Driving Without Insurance in Tennessee

Through the EIVS program, owners who fail to show coverage after a notice owe a coverage failure fee of $25, rising to $100 if they do not comply with the first notice, and risk losing their registration. Effective July 1, 2027, Public Chapter 1077 (2026) raises these fees to $500 and $1,000, adds a $1,500 fee (with registration suspension or revocation) for lapsing into unconfirmed status for the same vehicle more than once within three years, blocks renewals after a second notice until proof and fees are provided, and limits noneconomic damages for plaintiffs whose vehicles were not in compliance.

Tennessee verifies insurance through the Department of Revenue's Electronic Insurance Verification System (EIVS), to which insurers report policy information (monthly now; weekly starting July 1, 2027). Owners who get a noncompliance notice verify coverage or pay fees through the Tennessee Insurance Verification application. A STOP can be placed on a vehicle's registration for failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility after a traffic stop, and must be cleared before renewal. Starting July 1, 2027 (until June 30, 2029), proof of financial responsibility will be required for an initial vehicle registration.

Tennessee requires SR-22 insurance for violations such as DUI, accident claims, unsatisfied judgments, accumulation of points, implied consent refusal, hit and run, vehicular assault or homicide, racing, and two reckless driving violations in 12 months. The SR-22 must be maintained for the length of the suspension or revocation period, either with a restricted license or after reinstatement. If the SR-22 policy or bond is canceled before the requirement ends, driving privileges can be suspended for failure to maintain future proof of financial responsibility, and the driver must refile, pay reinstatement fees and reapply.