Question 1

What does non-owner car insurance cover in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A Tennessee non-owner policy covers bodily-injury and property-damage liability when you drive a car you don't own — borrowed, rented, or shared. It carries at least the state's 25/50/25 minimum and sits secondary to any coverage on the vehicle itself. It never covers physical damage to the car you're driving, because you own no vehicle to insure for collision or comprehensive.

Question 2

Can I get an SR-22 without owning a car in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A non-owner SR-22 satisfies Tennessee's filing requirement for license reinstatement when you own no vehicle. The SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security proving you carry at least 25/50/25 liability. Carriers that file non-owner SR-22 in Tennessee include Dairyland, GAINSCO, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, The General, and USAA.

Question 3

Which carriers write non-owner insurance in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Dairyland, GAINSCO, Geico, Progressive, The General, and USAA write non-owner policies in Tennessee. Among those, Dairyland, GAINSCO, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, The General, and USAA also file non-owner SR-22s when the state requires a filing. Not all carriers writing standard auto in Tennessee offer non-owner coverage — the list is shorter than the full market.

Question 4

How long does Tennessee require SR-22 filing for non-owner drivers?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee typically requires SR-22 filing for three years after a DUI conviction or driving-uninsured violation, measured from the conviction or reinstatement date. The filing period is set by the court or the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Your insurer must maintain the SR-22 on file with the state for the entire period — if the policy lapses, the state suspends your license again.

Question 5

Does a non-owner policy cover rental cars in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A Tennessee non-owner policy provides liability coverage when you drive a rental car, sitting secondary to the rental company's liability coverage. It does not cover physical damage to the rental car itself — that requires the rental company's collision damage waiver or a separate rental-car rider. Most non-owner policies exclude vehicles rented for more than 30 consecutive days.

Question 6

What is Tennessee's minimum liability coverage for non-owner insurance?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee requires $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage — the same minimum whether you own a car or carry a non-owner policy. A non-owner policy must meet this 25/50/25 floor to satisfy the state's financial responsibility law and, where required, to file an SR-22.

Question 7

Can I use a non-owner policy to reinstate my Tennessee license after a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the state requires SR-22 filing and you own no vehicle. A non-owner SR-22 policy satisfies Tennessee's proof-of-insurance requirement for license reinstatement after a DUI. You'll also need to complete any court-ordered alcohol treatment, pay the $65 reinstatement fee, and petition the court for a restricted license if you're still within the suspension period. Ignition interlock is required for DUI-related restricted licenses in Tennessee.

Coverage	Minimum
Bodily Injury (per person)	$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$50,000
Property Damage	$25,000

Non-Owner Car Insurance — Tennessee

Tennessee Minimum Coverage

Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle

Coverage Types

Non-Owner Liability Insurance

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Find Your City in Tennessee

Nashville

Memphis

Knoxville

Chattanooga

Clarksville

Murfreesboro

Franklin

Jackson

Johnson City

Hendersonville

Kingsport

Maryville

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Free Quote in Tennessee