Tennessee insurance

Low-Income Car Insurance in Tennessee

What Tennessee requires, and how to keep insurance affordable after you receive a car.

Last verified: · By the Free Car Foundation Editorial Team

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Minimum coverage in Tennessee

Tennessee requires at least $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage liability (often written 25/50/25).

Requirements change — several states raised their minimums in 2025. Confirm current limits with the Tennessee insurance department or your County Clerk (Tennessee Department of Revenue).

Is minimum coverage enough?

Minimum liability is the cheapest legal option and is common for older, low-value cars — including most donated cars. It does not pay to repair your own car. If you cannot afford repairs after an accident, compare the cost of adding collision coverage against the value of the car.

Ways to pay less in Tennessee

  • Compare at least three quotes every year
  • Ask about good-driver, low-mileage, paperless and paid-in-full discounts
  • Raise your deductible only if you can cover it
  • Try usage-based insurance if you drive little
  • Take a defensive driving course where it earns a discount

More tips in our national low-income car insurance guide. Budgeting for a new car? Read the real cost of a donated car.

Apply for a free car with Free Car Foundation

Tennessee residents can apply for a free car online. Our application is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your Social Security number or bank details.

Nearby states

Car insurance in Kentucky · Car insurance in Georgia · Car insurance in Alabama · Car insurance in North Carolina

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum car insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires at least $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage liability (often written 25/50/25).
How can I get cheap car insurance in Tennessee on a low income?
Compare quotes, choose state minimum liability for an older car, and ask for every discount you qualify for.

Need a car to get to work?

Apply to the Free Car Foundation program today. It is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your SSN or bank details.