SR22 Insurance in Tennessee (TN)
What is SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee has an accurate description for SR22 insurance. The Tennessee Department of Safety handles all filing for "proof of future financial responsibility." Or, in other words - SR-22 insurance.
Future, refers to the time period wherein an SR22 certificate would be required to be carried, which is usually anywhere from three to five years.
SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee is a certificate of financial responsibility verifying that a driver carries the minimum amount of liability insurance required by the state. SR-22 insurance in Tennessee is only required for drivers convicted of serious traffic offenses.
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How much does SR22 Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
The cost of SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee depends on several factors such as your age, driving record, and credit score, as well as the state of Tennessee's minimum liability requirements. Your auto insurance company will charge you an SR-22 filing fee, which is usually around $50.
An SR-22 certificate itself does not directly increase insurance rates, it's the traffic violation that raises premiums. The average annual cost of a car insurance premium for drivers with clean driving records in Tennessee is $431 for state minimum insurance coverage.
In the state of Tennessee, the mandatory minimum liability auto insurance coverage is listed below.
$25,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$15,000 for property damage liability coverage
When is an SR22 Required in Tennessee?
An SR22 is commonly needed to reinstate your driving privileges after a serious traffic violation. SR22s are required by Tennessee Law in some of the cases listed below.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving with no insurance
Multiple traffic violations in a short span of time
Reckless driving violations
How do you get Affordable SR22 insurance in TN?
Affordable SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee is definitely possible if you find the right auto insurance agency. High-risk drivers often face higher auto insurance premiums after needing an SR-22. Not every car insurance company will provide coverage for high-risk drivers required to file an SR-22.
Some national and regional insurance providers accommodate Tennessee drivers who need an SR-22. You must have a licensed insurance company licensed through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance file an SR-22 form with the state of TN.
Tips on lowing your auto insurance rates if you need SR-22 insurance:
Raising the deductible on your auto insurance policy can lower your monthly premium.
You can save on SR-22 insurance by paying for your coverage in full.
Only purchase state minimum coverage with low liability limits for your vehicle.
Buying multiple insurance policies from the same insurance company may reduce your car insurance premium.
If you don't own a car, Non-owner SR-22 insurance is typically cheaper than a standard car insurance policy.
How Long Do You Need an SR-22 in Tennessee?
Tennessee drivers are required to maintain an SR22 insurance certificate for the length of the suspension or revocation period, usually for three to five years. Be sure to renew it annually, as not doing so can result in a drivers license suspension. More serious offenses, like DUI, may result in a longer SR-22 requirement period.
If your SR-22 insurance is canceled or lapses, your car insurance provider is obligated to inform the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Upon completing the period of required SR-22 coverage, your insurance company will file a Financial Responsibility Cancellation Form with the state of TN.
Tennessee DUI Penalties and Laws
A DUI conviction, even the first offense, always results in license suspension in addition to the other legal consequences. So, driving under the influence remains the most common reason for an SR22 filing. Tennessee sets its blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at the national average of 0.08 or higher.
DUI penalties in Tennessee are known to be more severe if an intoxicated driver tests for a BAC greater than or equal to 0.20. Here the penalties DUI convictions often result in:
First Offense | Second Offense | Third Offense | |
|---|---|---|---|
Jail Time | Two days to a year | 45 days to one year | 120 days to one year |
Fines | $350 to $1,500 | $600 to $3,500 | $1,100 to $10,000 |
License Suspension | One year | Two years | Six years |
