Tennessee Vehicle Insurance Requirements

In the state of Tennessee, it is mandatory for all motorists to have a minimum limit of car insurance. This means that to register a car in Tennessee, you must have at least liability coverage, which covers the cost of any injuries or damages you cause to others in an accident. The minimum liability coverage required is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. While liability coverage is the only insurance mandated by the state, additional coverage may be required if your vehicle is financed.

What documents do you need to register a vehicle in Tennessee?

To register a vehicle in Tennessee, you must visit the local county clerk's office in the county where you live. Here is a list of documents you will need to register a vehicle in Tennessee:

• Title: You will need to present your vehicle title or a bill of sale. If you are registering a new vehicle, you will need the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin from the dealership. If you are registering a used vehicle, you will need a valid certificate of title properly filled out by the seller.
• Proof of Identity: You will need to provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. driver's license, birth certificate, military ID, or other acceptable forms of identification.
• Proof of Residency: You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a rental or mortgage agreement, utility bill, or paycheck stub.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (if applicable): If you are registering a used vehicle with a model year of 2011 or newer, you will need to provide an odometer disclosure statement (Form RV-F1317001).
• Current Registration (if transferring license plates): If you are transferring your license plates from your old vehicle to the new one, you will need to provide your current registration.
• Payment for Registration Fees and Taxes: You will need to pay all applicable registration fees and taxes.

It's important to note that you must be the owner of the vehicle or furnish a notarized Power of Attorney form from the owner. Additionally, insurance from a Tennessee-authorized insurance company is not required for first-time vehicle registration, but it is illegal to drive without insurance. You can have your license suspended if you cannot provide proof of insurance if you are pulled over or in an accident.

How to register a vehicle in Tennessee online

To register a vehicle in Tennessee, you must register it with the state of Tennessee to legally drive it. The good news is that registering a vehicle in Tennessee is not a bureaucratic nightmare. The process is surprisingly easy, and you can even renew your automobile registration online through the local DMV.

What You Need to Register a Vehicle in Tennessee

To register a vehicle in Tennessee, residents need their title, proof of identity and residency, an odometer disclosure statement (if applicable), and payment for all applicable registration fees.

You can obtain a temporary operation permit, allowing time to gather your required paperwork. Some counties also require emissions inspections prior to registration.

How to Register a Vehicle in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) requires the registration of all vehicles using Tennessee roads and highways through the Vehicle Services Division. Getting a vehicle title and registration is the same process in Tennessee, so residents may do both at once.

Tennessee residents must visit the local county clerk's office in person when they purchase a vehicle, whether from a dealership or a private party.

Register a New Vehicle in Tennessee

To register a new vehicle in Tennessee, residents can visit their local county clerk's office and:

• Submit the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
• Provide the new vehicle invoice from the dealership.
• Give the county clerk the current registration from the old vehicle if you plan to transfer license plates to the new vehicle.
• Provide proof of identification (e.g., U.S. driver's license, birth certificate, military ID, etc.).
• Submit proof of residency (e.g., rental or mortgage agreement, utility bill, paycheck stub, etc.).
• Pay all applicable fees and taxes.

Register a Used Vehicle in Tennessee

To register a used vehicle in Tennessee, individuals must provide:

• A complete and valid certificate of title filled out by the seller.
• The odometer disclosure statement for vehicles less than 10 years old.
• The current registration if transferring the license plates.
• Proof of identification (e.g., U.S. driver's license, birth certificate, military ID, etc.).
• Proof of residency (e.g., rental or mortgage agreement, utility bill, paycheck stub, etc.).
• Payment for all registration fees and taxes.

Temporary Operation Permits

If you are unable to produce the required registration or titling documents, you may be eligible for a temporary vehicle permit. Temporary permits are valid for 30 days. To apply for a temporary operation permit, you will need to present the following:

• Ownership documents for the vehicle.
• Proof of action being taken to fix the titling/registration issues.
• A valid TN driver's license.
• A completed Application for Temporary Operation Permit.
• Payment for the $10 fee.

