Auto Insurance In TN
It might surprise you that Tennessee does not require drivers to have proof of insurance in order to register their vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is especially surprising when you consider that Tennessee is a tort state. Being a tort state simply means that in the case of an accident, one driver must be found solely at fault financially—as opposed to a no-fault state in which both drivers involved take care of their own damages. Although insurance is not required, it is a priceless asset. The very word accident should instill a sense of uneasiness if you are uninsured. That’s the whole point…accidents happen, but someone has to pay. Don’t let that be you!
New Law Regarding Auto Insurance in TN
Although drivers are not required to show proof of insurance at the time of registration, beginning in 2002, all drivers must comply with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law. In the case of an accident or a moving violation, you, as the driver, must show proof of financial responsibility. That doesn’t mean you show your pay stub or bank account balance—don’t worry! Proof of financial responsibility means that you have proof of insurance that you have acquired or a statement from the Department of Safety (DOS) that you have put a deposit of at least $50 down on your vehicle to cover you in such incidents. If you don’t have proof of auto insurance in TN or proof of a deposit at the time of an accident or violation, your license may be suspended. On top of that, not carrying proof of financial responsibility is considered a Class C misdemeanor which carries with it a $100 fine.
Need for Auto Insurance in TN
Tennessee is no stranger to accidents. With a speed limit of 70 on the highways, and the allowance of open alcohol containers in vehicles, accidents are bound to happen—whether innocent in their occurrence or not. Having auto insurance in TN protects you and those you love. It protects your assets, and, most importantly, it protects the legacy you want to leave with your family. Because of its importance, insurance is strongly recommended in the amount of 25/50/15. This ratio is translated as bodily injury liability in the amounts of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The last amount is $15,000 in property damage. It is important to note that these numbers just take care of the other car and its passengers. If you were the cause of the accident, and there was injury to you or damage to your car, you would need to have already purchased personal injury protection (PIP) and collision/comprehensive insurance for your vehicle and your passengers. PIP and collision/comprehensive insurance also protect you in the event of an accident due to weather or another natural disaster. Tennessee, although fairly mild in climate, can experience severe weather in the forms of ice and snow in the winter, heavy rains in the spring, and occasionally a tornado or its effects in the summer. It is far better to be prepared than to be caught without a safety net!
Searching for Auto Insurance in TN
So, we have established that in Tennessee, you are not required to have insurance to register your vehicle. However, we have also established the need for auto insurance in TN. High speed limits, the allowance of open alcohol containers, along with weather conditions and curvy mountain roads can sometimes make for treacherous conditions. Don’t be found unprotected! There are options available to you. You can find cheap auto insurance in TN. Enter your ZIP code at the top of the page to receive your fast, easy, and affordable automobile insurance quote.