Featured Resources
- Drivers License & ID
- First Time Drivers
- Registration & Titling
- Driving Records
- Locations & Hours
- Forms & Publications
- Motorcycles
- Commercial Drivers
- Safety & Statistics
- Dealers & Auto Industry
- Other DMV Information
- Car Insurance
- Tickets & Driving Schools
- Relocation Guide
- Driving Abroad
- Drivers Education
- Traffic Schools
- Practice Tests
- Defensive Driving
- Suspended License
- Traffic Tickets
- Paying Your Traffic Ticket
- DMV Point System
- Driver Handbook
- Traffic Ticket Attorneys
- Driving Records
- Vehicle History Reports
- Criminal Records
- Background Checks
- Free Credit Report
- Court Records
- Vital Records
- Guide to Buying a New Car
- Guide to Buying a Used Car
- Guide to Selling Your Car
- Donating a Car
- Auto Warranty
- Auto Loans
- State Regulations
- Buying and Selling FAQs
- Breaking News
- Recalls
- Stolen Vehicles
- Traffic Alerts
- 511 Traffic Systems
- Weather
- REAL ID
- Enhanced Driver License
- Identity Theft
- Buying & Selling
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Safety & Driving
- Car Basics
- Equipment & Technology
- Motorcycles & Other Vehicles
- Alternative Vehicles
- Travel & Recreation
Insurance Center
| 1. FAST | 2. COMPARE | 3. $AVE |
| Fill out a quote form about you and your vehicles | Instantly get free quotes from top car insurance companies | Choose from the lowest rate policies and save hundreds |
Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
You may be surprised to find out that Tennessee doesn't require any kind of liability insurance for driver's licenses or vehicle registration; however, you do have to comply with the financial responsibility law. This means you can have your driver license suspended if you don't have liability insurance in the event of a moving violation or motor vehicle accident that results in $50 in property damages, injury, or death.
Tennessee's Financial Responsibility Law
Simply put, financial responsibility means that you must have some form of evidence, either proof of insurance (an insurance card or statement from an insurance company that does business in Tennessee) or proof from the Department of Safety (DOS) stating that you have placed a deposit or bond covering the requirements of financial responsibility.
Amendments
As of January 1, 2002, officers ask for proof of financial responsibility in the event of a moving violation or motor vehicle accident, regardless of who is at fault.
As of July 2, 2003, the court will dismiss your violation of not having financial responsibility if you obtain it before your hearing. If not, a STOP will be placed on your vehicle prohibiting you from registering it until you obtain financial responsibility.
Consequences
Not having proof of financial responsibility is a Class C misdemeanor that carries a $100 fine and license suspension.
Financial Responsibility Documents
Tennessee provides you with a way to find out information regarding the liability insurance of a person involved in an accident, as well as a way to show proof of that person's future financial responsibility.
Financial Responsibility Affidavits
The Financial Responsibility Affidavits inform you of whether someone has filed a report of liability insurance regarding a particular motor vehicle accident.
By providing the name and driver's license number of the person involved in the accident, as well as the date and county of the accident, these forms can be requested through the mail or in person at the main DOS office at:
- Tennessee Department of Safety
- 1150 Foster Ave.
- Nashville, TN 37249
SR-22 Forms
The SR-22 Form provides proof of future financial responsibility. This form is available at any Tennessee-licensed liability insurance company, and must be completed and submitted to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance by that company.
An SR-22 form is also required if you wish to obtain a DUI restricted license.
