An SR-22 form proves that your auto policy meets state minimum requirements. Tennessee drivers with a suspended or revoked driver’s license due to a DUI, hit and run, or reckless driving charge may need to file an SR-22 with the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles.
On average, an SR-22 policy in Tennessee is $193 per month for full coverage and $89 for liability insurance. State Farm offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in the state, starting from $22 per month for liability-only insurance.
Here’s what you should know about finding affordable SR-22 insurance in Tennessee, including how it affects rates and the importance of comparing quotes.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Tennessee
If you need to file an SR-22, the violation that caused it will usually result in higher insurance premiums. Using an insurance-comparison site can help you compare quotes from multiple insurers in one place.
The table below includes some of the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in Tennessee with an SR-22. The monthly quotes listed below reflect average monthly insurance costs.
What is SR-22 insurance in Tennessee, and when do you need it?
An SR-22 certificate isn’t technically insurance. It’s a document that high-risk drivers must have their insurers file with the state to prove they have adequate insurance.
Tennessee drivers with license suspension or revocation for violations like driving under the influence must file an SR-22 form. These forms are a certificate of financial responsibility that proves your auto policy meets the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. You must maintain an SR-22 form for the entire suspension or revocation period.
If you need an SR-22 form, you must contact your insurance company to submit the form to the state on your behalf. As a condition of license reinstatement, you’ll need to file an SR-22 form following various violations in Tennessee, including DUIs, hit and runs, vehicle theft, and some unsatisfied judgments in court.1
How to get SR-22 insurance in Tennessee
If you need to file an SR-22 under Tennessee law, you’ll need to contact an insurance company licensed to provide auto insurance through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.2 An insurance company must file an SR-22 for you, as you can’t file it on your own. Securing an SR-22 form may require paying your insurance company for state filing fees and processing fees.
Many insurance companies in Tennessee provide SR-22 filing, including GEICO, Allstate, and Progressive. But prices can vary significantly from one company to another. Comparing insurance quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find affordable policies that meet your needs.
How long is SR-22 insurance required in Tennessee?
You need to maintain SR-22 insurance in Tennessee for the length of your license suspension or revocation period. The length of time Tennessee requires you to have SR-22 insurance depends on the specific suspension or revocation type. Some types of violations have longer revocation periods than others.
For example, Tennessee drivers convicted of a DUI may have their driving privileges revoked for a period of one to eight years. Tennessee drivers may need to maintain SR-22 insurance for between three and five years.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?
The amount you’ll pay for insurance with an SR-22 varies depending on your state, city, and insurance company. SR-22 insurance rates in Tennessee depend on various factors, including your driving record and the type of coverage you wish to purchase. For example, a full-coverage policy will cost more than a liability-only policy.
Related filing and license reinstatement fees will vary depending on the violation that resulted in your license suspension or revocation. Tennessee has a $50 state-filing fee for SR-22 forms, and reinstatement fees range between $65 and $103. For example, Tennessee charges a $103 reinstatement fee if a DUI conviction results in the revocation of your driving privileges.
Depending on the type of violation, you may also need to pay a failure to surrender license fee if applicable.
Cheapest insurance companies in Tennessee with SR-22 by city
The amount you pay for insurance in Tennessee when you have an SR-22 can vary depending on your ZIP code. Factors that may affect SR-22 rates in your city include the population density, car accident rates, and vehicle theft rates in your area.
Here are the average monthly liability-only quotes for drivers with an SR-22 in several Tennessee cities.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Tennessee
Having an SR-22 doesn’t directly affect your driving record. But the violation that led to you needing to file an SR-22 in the first place will. For example, if you need an SR-22 because of a DUI conviction, your rates will increase significantly.
The good news is the negative effects won’t last indefinitely. By practicing safe driving habits and maintaining a clean driving record, your auto insurance rates should improve with time.
Here are some tips to help lower your car insurance premium while you still have an SR-22 form filed with the DMV:
Increase your deductible. Raising the deductible on your auto insurance policy will reduce your monthly premium. Note that increasing your deductible means you’ll need to pay more money out of pocket before your insurance will start to cover losses.
Shop around. The cost of SR-22 insurance policies can vary significantly depending on the auto insurance company. Comparing quotes from a few different companies is a good idea, as it can help you find the right coverage at an affordable rate.
Bundle insurance policies. Buying multiple insurance policies from the same insurer may reduce your car insurance premium. For example, some companies offer a discount when you bundle your auto policy with a home or renters insurance policy.
Pay for your coverage in full. Some insurance companies may offer a discount on your auto policy if you pay the total cost of car insurance up front instead of splitting it up into monthly payments. If you have the cash, this can be an easy way to save on car insurance.
Adjust your coverage. Decreasing your auto insurance coverage can help lower your bill. For example, if you have an older vehicle, downgrading to liability coverage from full coverage may help reduce your premium.