Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee

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GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee at $1,038 per year. Nationwide is another affordable option at $1,171 per year. What you pay will depend on your driving record, your location, and the insurer you choose.

SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy on its own. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to show you have the minimum required coverage, commonly needed after a DUI, reckless driving, or a lapse in insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 are treated as higher risk, so premiums are usually higher than average.

The SR-22 filing period lasts around three years, though your state and the specifics of your violation will determine the exact timeline. Expect your rates to go up right away, but consistent clean driving from here on out is what will gradually bring them back down. While you’re in that window, comparing quotes across insurers can help make sure you’re getting the best rate available to you.

How to keep your costs down during your SR-22 period

Compare quotes from at least three insurers before deciding on one. Rates after an SR-22 vary more than you’d expect – the first offer you get won’t be the most affordable one.
Find out how long the surcharge will apply. Some insurers revisit your rate after three years, others after five. How long you carry the increase can matter just as much as the rate itself.
Stay violation-free. A clean driving record from this point forward is the most effective tool you have for lowering your premium over time.
Keep your coverage active. A lapse while your SR-22 is on file can reset your entire filing period and make you look like an even greater risk to future insurers.
Keeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes at renewal can help lower your rates over time.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance coverage required to drive legally. You may need one after serious driving violations such as a DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (driving while intoxicated), reckless driving or driving without insurance.

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance. It’s a document your insurance company files with the state to verify you’re carrying the legally required coverage. Since drivers who need an SR-22 are flagged as higher risk, premiums tend to climb, and some insurers may turn you away entirely.

How does SR-22 insurance work in Tennessee?

SR-22 insurance in Tennessee costs an average of $1,458 per year
GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Tennessee at $1,038 annually
An SR-22 is a state-required filing that proves you carry minimum car insurance coverage

When do you need an SR-22 in Tennessee?

You may need an SR-22 in Tennessee after serious driving violations such as a DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance or accumulating too many points on your license.

The specific offenses that require one vary by state, but these are the most common:

DUI, DWI or other serious moving violations
Reckless driving
Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
Accumulation of too many driving violation points
Driving without insurance

After buying an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurance company to send the SR-22 form to the DMV.

What happens if you don’t maintain SR-22 coverage?

Most drivers need to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, depending on state requirements and the reason for the filing. During that time, your insurance coverage must remain active without any lapses.

If your policy is canceled or expires, your insurer will notify the DMV. From there, expect a suspended license and registration, reinstatement fees, and a new SR-22 filing. In many states, the three-year clock restarts from zero, so a lapse halfway through can cost you another full three years of filings. Worse, a coverage gap brands you an even higher risk, which means steeper premiums when you re-insure and a real chance some insurers won’t cover you at all.

How much does an SR-22 insurance cost in Tennessee?

The average SR-22 car insurance rate in Tennessee is $1,458 per year. That’s $443 more than in New Hampshire, which has the lowest SR-22 rates in the country, but $2,583 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 coverage.

Your actual rate will depend on why you need the SR-22, your overall driving record, and your location.

A DUI carries a much more dramatic surcharge than a lapse in coverage, and a city with higher accident and theft rates will cost more than a quieter rural area. Because those factors differ so much from driver to driver, the only reliable way to find your lowest rate is to compare quotes from several insurers.

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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Tennessee

GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee at $1,038 per year. While SR-22 insurance is usually more expensive than standard coverage, rates can vary significantly between insurers.

The companies below offer some of the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in Tennessee.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
GEICO	$1,038	$87
Nationwide	$1,171	$98
Auto-Owners	$1,244	$104
Travelers	$1,248	$104
State Farm	$1,303	$109
Erie Insurance	$1,663	$139
Farmers	$1,679	$140
Progressive	$2,141	$178
Allstate	$2,150	$179
USAA*	$942	$79

*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?

SR-22 rates in Tennessee depend heavily on where you live. Urban areas tend to come with higher premiums due to increased traffic, higher theft rates, and more frequent claims. Smaller towns and suburbs usually sit on the cheaper end of the scale.

Below are the major cities in Tennessee with the cheapest average SR-22 rates.

City	Average annual premium
Dayton	$847
Watertown	$886
Sevierville	$894
Kingston	$899
Knoxville	$909
Hermitage	$1,007
Ashland City	$1,010
Paris	$1,045
Nashville	$1,062
Memphis	$1,082
Germantown	$1,118

Will my SR-22 costs go down over time?

