What are Tennessee’s Car Insurance Requirements?

Tennessee’s car insurance requirements include minimum limits. If you own and drive a car in the state and are uninsured, you are breaking the law. You could receive a fine, driver’s license suspension, and other penalties if you are found driving a car without insurance. If you cause an accident and are uninsured, you can be financially responsible for all associated losses.

If you purchase car insurance that meets Tennessee’s requirements and maintain an active policy, you are in good shape any time you get behind the wheel. Of course, just because you have auto insurance does not mean you will be able to avoid accidents. If a driver is negligent and slams their car into yours, you may need to file an insurance claim.

As you deal with the aftermath of an auto crash, get legal help. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a liable motorist or any other at-fault party.

Do you have to have car insurance in Tennessee?

Auto insurance is mandatory for Tennessee drivers. In terms of why you should have auto insurance, the answer relates to state law.

State car insurance requirements are defined in accordance with Tennessee’s Financial Responsibility Law. Based on this, Tennessee drivers must have the following minimum coverage levels:

• $25,000 for each injury or death for each accident;
• $50,000 for total injuries or deaths for each accident; and
• $25,000 for property damage for each accident.

The minimum required car insurance in Tennessee is not negotiable. If you do not meet Tennessee’s auto insurance requirements, you could face serious consequences.

What are the penalties if you break the Tennessee car insurance law?

Drivers who fail to meet Tennessee minimum insurance requirements can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. If convicted, the penalties you could receive include:

• A $300 fine
• Having your driver’s license and/or registration suspended until you can provide proof that you are insured
• Having your vehicle towed away at the time the police discover you are driving your car without insurance
• Requiring your insurance carrier to file an SR-22 form, which may remain on file for three years

When it comes to auto insurance, err on the side of caution. Obtain coverage that aligns with state minimums and keep it up to date. Otherwise, you could face penalties for your actions. On top of these, you could be forced to cover 100% of the costs of an auto accident if you are at fault.

Is car insurance required in Tennessee if I do not have a car?

If you do not have a car, you might not need to purchase auto insurance coverage. In a situation where you rent a car, the rental company will require insurance coverage, but you can typically buy this coverage from the rental provider for the rental period.

However, auto insurance is necessary if you lease a car. Depending on your lease terms, your lender may require you to purchase collision, comprehensive, or other supplemental coverage.

When you drive in Tennessee, you must carry proof of insurance with you at all times. If you get into an auto accident, you can share this information with the other driver.

How does my car insurance company help me after an accident?

Tell your auto insurer about your accident as soon as you can after it happens. When you do, stick to the facts of the crash. Do not accept responsibility, as doing so could hurt your chances of getting compensation for any losses you have incurred. From here, your insurer can open a claim.

Your insurance company can communicate and collaborate with the insurers of other drivers involved in your collision. Ideally, it will be clear that you are in no way liable for your accident. This should mean that the other party’s insurer will cover your losses. Unfortunately, things are rarely this clear-cut.

Even if another driver is to blame for your accident, their insurance carrier can contest your claim. The insurance company could say you are partly or fully liable for an accident. Or the insurer could offer a lowball settlement that fails to compensate for your total losses.

You do not have to go through the insurance claims process alone. Hiring a Nashville personal injury lawyer will give you the support of an advocate who is working for your best interests and legal rights. They can engage with insurance companies for you and put you in a better position to secure maximum compensation for your losses.

What should I do if I get into a car accident and the other driver is uninsured?

Report the crash immediately and make sure that police officers arrive at the accident scene. These officers can collect information from you and the other driver. They can use this information to prepare a police report.

You should also receive medical care right away for injuries caused by the accident. If possible and safe to do so, take photos and videos of the crash scene and get the other driver’s contact information and driver’s license information. Next, contact your auto insurance company and let them know about your collision.

Your car insurance policy may cover your accident-related losses if you previously purchased uninsured motorist coverage. In Tennessee, insurers must offer this coverage, although the consumer may waive it in writing. If you do not have this coverage, you may still have the option to pursue compensation from the uninsured motorist.

Per Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, the personal injury statute of limitations is one year. This means you have one year from the date of your auto accident to sue an uninsured motorist for damages, but you should not delay. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better.

In your lawsuit, you can ask for economic and non-economic damages. Reasons you could receive compensation for your losses include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Costs of repairing or replacing your car
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Your lawyer can calculate your damages and submit your lawsuit in alignment with Tennessee law. They can help you build a body of evidence that supports your case. With your lawyer’s help, you could present a compelling argument. That way, your attorney can help you obtain fair compensation from the liable motorist.

Get legal help with your car accident case

The team at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers understands the challenges injury victims face after an auto collision. Give us the opportunity to help you with your auto accident case. To request a consultation, contact us today. You can find us located in Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro.