Restricted License Insurance — Tennessee
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Tennessee at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$65
State license reinstatement fee, about 5 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee operates under a tort-based liability system and requires continuous proof of financial responsibility for all drivers. Restricted license holders must carry SR-22 certification filed directly with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, maintaining it for the full restricted license period plus any additional suspension time. The state mandates ignition interlock device installation for most DUI-related restricted licenses, verified through the IID vendor's monthly monitoring reports.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Ignition Interlock Device Coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Tennessee
$198–$294/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Restricted license route restrictions limit your approved driving purposes to work, school, medical appointments, IID calibration, and court-ordered obligations —violating route restrictions voids your policy and triggers immediate restricted license revocation under Tennessee law.
Get Insured on Your Restricted License
Get My Restricted License Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driver License (Class D, M) — Order for Restricted License
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need SR-22 insurance after getting a restricted license in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires SR-22 filing for a minimum 3-year period beginning the day your restricted license is issued, which may extend beyond the restricted license term itself if underlying suspension time exceeds the restricted driving period. A single coverage lapse longer than 30 days resets the entire 3-year SR-22 clock to zero and suspends your restricted license immediately. The Tennessee Department of Safety receives automatic electronic notification within 10 days when carriers cancel SR-22 policies.
Can I get restricted license insurance without an ignition interlock device in Tennessee?
No — Tennessee law mandates IID installation for all DUI-related restricted licenses, and carriers require proof of IID activation from a state-approved vendor before binding SR-22 coverage. You must schedule IID installation, complete the activation appointment, and receive vendor confirmation before insurance shopping begins. Non-DUI suspensions (failure to appear, driving while suspended for non-moving violations, unpaid tickets) may qualify for restricted licenses without IID requirements depending on the specific violation.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance for Restricted License
Certificate of financial responsibility filed electronically by your carrier with the Tennessee Department of Safety. Required for the full restricted license period plus any remaining suspension time, typically 3 years minimum for DUI violations.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to maintain restricted license eligibility. Covers you when driving employer vehicles, rental cars, or vehicles borrowed from family members.
Ignition Interlock Device Coverage
Mandatory for Tennessee DUI restricted licenses. Device prevents vehicle ignition if breath alcohol content exceeds 0.02% BAC. Requires monthly calibration appointments and generates monitoring reports sent directly to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Non-standard coverage tier for drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations, suspended licenses, or SR-22 filing requirements. Underwritten by specialists in high-risk business rather than preferred carriers.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Optional coverage in Tennessee that pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by a driver with no insurance or limits too low to cover your losses. Offered at limits matching your liability policy but can be rejected in writing.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance
Comprehensive package including liability, collision, comprehensive, and typically uninsured motorist coverage. Required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle, and recommended for restricted license holders driving newer vehicles.