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Tennessee follows a "fault" system when it comes to financial responsibility for losses stemming from a car accident, including:
Taken together, the losses listed above are considered "damages" in the language of the law, and the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is also financially responsible for these damages. Of course, from a practical standpoint, the at-fault driver's insurance carrier will step in and cover these losses, up to the driver's policy limits.
If you've suffered any kind of injury or incurred property damage because of a car accident in Tennessee, you might be able to:
Note: In no-fault car insurance states, a claimant doesn't usually have this same range of options. Tennessee drivers don't need to worry about no-fault after an in-state accident, but it could come into play after an accident across the state line in Kentucky.
As mentioned above, the primary method of complying with the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law is to purchase liability car insurance coverage. The required minimum amounts of coverage in Tennessee are:
Liability coverage pays the medical bills, property damage bills, and other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged in a car accident you cause, up to coverage limits. You can (and in some situations should) carry more coverage to protect you in case a serious crash results in significant car accident injuries and vehicle damage.
Once policy limits are exhausted, you are personally on the financial hook, so higher insurance limits can help protect your personal assets in the event of a serious crash.
Your liability coverage will kick in if any family member is driving your vehicle, or if you've given someone else permission to use it. It will likely also cover you if you get into an accident in a rental car.
Remember that liability coverage doesn't apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage after a Tennessee car accident. You'll need different (additional) coverage for that if you're involved in a car accident and no one else's coverage applies to your losses. For example, collision coverage (optional in Tennessee) can pay for repairs to (or replacement of) your damaged vehicle after a car accident. Note that collision or comprehensive might be required under the terms of a vehicle lease or financing agreement.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is not required in Tennessee, but this kind of coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance, or if you're injured in a hit and run accident. Keep in mind that UM coverage will not apply to vehicle damage.
Besides purchasing liability car insurance in line with the state's minimums, Tennessee vehicle owners can post a cash deposit or bond in the required amount, or show that they qualify as a "self-insurer" under state law. Learn more about the Financial Responsibility Law, from the state's Department of Safety & Homeland Security.
Yes. If you're asked to provide proof of compliance with the Financial Responsibility Law in Tennessee (during a traffic stop or after an accident), you can do so through MyTN, the state government's official mobile app. Learn more from the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Of course, you can still carry a physical copy of your company-issued insurance card or other documentation showing compliance.
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, if you're unable to demonstrate proof of financial responsibility:
You can find more details on car insurance rules and requirements on the Drive Insured Tennessee portal, from the state's Department of Revenue.
If you've been injured in a car accident in Tennessee, you might need more than just the basic car insurance rules. Get more information on when you might need a car accident lawyer, and what to expect from your first meeting with a car accident attorney. And if you're ready to connect with a Tennessee car accident attorney now, you can use the features right on this page to find a qualified legal professional in your area.