Your rates will improve once the SR-22 requirement ends, but they may not fully return to what you were paying before the violation
Most violations stay on your record for three to five years, though a DUI can linger considerably longer depending on your state
Keeping a clean record and shopping around at renewal are the best ways to make sure you’re getting the best rate available to you

What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in Tennessee?

To legally drive in Tennessee, the DMV requires you to carry at least:

$25,000 for injury or death per person
$50,000 for injury or death per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident

These are the legal minimums. Carrying more coverage costs a bit more each month, but it can save you a lot if you’re ever in a serious at-fault accident.

How much does SR-22 in Tennessee cost with a DUI?

Drivers with a DUI usually pay significantly higher SR-22 insurance rates, though costs vary widely by insurer. The table below compares annual SR-22 rates for drivers with a DUI in Tennessee.

This table shows two different costs:

SR-22 with one DUI – what you’d likely pay per year if you’re filing an SR-22 because of a DUI conviction. This includes the higher rate insurers charge after a DUI.
SR-22 filing only – your regular premium plus just the SR-22 filing fee, with no DUI. If your SR-22 is for something other than a DUI, look at this column to estimate what the filing alone adds to your cost.

Company	SR-22 with 1 DUI	SR-22 Filing only
State Farm	$1,425	$1,303
GEICO	$1,871	$1,038
Travelers	$1,927	$1,248
Nationwide	$2,050	$1,171
Farmers	$2,316	$1,679
Progressive	$2,408	$2,141
Erie Insurance	$2,542	$1,663
Allstate	$2,768	$2,150
Auto-Owners	$4,117	$1,244
USAA*	$1,802	$942

*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee

Filing an SR-22 itself costs very little, usually a one-time fee between $25 and $50. What drives up the real expense is the high-risk label insurers assign to drivers who require one. That’s also where you have the most opportunity to save. Getting quotes from multiple insurers, keeping your record clean, and selecting an appropriate level of coverage can all work in your favor. Premiums for high-risk drivers differ more than you might expect from one insurer to the next, making comparison shopping one of the smartest moves you can make.

Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, California, recommends the following:

Shop around. SR-22 rates vary significantly between insurance companies. Comparing quotes from several providers is the best way to find a good deal.
Pay upfront. Paying your full annual premium at once can be cheaper overall than spreading payments across monthly installments.
Opt for non-owner insurance. If you need SR-22 coverage but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy generally runs 5% to 15% less than a standard policy.

Compare insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers

Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer much lower SR-22 rates than standard carriers. Getting quotes from multiple companies is often the fastest way to save.

Can you get an SR-22 without owning a car?

If you need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, you can still meet the requirement through non-owner SR-22 insurance. This type of policy provides the minimum liability coverage needed when driving someone else’s car and allows you to reinstate your license following violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses. Since it doesn’t cover a vehicle of your own, it usually costs less than a standard auto policy.

It’s a more common situation than most people realize. Many drivers find themselves needing to prove insurance coverage to get their license back after a violation, even without a car to their name. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is designed specifically for that gap.

Is SR-22 insurance expensive in Tennessee?

Because an SR-22 requirement follows a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or a lapse in coverage, insurers classify these drivers as high-risk and price their premiums accordingly.

That being said, rates can vary significantly from one insurer to the next, so comparing quotes is one of the most effective ways to manage your cost. A few other ways to keep premiums down:

Reduce your mileage where possible. Relying more on public transit or carpooling could qualify you for pay-per-mile or low-mileage discounts.
Take advantage of every discount available. Bundling policies, opting for autopay, and completing a defensive driving course are all common ways to lower your rate.
Stay clean from this point forward. It’s the single most impactful thing you can do. A DUI can remain on your record for up to 10 years in many states, but a consistent period of clean driving is what will actually move your premiums in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get SR-22 insurance without owning a car?

Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to meet state insurance requirements. It provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car and is usually cheaper than a standard policy.

What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses?

If your SR-22 coverage lapses or your policy is canceled, your insurance company will notify the state DMV. This can lead to penalties such as license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirement period.

Can you switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22?

Yes, you can change insurers while maintaining an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must file a new SR-22 with the state before your old policy is canceled to avoid a lapse in coverage.

What our expert says

Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?

Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance.

“Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.”

Resources and Methodology

Sources:

Shouse Law Group. “SR22 Tennessee.” Accessed June 2026.
Progressive Insurance. “What is an SR-22?” Accessed June 2026.

Methodology

Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.

Alisha Ambre

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.