Tennessee Auto Insurance for First-Time 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
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee operates as an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident pays for damages through their liability insurance. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and sets minimum coverage limits that apply statewide. Tennessee law also mandates Financial Responsibility coverage verification, which insurers report electronically to the state.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Tennessee
$262/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
Bring Your Under 25 Rate Back to Earth
Compare Rates for Drivers Under 25Rules for new drivers
Night driving
11pm-6am
Passengers
no more than 1 passenger
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is the foundation of every Tennessee auto policy — it pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. The premium is your monthly or annual cost; the limit is the maximum the insurer pays per accident.
Full Coverage
Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive — it protects both your financial responsibility to others and your own vehicle. This is what lenders require if you finance or lease a car.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle that doesn't involve a collision — theft, vandalism, weather, falling objects, and animal strikes. You choose a deductible (typically $250–$1,000), which is the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage pays your medical bills and vehicle repairs if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough coverage to pay your costs. Tennessee requires insurers to offer it, but you can reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Collision pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Like comprehensive, you select a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest.
SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is not insurance — it's a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. Tennessee requires it after certain violations like DUIs, driving without insurance, or multiple serious offenses.