Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Tennessee in 2025
Tennessee law mandates motor vehicle financial responsibility for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Tennessee Code Title 55, Chapter 12, vehicle owners must maintain proof of financial responsibility continuously while operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Tennessee Department of Revenue administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout Tennessee.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Tennessee Code establishes that all drivers must demonstrate financial responsibility for any automobile accident they might cause. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the primary method of demonstrating financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roads, with limited statutory exceptions.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Tennessee law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees.
Tennessee Department of Revenue
500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
Phone: (615) 253-0600
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Revenue
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Tennessee law establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Tennessee requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Tennessee law does not mandate collision coverage.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-2241
Official Website: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Tennessee requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Financial responsibility identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, and vehicle information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other portable electronic device
- Policy of liability insurance or declaration page showing current coverage
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Proof of financial responsibility is required on all motor vehicles operated in Tennessee, with the following limited exceptions:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, the state of Tennessee, or any political subdivision of the state
- Self-insurers approved by the Department of Revenue who have deposited securities or obtained appropriate certification
- Vehicles covered by surety bonds filed with the Department of Revenue in amounts meeting minimum liability coverage requirements
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Tennessee Department of Revenue processes registration applications and renewals through county clerk's offices. Vehicle owners are required to maintain current insurance coverage when first registering a vehicle in Tennessee or when renewing an existing registration.
New Tennessee residents must establish Tennessee insurance coverage and file an application for certificate of title and registration through their local county clerk. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Tennessee registration requirements for residents. New residents must obtain Tennessee insurance before completing vehicle registration.
Tennessee motorists may renew vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at county clerk offices. Registration renewals require active insurance coverage. The Department of Revenue confirms insurance status electronically through the state verification system before processing registration transactions.
