Ensure the insurer you use is licensed to file SR-22s in Tennessee.
  • Inform both your insurer and the TDOSHS of your new address.
  • Do not cancel your SR-22 policy until you’re officially released by the state.

If you fail to comply, Tennessee may suspend your license and place a hold on your driving privileges in other states through the Driver License Compact (DLC) system.

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Tennessee?

The SR-22 form itself is inexpensive—typically $15 to $50. However, the total cost of insurance for someone required to file an SR-22 is significantly higher due to their high-risk classification.

Average SR-22 Insurance Costs in Tennessee:

  • Annual premium: $750 to $2,000
  • Monthly increase over standard rates: $60 to $150
  • Non-owner SR-22 policy (if no vehicle): $350 to $800 per year

Your actual rate depends on several factors, including:

  • Your age and ZIP code
  • Your driving history and violation type
  • The insurer’s risk assessment
  • Whether you own a vehicle or not

Tennessee Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

Additionally, you’ll likely need to pay driver’s license reinstatement fees, which range from $65 to $125, depending on the violation and administrative penalties.

Penalties for Failing to Maintain SR-22 Coverage in Tennessee

Failing to maintain your SR-22 coverage is treated as a violation of your reinstatement terms and can result in serious consequences. Your insurance provider is required to file an SR-26 form with the TDOSHS if your coverage lapses, expires, or is canceled.

Consequences May Include:

  • Immediate suspension of your driver’s license
  • Suspension of vehicle registration
  • Restarting the entire SR-22 filing period
  • Additional fines, fees, and reinstatement delays
  • Loss of eligibility for a restricted license (if applicable)

Under Tennessee Code § 55-12-139, driving without insurance is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $300 fine and license suspension.

What Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?

If you don’t own a vehicle but are still required to file an SR-22 in Tennessee, you can purchase a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy. This type of policy provides liability coverage for drivers who operate vehicles they do not own.

Ideal For:

  • Drivers who borrow cars from family or friends
  • Those who use rental cars or rideshare services
  • People who sold their car but still need to reinstate their license
  • Drivers who need to keep coverage active to avoid penalties

Benefits:

  • Typically 30% to 50% cheaper than a standard policy
  • Satisfies the TDOSHS requirement for financial responsibility
  • Keeps your SR-22 period active even without owning a car

Non-owner policies do not cover physical damage to a vehicle and are not valid if you live with someone whose car you have regular access to.

Other Questions About SR22 in Tennessee:

✔️ How Long Does SR-22 Stay on Your Record in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the SR-22 requirement is separate from how long the violation stays on your driving record. While you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance for 3 to 5 years, the related offense—such as a DUI or reckless driving charge—can stay on your record much longer.

  • DUI convictions stay on your Tennessee driving record for at least 10 years.
  • License suspensions for points or other violations may remain for 5 years.
  • Insurers may factor these violations into your premium for up to 7 years or more, depending on the severity.

To check the status of your record or SR-22 filing, you can request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the Tennessee Department of Safety for a small fee (usually $5–$7).

✔️ Steps to Reinstate a Suspended License in Tennessee (with SR-22)

To legally drive again in Tennessee after a suspension that requires an SR-22, you must follow these reinstatement steps:

  1. Serve the suspension period as determined by the court or TDOSHS.
  2. Obtain SR-22 insurance through a licensed Tennessee provider.
  3. Pay reinstatement fees, which vary by violation (e.g., DUI = $100+, No Insurance = $65).
  4. Submit proof of compliance, such as a court completion certificate (for DUI schools).
  5. Receive confirmation from TDOSHS that your license is reinstated.

You can pay your reinstatement fees online via the Tennessee Driver Services Portal at https://dl.safety.tn.gov.

✔️ How to Find Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee

SR-22 coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are tips for finding affordable SR-22 insurance in Tennessee:

  • Compare quotes from at least 3–5 providers. Companies like Direct Auto, The General, and Acceptance often offer flexible high-risk coverage.
  • Ask about discounts: Safe driver programs, bundled policies, and paperless billing can lower premiums.
  • Opt for a non-owner policy if you don’t own a car—it’s often 40% cheaper.
  • Maintain continuous coverage—a lapse in your policy will cost more long-term.

In Tennessee, cities like Chattanooga and Clarksville often have lower SR-22 rates than urban centers like Nashville or Memphis.

✔️ SR-22 Insurance for Teen and Young Drivers in Tennessee

Young drivers in Tennessee—especially those under 25—face some of the highest SR-22 premiums in the state. A teen driver with a DUI may pay $3,000–$5,000 annually for SR-22 coverage.

Tips for young or teen drivers with an SR-22 requirement:

  • Enroll in a state-approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts.
  • Use a named driver exclusion for household members with poor records (if allowed).
  • Keep your record clean for 12+ months to earn eligibility for better rates.

✔️ What Happens After Your SR-22 Period Ends?

When your required filing period ends:

  • Your insurance company must submit an SR-26 form to the Tennessee Department of Safety, stating you no longer need SR-22 coverage.
  • You may switch to a standard insurance policy, often with lower premiums.
  • Always verify with the TDOSHS before canceling your SR-22—early cancellation may result in license suspension if the state hasn’t officially released you from the requirement.

If you’ve had a clean record for the duration of your SR-22 filing period, many insurers will reassess your risk level and reduce your premiums accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do I have to keep SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee typically requires drivers to maintain SR-22 coverage for 3 to 5 years, depending on the severity of the offense and whether additional violations occur during that period.

2. Can I get my license back without an SR-22?
No. If the court or TDOSHS mandates an SR-22, it must be filed and maintained for license reinstatement. Without it, your driving privileges will remain suspended.

3. Is SR-22 insurance different from regular auto insurance?
Yes. While SR-22 insurance includes standard liability coverage, it also includes the filing of the SR-22 form as proof of coverage. It’s designed for high-risk drivers.

4. Does an SR-22 affect my insurance rates?
Yes. Having an SR-22 requirement typically classifies you as a high-risk driver, which leads to significantly higher premiums—often double or triple your previous rate.

5. Can I get SR-22 insurance the same day?
In many cases, yes. Several Tennessee insurers offer same-day electronic SR-22 filings, especially in major cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville.

6. Will Tennessee accept an out-of-state SR-22 policy?
Only if the out-of-state insurer is licensed in Tennessee and agrees to file the SR-22 with the TDOSHS. Always confirm with both the insurer and TDOSHS.

7. How do I know when I’m released from SR-22 requirements?
You can contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at (866) 903-7357 to confirm your SR-22 end date. Once the requirement is fulfilled, your insurer can file an SR-26 to remove the filing.