SR-22 insurance is not a type of insurance, but it’s a certificate that proves you have the necessary insurance coverage required by your state. It is often required for drivers who have been involved in driving infractions, including DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance.
Your insurer files an SR-22 form with the Tennessee DMV to verify that your policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. This form is typically required when you need to reinstate driving privileges after they were revoked or suspended due to violations. You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the specific period for compliance with the court or DMV.
This guide provides an overview of what SR-22 insurance covers in Tennessee and how it can influence your annual premiums.
Who needs an SR-22 in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, individuals whose driving licenses were suspended or revoked due to certain violations may be required to obtain an SR-22.
Below are the violations that can trigger this requirement:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
In Tennessee, an SR-22 is generally needed for 3 years, but this duration can differ based on the specific violation. Throughout this period, it’s crucial to maintain at least the minimum car insurance required by Tennessee law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Tennessee?
If you need SR-22 insurance in Tennessee, you must buy a car insurance policy and have the insurance company file the SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Getting the right car insurance:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Tennessee mandates a minimum of 25/50/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, full coverage car insurance cost with an SR-22 is $1,958 per year $135 lower than the national average cost in the U.S., which is $2,093 a year. But if you have a DUI, your yearly premium can increase up to $3,352 in Tennessee.
In addition to the increased premium, most insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form. If you’re facing a license suspension, getting an auto insurance policy along with an SR-22 form is typically the only way to reinstate your license.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Tennessee?
Tennessee drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $279 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Only some insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to look around to find one that does. When you do find an insurer, be prepared for higher premiums because of driving violations on your record.
However, if you drive carefully and avoid speeding, DUIs and other violations, you can improve your driving record, which could lead to lower insurance premiums in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Geico provides the most affordable SR-22 car insurance for drivers in Tennessee, with an average annual premium of $1,588 . Progressive and Nationwide also offer competitive SR-22 insurance rates in Tennessee, according to CarInsurance.com data.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Tennessee, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | 1,565 | 1,588 |
| Progressive | 1,550 | 1,723 |
| Nationwide | 1,632 | 1,792 |
| Erie Insurance | 1,598 | 1,812 |
| State Farm | 1,677 | 1,948 |
| Farmers | 1,770 | 2,517 |
| Allstate | 3,032 | 3,347 |
| USAA* | 1,194 | 1,223 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?
You will need an SR-22 in Tennessee for a period of 3 years. This document proves to the Tennessee DMV that you are maintaining state-mandated coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my SR-22 insurance?
Canceling your SR-22 insurance before the mandated period ends can lead to several serious consequences
- Driver’s license suspension: Your insurance company is required to inform the state if your SR-22 is canceled. This will likely lead to your driver’s license being suspended.
- Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with SR-22 requirements may incur additional fines or penalties, adding to the financial consequences of policy cancellation.
- extended probationary period: If your SR-22 was a condition of probation for a driving offense, canceling it could reset the probation clock.
- Insurance premium increase: A lapse in coverage and violations can lead to significant spikes in insurance premiums.
It’s important to fulfill the SR-22 requirements for the specified duration without any lapses or cancellations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Tennessee
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In Tennessee, this period is typically 3 years from when you first filed the SR-22.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Tennessee?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Tennessee. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage when dealing with an SR-22 requirement. Over time, insurance rates may gradually decrease as the driver maintains a clean driving record and complies with the SR-22 requirements.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Tennessee drivers
If you’re in a situation where you require an SR-22 in Tennessee but don’t have a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Tennessee driver’s license and fulfill the state requirements.
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Tennessee
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Tennessee?
There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Tennessee?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the Tennessee DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Tennessee if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in Tennessee remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from Tennessee to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in Tennessee. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Tennessee?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in Tennessee. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Tennessee. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Tennessee