Tennessee DUI SR-22 Filing Requirements & Costs
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 traditional tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver pays for damages. After a DUI conviction, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires SR-22 filing to reinstate your license and maintain it for the duration of your filing period. Filing periods vary by conviction class: first-offense standard DUI typically requires 3 years, while aggravated or repeat-offense DUI can extend to 5 years or longer.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
What Drivers Pay in Tennessee
$294–$351/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, drivers with an SR-22 after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and NerdWallet, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- First-offense standard DUI with BAC under 0.15 qualifies for the lowest non-standard rates, while aggravated DUI (BAC 0.20 or higher, minor in vehicle, injury, or property damage) increases premiums 30 to 50 percent.
- Repeat-offense DUI within 10 years typically doubles your rate compared to first-offense, and some non-standard carriers decline to quote entirely.
- Tennessee counties with higher uninsured motorist rates, including Shelby (Memphis) and Davidson (Nashville), carry 10 to 15 percent higher premiums due to elevated claim frequency.
- Adding an ignition interlock device (IID) may reduce your premium with certain non-standard carriers by 5 to 10 percent, but not all Tennessee carriers offer this discount.
- Bundling renters or homeowners insurance with your DUI-SR-22 auto policy is often unavailable in the non-standard market, eliminating a discount preferred-risk drivers take for granted.
Find an Insurer That Will File After a DUI
Get SR-22 Coverage After a DUIIf 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 filing after a DUI in Tennessee?
Tennessee typically requires SR-22 filing for 3 years after a first-offense DUI, measured from your conviction date or reinstatement date depending on your sentencing. Aggravated DUI or repeat-offense DUI can extend the filing period to 5 years or longer. Any lapse in coverage during this period restarts the clock from zero.
Will my current insurance company file SR-22 in Tennessee after a DUI?
Most mainstream carriers like State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and Progressive will file SR-22 for existing customers but typically non-renew your policy at the end of the current term. New DUI-SR-22 policies generally require non-standard carriers like Bristol West, Direct Auto, Dairyland, GAINSCO, The General, or Safe Auto.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses in Tennessee?
If your insurer cancels your policy or you let coverage lapse, they notify the Tennessee Department of Safety 30 days in advance. Your license is automatically suspended the day coverage ends, and your SR-22 filing period restarts from zero once you reinstate, adding months or years to your total compliance time.
What is the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions. FR-44 is a separate filing used only in Florida and Virginia with higher liability minimums. If you move from Florida or Virginia to Tennessee with an active FR-44 requirement, you must verify with the Tennessee Department of Safety whether your filing obligation transfers or terminates.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy but a certificate your insurer files with the Tennessee Department of Safety proving you carry liability coverage. The filing itself costs $25 to $50 one-time, but the underlying insurance premium is what increases after a DUI.
Non-Owner SR-22
Non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage when you don't own a vehicle but still need to file SR-22 to satisfy Tennessee's reinstatement requirements. It covers you when driving borrowed or rented vehicles.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee requires 25/50/15 minimums, but these limits are insufficient after serious crashes.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Tennessee requires carriers to offer it, and rejection must be made in writing.
Full Coverage
Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Collision covers damage to your own vehicle in an accident. Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes.