Tennessee matches the SR-22 to your suspension period
Most states pick a fixed number of years. Tennessee does not. The Department of Safety reinstatement page says the insurance must be maintained for the length of the suspension or revocation period. Its own example: a one-year revocation is a one-year SR-22 requirement.
You can carry that SR-22 while driving on a restricted license, or start it when you are reinstated. Either way, the clock is the one on your suspension order.
DUI, judgments and two reckless tickets in a year
The state's Safety Support answer on SR-22 names the violations that bring the requirement. A DUI is one. An accident claim or an unsatisfied judgement is another. Two reckless driving violations in a 12-month period also qualify.
The same page treats a bond as the other way to meet the requirement. Our SR-22 bond guide explains how a bond differs from a policy.
Filed electronically, reviewed within 5 business days
Paper copies from you do not satisfy the rule. The policy must be filed electronically by the insurance company. That company must be licensed through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to write motor vehicle liability coverage here. The insurance company determines the cost, the department adds.
After submission, allow up to 5 business days for review. Once compliance is verified, the suspension is released within 2 days. If you owe money to the state, the reinstatement page mentions a payment plan, often 25% of the current obligation.
Ending the policy early sends you back to the start
A canceled or terminated SR-22 policy or bond, before the requirement ends, can suspend your license again. The Safety Support page calls this a suspension for Failure to Maintain Future Proof of Financial Responsibility. To recover, you refile and keep the SR-22, pay the reinstatement fees and reapply for your license.
Tennessee's minimum liability, in dollars
Regular passenger and motorcycle plates need a policy with $25,000 for each injury or death per accident. The policy also needs $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Those limits come from the Department of Revenue's Drive Insured page. A vehicle with a commercial plate needs a commercial auto policy instead.
Revenue also notes that since 2017, uninsured drivers pay fines and risk losing their vehicle registration.