SR-22 insurance in Tennessee
What Tennessee requires after a DUI, a lapse or driving uninsured, how long the filing lasts, what it costs the state, whether a non-owner filing works, and which companies in Tennessee write the policies that carry it, from the state's own pages and the insurance company directory.
Tennessee uses the SR-22 filing. Who needs it: DUI, test refusal, 12+ points in 12 months, uninsured crashes, unpaid judgments, vehicular assault or homicide, hit-and-run with injury, two reckless driving violations in 12 months, and other serious offenses. How long: As long as the suspension or revocation period (e.g., a 1-year revocation means a 1-year SR-22). The insurer files it electronically with the state once the policy is bound; a non-standard auto policy with the filing is often cheaper than people expect. 0 companies write personal auto in Tennessee; the ones used to filings are tagged below.
By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker · Every state
What Tennessee requires
From Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Financial Responsibility Office; sources at the bottom.
| Filing | SR-22 |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | DUI, test refusal, 12+ points in 12 months, uninsured crashes, unpaid judgments, vehicular assault or homicide, hit-and-run with injury, two reckless driving violations in 12 months, and other serious offenses. |
| How long | As long as the suspension or revocation period (e.g., a 1-year revocation means a 1-year SR-22). |
| State fees | A $50 state SR-22 fee on top of the reinstatement fee for the action ($65 to $103). Your insurer sets the policy cost. |
| Non-owner filing | Yes. If you don't own a vehicle, you may get a non-owner's policy. |
| How it's filed | A Tennessee-licensed insurer files the SR-22 electronically with the department. Out-of-state residents need a form filed with Tennessee, or may request a waiver. |
| If the policy cancels | After an SR-26, you have 20 days to file a new SR-22 or request a hearing, or you're suspended with no restricted license. Reinstatement: $65 plus the $50 SR-22 fee. |
| Minimum liability limits | 25/50/25 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage) |
| Who handles it | Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Financial Responsibility Office |
How to get it today
- Send the quote request with the reason for the filing (DUI, lapse, uninsured accident) and the date the state gave you; that goes to the companies above that take it.
- Bind the policy; the insurer sends the SR-22 to the state electronically the same day in most cases.
- Keep the policy paid for the whole period: a cancellation is reported to the state and usually restarts the suspension.
I'm licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida and Washington, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.
Questions people ask
How long do I need an SR-22 in Tennessee?
As long as the suspension or revocation period (e.g., a 1-year revocation means a 1-year SR-22).
Who needs an SR-22 in Tennessee?
DUI, test refusal, 12+ points in 12 months, uninsured crashes, unpaid judgments, vehicular assault or homicide, hit-and-run with injury, two reckless driving violations in 12 months, and other serious offenses.
Can I get a non-owner SR-22 in Tennessee?
Yes. If you don't own a vehicle, you may get a non-owner's policy.
What happens if my policy cancels during the SR-22 period?
After an SR-26, you have 20 days to file a new SR-22 or request a hearing, or you're suspended with no restricted license. Reinstatement: $65 plus the $50 SR-22 fee.
Sources
Send it once. It gets filed.
A few minutes to request the quote; the companies that file SR-22 answer by email, and the filing goes to the state when you bind.
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.