Just like in any state in the United States, Tennessee has mandatory laws for car insurance coverage all drivers need to have. This protects an at-fault driver from paying out of pocket, but it also helps pay for damages and injuries of the car accident victims. Tennessee car insurance has a minimum coverage limit set so it can be affordable to all drivers.
Tennessee is an at-fault state which means the driver at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the victim(s). This is why minimum auto insurance coverage is mandatory for all drivers. However, the minimum coverage is not always the best for vehicle accidents. We will go through the types of insurance options drivers have in Tennessee and the coverages need to be sufficient.
Minimum Car Insurance Policies and Coverage
Driving without car insurance will lead to fines as high as $300. You also run the risk of having your driver’s license suspended if you get caught multiple times without coverage. Tennessee car insurance law states that the minimum policy requirements for liability coverage are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 property damage per accident
Bodily injury liability insurance is coverage that protects victims in car accidents you cause. It does not pay for your damages or injuries. If you want coverage for yourself you will have to add more policies.
These optional auto insurance coverages are collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments. Collision covers property damage to your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damages that occur from weather or theft.
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your damages and injuries if the at-fault driver doesn’t have basic bodily injury liability insurance. With uninsured motorist coverage, it is recommended to have the same minimums of bodily injury liability; $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Medical payments will cover the cost of any medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers up to the limit amount you set.
Who is Covered With Tennessee Car Insurance Policies
Car insurance in Tennessee follows the car, not the driver. This means if you allow a family member or a friend to drive your car, they will be protected by your insurance policy. However, if you are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle you need to look for compensation from their insurance company.
In Tennessee, new drivers under the age of 18, go through a graduate licensing program. This program has 3 stages and this makes sure the teen is practicing safe driving.
- Learner’s Permit
- Must be at least 15 years old
- Pass the vision screening
- Have a parent or legal guardian present to sign
- Show proof of school attendance
- Intermediate Restricted License
- Must be at least 16 years old
- 180 days of learner’s permit required
- Have a parent, legal guardian, or driving instructor sign off on the teen having 50 hours of driving time including 10 hours of night driving
- Intermediate Unrestricted License
- Held an intermediate restricted license for one year
- Cannot have accumulated more than six points
- Cannot be at fault for an accident
- Cannot have 2 safety belt violations
Teen drivers can be placed on the same car insurance policy as their parents or legal guardian. This would make the pricing for insurance cheaper than if they were to be on their policy. Technically, teens can stay on their parents’ or legal guardians’ insurance as long as they live at home or in college full-time.
For new residents of Tennessee, they must obtain their new license within 30 days of establishing residency. During this time, new residents should be searching for car insurance in Tennessee and obtain the proper limits. It is important to note that you can be denied or have high rates for insurance policies. Insurance quotes take into consideration credit score, the amount of at-fault accidents, driving history, and the type of car being driven.
How to Proceed With a Car Accident Claim
Car accident victims have three options to pursue a claim. They can file a claim with their own insurance company if they have policies to fund compensation. These policies would be collision coverage, medical payments, or uninsured motorist coverage.
Tennessee is an at-fault state so victims should go after the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation. Going after the other driver’s insurance can be difficult and insurance companies are notorious for providing the bare minimum for settlements. Our Tennessee car accident attorneys know exactly how to get the most compensation car accident victims deserve.