Tennessee: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Tennessee on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Tennessee compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	1 year
Property damage	3 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 50% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	30 days
Accept or deny	60 days after completed proof of loss
Pay	Undisputed amount within 30 days after affirming liability

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$25,000 (General Sessions Court)
Filing fee	Varies by county
Lawyers	Not required for individuals

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	75% of actual cash value

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	Mixed
Details	Liable in public places or where the injured person was lawfully present

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 50% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $50 damage
Deadline	Immediately; 20 days if over $400

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Universal
Who must wear one	All riders (universal law)

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	21.3%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)