Can I Drive Without Insurance in Tennessee?

You may assume that a car you leave parked in your private driveway for prolonged periods may go without auto insurance coverage. However, state law rules that every car that is registered under your name must also be covered by a basic or standard auto insurance policy under your name. There are little to no exceptions to this rule, and any violations may result in serious consequences. Continue reading to learn whether you can legally drive without insurance and how one of the experienced Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers at Fendley and Etson can help you honestly avoid any criminal punishments.

Is it legally acceptable to drive without insurance in the state of Tennessee?

You must understand that driving without auto insurance is illegal in almost every state, including the state of Tennessee. This means that you must have your car insured from the moment you drive it off a dealership’s lot.

What’s more, the type and amount of auto insurance you carry matters. That is, Tennessee law holds that your basic or standard auto insurance policy must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Your basic or standard auto insurance policy must carry at least $25,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per person.
• Your basic or standard auto insurance policy must carry at least $50,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
• Your basic or standard auto insurance policy must carry at least $15,000 worth of property damage liability coverage overall.

What happens if I am caught driving without insurance?

Say, for instance, that you get involved in an auto accident that was prompted by your reckless driving. Or, say that you get pulled over on account of your reckless driving. In either case, a law enforcement officer may ask for proof of your auto insurance policy.

If you carry auto insurance but are unable to produce proof of it, then you may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. But if you do not carry auto insurance at all, then you may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Without further ado, the primary criminal consequences that you may be subjected to are as follows:

• Failing to provide proof of auto insurance:
  • A coverage failure fee of $25.
  • A license and registration restoration fee of $65.
  • A driver’s license suspension, until 45 days after proof of auto insurance is provided.
• Driving without auto insurance:
  • A fine of $300.
  • A license and registration restoration fee of $65.
  • A driver’s license suspension, until auto insurance is purchased and a driver’s license examination is retaken.

When dealing with an urgent matter like this one, you must drop everything and call one of the skilled Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers. Our team at Fendley and Etson can help you pick up the pieces.