If you’ve been told you need SR22 insurance in Tennessee, it means the state wants proof you can cover damages if you cause a car accident. This is usually required after major violations, like DUI or driving without insurance.
SR22 isn’t actually insurance—think of it as a certificate your insurer files to show you’ve got valid coverage.
Getting SR22 insurance can feel overwhelming and, honestly, a bit pricey. Still, understanding the basics makes the process less stressful.
If you know where to look for affordable options and how long you’ll need to carry an SR22, you’ll save yourself some headaches.
Key Takeaways
- You have to prove financial responsibility with SR22 after certain violations.
- SR22 is a certificate from your insurer, not a separate insurance policy.
- Knowing how to get and keep SR22 insurance helps you avoid more trouble.
Overview of SR22 Insurance in Tennessee
Certain driving violations in Tennessee mean you might need to file an SR22. It’s proof you meet the state’s insurance minimums and lets you keep your driving privileges.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 insurance isn’t really insurance at all. It’s a certificate your insurance company sends to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
This certificate says you’ve got the state’s required minimum car insurance. Without it, you could lose your license.
The SR22 usually stays in effect for about three years, but this can depend on your situation.
Who Needs SR22 Insurance in Tennessee
You’ll need SR22 coverage if you’re convicted of a serious traffic offense. That might mean DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or racking up too many points on your license.
If the court or state tells you to file SR22, you have to do it to drive legally again. It’s a high-risk label, and, yeah, it often means higher insurance costs.
You’ll keep filing until Tennessee says you’re off the hook.
Tennessee SR22 Filing Requirements
Tennessee requires SR22 insurance to cover at least:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Your insurer sends the SR22 certificate to the state. If your coverage lapses, your insurer must notify Tennessee.
Failing to keep your SR22 means your license gets suspended. You need to keep continuous insurance and the SR22 filing for the full required period—usually three years, sometimes longer.
How to Obtain SR22 Insurance in Tennessee
To get SR22 insurance in Tennessee, you’ll need to work with an approved insurer who can file the right form with the state. You have to meet certain coverage rules and pay any fees.
Finding Licensed SR22 Insurance Providers
Pick an insurance company licensed in Tennessee. They need to be authorized by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Not every insurer handles SR22 filings, so check with your current provider first. If they don’t do SR22, you’ll need to shop around.
Some companies specialize in SR22 insurance and know Tennessee’s rules inside out. Using a licensed provider makes sure your SR22 form gets submitted to the right place.
The Application and Filing Process
Once you’ve found a licensed insurer, ask them for SR22 coverage. They’ll add the form to your policy and file it directly with the state.
You’ll pay a filing fee—usually somewhere between $15 and $50. You have to keep this insurance active, or the SR22 will be canceled and your license could be suspended.
Make sure your policy meets Tennessee’s minimum liability coverage when you apply. The SR22 requirement usually lasts one to three years. Mark those dates so you don’t miss anything.
Costs and Coverage for SR22 Insurance
SR22 insurance comes with its own set of costs and coverage rules in Tennessee. The price you pay depends on a few things.
SR22 Insurance Premium Factors
Your SR22 premium depends a lot on your driving record. If you’ve got DUIs or reckless driving, expect to pay more.
The type of coverage you choose plays a role too. Full coverage is pricier than just liability.
On average, SR22 insurance in Tennessee costs about $193 per month for full coverage and around $89 per month for liability only. There’s also a separate SR22 filing fee, usually about $25.
How long you need SR22 depends on your suspension or revocation period.
Minimum Liability Limits in Tennessee
Tennessee sets minimum liability coverage for SR22 holders:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
These are just the bare minimums to drive legally. You can pick higher limits if you want more protection, but the state doesn’t require it.
Check your policy to make sure you’re meeting or beating these numbers.
After Obtaining SR22 Insurance
Once you’ve got SR22 insurance in Tennessee, you need to stick to the rules to keep your license.
Maintaining Your SR22 Status
Keep your SR22 insurance active for the whole time Tennessee requires—usually three to five years. The state needs proof you’ve got the right minimum coverage.
If you switch insurance companies, tell your new insurer you need an SR22 filing. They’ll have to file it with the state to keep your coverage going.
You’re responsible for paying all your premiums and fees on time. Miss a payment or cancel your policy, and your SR22 status will lapse—which can mean another license suspension.
Consequences of Lapses or Non-Compliance
If your SR22 insurance lapses or gets canceled, Tennessee will suspend your driver’s license.
This suspension means you can’t legally drive until you reinstate your license and provide proof of SR22 filing.
You’ll need to pay reinstatement fees, which usually start at $65. On top of that, a new SR22 form has to be filed by your insurance company before you can get your license back.
Letting your SR22 coverage slip can lead to higher insurance rates. You might also end up stuck with the SR22 requirement for even longer, depending on what happened.
Honestly, it’s just not worth the hassle—keeping your SR22 active is the way to go if you want to avoid all this mess.