What is the minimum insurance coverage in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, drivers are legally required to have a minimum amount of auto insurance. This is to ensure financial responsibility in case of an accident. Tennessee is a "fault" state, meaning that the driver deemed to be at fault in an accident is legally responsible for paying for any resultant damages and losses.

The minimum coverage requirements in Tennessee are as follows:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 to $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

The minimum coverage requirements cover injuries suffered by pedestrians, passengers, and other drivers but usually do not cover property damage or injuries suffered by the negligent driver. Liability coverage provides for your legal defence if a lawsuit is brought against you as a result of a covered accident. Tennessee requires two types of liability coverage: property damage and bodily injury. Property damage liability coverage safeguards your assets if you are found legally responsible for a covered accident, while bodily injury liability coverage safeguards your assets if you are found legally responsible for certain expenses associated with bodily harm sustained by other parties.

While collision and comprehensive coverage are not mandated by Tennessee state law, lenders typically require both coverages to safeguard their investment if you finance or lease a vehicle. Additionally, Tennessee drivers can choose from several optional add-on coverages, such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage. These optional coverages help protect drivers from accidents, theft, natural disasters, and injuries.

What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance, and driving without it can lead to severe consequences. According to Tennessee state law, you may have to pay fines, surrender your driver's license and registration, or even serve jail time if caught driving without insurance. Here are the penalties for driving without insurance in Tennessee:

Penalties for Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance:

If you cannot show proof of insurance during a traffic stop or after receiving a notice from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, you may face the following penalties:

• Fines: You may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $300.
• Driver's License and Registration Suspension: Your driver's license and registration may be suspended until you provide proof of insurance, pay a $65 restoration fee, and pay a $50 fee for an SR-22 form.
• Vehicle Towing: Law enforcement officers can decide to have your vehicle towed.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Your insurer will need to file an SR-22 form on your behalf, which will remain on file for three years and may result in higher insurance rates due to being considered a risky driver.
• Retake Driver's License Exam: The state may require you to retake the driver's license exam to get your license and registration back.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in an Accident:

If you are involved in an accident while driving without insurance in Tennessee, the penalties can be more severe, especially if you are at fault for the accident. Here are the possible penalties:

• Fines and Jail Time: If the accident results in bodily injury or death, you may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $2,500 and jail time of up to 11 months and 29 days.
• Financial Responsibility for Damages: As Tennessee is an at-fault state, you will be responsible for covering all medical and repair bills resulting from the accident out of pocket.
• License Suspension: You may face the suspension of your driver's license until you can provide proof of insurance and pass the driver's test again.
• Increased Future Insurance Premiums: The accident will appear in your driving history, likely resulting in higher insurance premiums in the future.
• Legal Consequences: You may be sued by the other party involved in the accident, requiring you to pay additional fees for court and legal representation.

It is important to note that these penalties can be costly and have long-lasting impacts on your driving record and financial situation. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain valid insurance coverage when driving in Tennessee to avoid these penalties and protect yourself financially.

What are the recommended insurance coverage amounts in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, motorists are required to have a minimum limit of car insurance to be considered legal drivers. This minimum amount of insurance is known as the limit and refers to the lowest amount of coverage that a driver can have to remain street legal.

The minimum insurance requirements in Tennessee are $25,000/$50,000/$15,000 or $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, depending on the source. The first two numbers refer to the amount of bodily injury coverage per person and per accident, respectively. The last number refers to the amount of property damage coverage per accident. In other words, the minimum coverage in Tennessee includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 or $25,000 for property damage per accident.

It's important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and it is recommended to get additional coverage to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident. The minimum property damage coverage, for example, may not be sufficient to cover the cost of repairs to a newer vehicle. Additionally, the minimum coverage does not include comprehensive or collision insurance, which would cover repairs to your own vehicle.

Optional add-on coverages in Tennessee include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, roadside assistance coverage, and rental car reimbursement coverage. These optional coverages can provide additional protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or vehicle breakdown.

When deciding on the amount of insurance coverage to purchase, it's essential to consider your personal needs, the value of your vehicle, your personal assets, and your risk factors. While the minimum coverage may be sufficient for some, others may want to increase their coverage limits to ensure they are fully protected in the event of an accident.

Frequently asked questions