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- Tennessee requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance coverage to protect other motorists in the event of a crash.
- Minimum liability insurance policy limits in Tennessee include $25,000 for each injury or death per accident, $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- Riders should consider additional insurance options to cover their damages.
- You must have proof of insurance in a physical or electronic format while on the road.
- Driving without insurance can result in towing, fines, and registration and license suspensions.
Tennessee is an at-fault insurance state, so the party liable for a crash is responsible for the damages. You must meet Tennessee motorcycle insurance requirements so accident victims can recoup their losses if you cause a crash.
Carrying mandatory and optional insurance protects motorcycle riders against paying out-of-pocket for damages and keeps them compliant with the law. Riding uninsured can lead to high fines and potentially suspension and revocation of your license.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to protect others in the event of an accident. Liability coverage helps pay for bodily injuries or fatalities if you are at fault in a collision. The minimum liability insurance requirements for drivers in Tennessee include:
- $25,000 for each injury or death per accident.
- $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
These minimum coverage amounts ensure you can cover basic costs in an accident where you are at fault.
Optional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage TN Riders Should Consider
If you are a motorcyclist in Tennessee, you can get higher coverage limits or additional types of insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, to protect against the unexpected costs of a car crash.
Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured (UIM) Motorist
Every auto liability insurance policy in Tennessee must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to protect against uninsured drivers. UM coverage helps you pay bills when the at-fault party in your accident doesn’t have insurance or if you are the victim of a hit and run. While you can opt out of UM coverage in writing, carrying it can provide significant financial assistance if you’re ever in an accident with an uninsured driver. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage pays when the at-fault driver’s liability coverage limit isn’t enough to fully address your damages.
In 2022, Tennessee had the fourth-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the United States at 21 percent. Sometimes, collecting compensation for your damages after a collision can be challenging if the at-fault driver lacks the funds to pay or flees the scene in a hit and run. UM/UIM coverage offers additional options for compensation, helping ensure you are protected if you’re injured by an uninsured driver or by an at-fault driver whose policy limits are not enough to cover your damages.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance coverage helps pay for damage to your motorcycle due to acts of nature, theft, vandalism, and hitting an animal. However, it does not cover accidents. If you lease or finance a motorcycle, your lender may require comprehensive coverage.
Collision
Collision coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle no matter who was at fault in your crash. It is particularly beneficial after solo accidents or if you are fully or partially responsible for a collision with another vehicle.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
MedPay helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. In at-fault insurance states like Tennessee, where personal injury protection isn’t required for motorcycle insurance policies, MedPay is another compensation option. It can also help pay for deductibles if you rely on your health insurance after an accident.
Roadside Assistance
Check with your insurer to see if roadside assistance coverage is available to you. In some cases, you may be able to get roadside assistance through your insurance for less than you would pay a separate company. After an accident, you can contact roadside assistance to tow your bike to your home or preferred mechanic.
Proof of Insurance Requirements
Motorcyclists in Tennessee must carry proof of insurance. Acceptable forms of proof include a physical insurance card or digital proof displayed on your phone or mobile device. Failing to show proof of insurance when asked by law enforcement can result in fines and may lead to the suspension of your license.
Penalties for Riding Without Insurance in Tennessee
In Tennessee, driving without insurance can mean paying hefty financial penalties for the violation. Driving without insurance is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $300 for the first offense, and police may tow your bike, forcing you to pay to get it out of impound. Additionally, driving without insurance can lead to an automatic suspension of your license and registration until you can provide proof of insurance.
If you are caught without insurance, you may have to ask your future insurer to file an SR-22 form with the state to verify that you have an active policy. Your insurance company may charge a filing fee, and your rates could increase due to your past failure to carry insurance coverage in Tennessee.
Contact Our Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today!
Even if you faithfully meet Tennessee motorcycle insurance requirements and follow the rules of the road, you can’t control what other drivers do. If you were in a motorcycle accident and the other driver was at fault, contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your compensation options.
At NST Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial effects of a motorcycle crash. Our award-winning legal team has over 30 years of experience helping accident victims and has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts, settlements, and judgments for our deserving clients.
We are proud of client testimonials praising our support, communication, legal skills, and ability to get results, and we are passionate about the communities we serve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us today at 800-529-4004 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.
