Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee

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In Tennessee, the cheapest SR-22 insurance options are offered by GEICO at $1,038 per year and Nationwide at $1,171 per year. The cost of SR-22 insurance depends on your location, driving history, and insurance provider.

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. It’s often required after serious driving violations, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. If you’ve been ordered to file an SR-22, you might be worried about the impact on your car insurance costs.

Unfortunately, having an SR-22 on your record usually leads to higher premiums, and some carriers won’t cover such drivers, so finding affordable options is essential.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly policy or just trying to learn more about SR-22s, this guide has the information you need to get back on the road without breaking the bank.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) that proves you’ve bought the minimum liability auto insurance your state requires. If you’re considered a high-risk driver due to traffic violations, a DUI/DWI, or other reasons, your state or a court may require you to obtain an SR-22-a certificate filed by your insurance company that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance coverage.

While it’s not a type of insurance, filing an SR-22 is often mandatory after serious offenses and it can lead to higher insurance premiums due to your increased risk profile.

Do I need to buy SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?

As mentioned before, an SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy. It’s a form your insurance company files with your state’s DMV to show that you have the required minimum coverage, even with certain driving offenses on your record. The filing fee is usually low, but insurance with an SR-22 can be expensive.

Here are few offenses that might require an SR-22:

• 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

If you are convicted of any of these violations, you might need an SR-22. After buying an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurance company to send the SR-22 form to the DMV.

You usually have to keep the SR-22 for at least three years. If you don’t, your license could be suspended.

Average SR-22 car insurance cost in Tennessee

The average SR-22 car insurance cost in Tennessee is $1,458.

Tennessee’s rate is $443 more expensive than SR-22 insurance in the New Hampshire, the cheapest state. However, it’s also $2,583 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.

However, there are a lot of factors that might affect the cost of SR-22 insurance, such as the reason for the SR-22, your driving history, and the city in which you live.

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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Tennessee

Insurance rates usually increase if you have an SR-22. But not all insurance companies have the same rates for people with an SR-22. The companies listed below have some of the lowest rates available in Tennessee.

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Cheap SR-22 insurance in Tennessee by city

As mentioned earlier, where you live can also make a big difference in the cost of SR-22 insurance. Below, you’ll find the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance for most cities in Tennessee.

SR-22 insurance requirements in Tennessee

The Tennessee DMV mandates all drivers in Tennessee to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:

• $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 only the minimum requirements. Experts suggest getting more coverage than the mandated coverage levels. While it might increase your premium, the extra coverage can be very helpful if you’re in a costly at-fault accident.

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

Insurance companies charge different premiums for drivers with a DUI.

Note: In the table below, “filing only” means the cost of a policy that includes the SR-22 filing fee but doesn’t take into account why you need the SR-22.

How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Tennessee

You may face sky-high insurance premiums if you need an SR-22 in Tennessee. However, there are ways to save on car insurance whether or not you require an SR-22.

First, shopping around is always a good idea. There can be an enormous difference in the rates you will get from different insurance companies. Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer you better SR-22 rates.

Another way to get the cheapest insurance with an SR-22 is to improve your driving record. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but it can be worth putting in the time if you want a better rate. You can get a quick win by taking a defensive driving course. Ask your insurer if they offer any of these courses and if they can help you qualify for a discount.

You can also ask about safe driving programs. These usage-based programs track your driving habits and may reward you with lower premiums for safe driving.

There are a few ways someone required to get SR-22 insurance can find the most affordable policy while still meeting all the legal requirements.

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

• Shopping 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.
• Pay upfront: Paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.
• Opt for non-owner insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be a cost-effective option as it is typically 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Keep reading for more information on non-owner insurance options.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in Tennessee

Another term that’s sometimes used when talking about SR-22 is “non-owner SR-22 insurance.” This usually refers to liability insurance for people who don’t own a car but need to reinstate their license after it is suspended or revoked. This is often a requirement after a DUI, DWI, or several moving violations.

Non-owner insurance provides secondary coverage when driving cars you don’t own, such as a vehicle you borrow or rent.

If you find yourself regularly driving a borrowed or rented vehicle, you should probably apply for a non-owner insurance policy. These policies have certain benefits, like costing less than traditional insurance.

Read more about how non-owners car insurance works in Tennessee

Who needs SR-22 insurance?

Remember that an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate that shows your state’s DMV that you have at least the minimum insurance coverage required.

For instance, if you have a DUI on your record, the state will require you to prove that you have enough insurance to be financially responsible.

Keep in mind that not all driving offenses require an SR-22. You will be notified if you require an SR-22. If you aren’t sure if you need one, ask your local DMV or an attorney who has experience with traffic laws.

How long do you need SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?

You typically need to maintain an SR-22 for three years.

During this period, you must maintain continuous coverage without any lapses. If your policy is canceled or lapses, your insurer must notify the state, which could result in further penalties or a license suspension.

The bottom line on SR-22 in Tennessee

The average SR-22 insurance rate in Tennessee is $1,458, while the average cost of car insurance in Tennessee is $1,311. This means SR-22 insurance in Tennessee costs $146 more per year.

Keep in mind that there are numerous factors that affect the auto insurance premiums.

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

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.

Bob Haegele

Contributing Researcher

 

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Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer. He covers car insurance, health insurance and life insurance. While working in the corporate world he started a personal finance blog. He later left his corporate job and began freelance writing full-time. Since then, he has made it his mission to help people master their money. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, FinanceBuzz and others.