Tennessee Vehicle Insurance Verification through the Department of Revenue

Having auto insurance is required by law in Tennessee. All drivers must be prepared to provide proof of insurance when registering vehicles or if requested by law enforcement.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Vehicle Services Division oversees insurance verification for registered vehicles across the state. This article explains Tennessee’s auto insurance requirements, how insurance verification works, and what services the Department of Revenue offers.

Overview of Tennessee Auto Insurance Laws

Under Tennessee law, all motor vehicle owners must maintain insurance that meets minimum liability limits. Here are the state’s auto insurance requirements:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident minimum. Covers injuries to others.

• Property Damage Liability: $15,000 minimum. Covers damage to others’ property.

• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident minimum. Protects you from uninsured drivers.

Higher liability limits are recommended for better protection. Drivers must be able to provide current proof of insurance when:

• Registering a vehicle
• Renewing registration
• If stopped by law enforcement

Not having auto insurance can lead to fines, suspension of driving privileges, and impoundment of the vehicle.

Tennessee Department of Revenue Insurance Verification

The Department of Revenue Vehicle Services Division is tasked with verifying insurance for all registered vehicles in Tennessee. Here is how they confirm drivers have active policies:

• Random Checks – The department runs regular random checks by requesting proof of insurance from random vehicle owners.

• Registration/Renewal – Insurance verification is required when initially registering a car or renewing registration.

• Lapses – The department is notified when insurance lapses due to non-payment, policy cancellation, etc.

• New Policies – When policies are newly written, insurance companies report details to the department.

• Accidents – Law enforcement reports uninsured drivers involved in accidents to the department.

If insurance cannot be verified, the Vehicle Services Division will send the vehicle owner a notice explaining how to provide proof of active insurance. Failure to respond can lead to fines, suspension of registration, and other penalties.

Providing Proof of Insurance to the Department of Revenue

When notified by the Department of Revenue, drivers must promptly confirm they have active insurance coverage. Here are ways to provide proof of insurance:

• Online Verification – The easiest way is to use the Electronic Insurance Verification System. You will need your driver’s license, plate number, and insurance info.

• Fax or Email – Insurance cards or policy documents can be faxed or emailed to the number/address listed on the notice.

• Mail – Policy paperwork can be mailed to the Tennessee Department of Revenue address specified.

• In Person – Insurance documents can be brought to local county clerk offices that can electronically verify coverage.

Once valid proof of insurance is provided, the verification process is complete. The department will update your status to reflect active insurance coverage.

Maintaining Continuous Auto Insurance Coverage

It’s important to maintain insurance with no lapses to stay in compliance with Tennessee laws. Here are some tips:

• Carefully review renewal notices and pay premiums on time.

• If switching insurers, secure new coverage before old policy ends.

• Inform agents/insurers of any vehicle or address changes.

• Keep insurance documents in vehicles as proof of coverage.

• Respond immediately to any Department of Revenue requests for insurance verification.

• Sign up for alerts/notices from your insurer and the department.

Continuous auto insurance coverage ensures you avoid fines, registration suspension, and other penalties.

Using MyTN for Tennessee Insurance Verification Services

The Tennessee Department of Revenue offers an easy online option for vehicle insurance verification through their MyTN website and mobile app.

MyTN allows Tennessee drivers to:

• Renew registration – Renew vehicle registrations online without visiting the county clerk.

• Verify insurance – Use the Electronic Insurance Verification System right through MyTN.

By using MyTN for registration and insurance verification needs, Tennessee drivers can save significant time and effort.

What to Do If Insurance Has Lapsed

If you receive a notice from the Department of Revenue about lapsing insurance coverage, take prompt action:

• Reinstate your policy if possible or obtain new insurance right away. Provide updated proof of coverage.

• If uninsured currently, you will have to pay the $25 fee for letting insurance lapse plus provide proof of new coverage.

• Uninsured drivers may have registration suspended and number plates confiscated until requirements are met.

• You may have to file a Certificate of Compliance (SR-22) and pay a reinstatement fee to restore your registration.

Don’t delay – address any insurance lapse notices from the Department of Revenue immediately to avoid further issues.

Contacting the Tennessee Department of Revenue

If you have any questions about Tennessee’s vehicle insurance requirements or the insurance verification process, contact the Department of Revenue:

Phone: (615) 741-3101
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Tennessee Department of Revenue
500 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37242

You can also find more information on the Department of Revenue’s website.

Stay up to date on your auto insurance and respond promptly to any notices from the Tennessee Department of Revenue. This will keep you in compliance with state laws and avoid problems with vehicle registration, fines, and driving privileges.