uninsured motorist coverage tennessee

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Tennessee: What Every Driver Needs to Know

July 24, 2025

Tennessee has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers nationwide, making uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee a crucial safeguard for responsible drivers. State law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage with every auto policy, matching your bodily injury and property damage limits. While it isn’t mandatory to carry, rejecting it requires a signed, written waiver. 

At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, we’ve guided countless accident victims in Nashville and beyond through complex situations where the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle without insurance. We’ve seen and understand how important uninsured motorist coverage becomes when the at-fault driver can’t pay.

Tennessee Laws on Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Under Tennessee law, insurance companies must offer coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) with every auto policy. Section 56-7-1201 of the Tennessee Code requires insurers to offer UM coverage equal to your liability limits, unless the policyholder declines it in writing.

In simple terms, if you’re hit by someone who has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, your UM/UIM policy steps in to fill the gap. But there’s a catch: many drivers aren’t even sure if they have this coverage, or how it works, until it’s too late.

Here’s what the law means for you:

  • UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. 
  • UIM coverage may apply when the other driver’s liability limits are lower than your own UM/UIM limits, and those limits do not fully cover your losses.
  • You can’t stack policies in Tennessee unless you carry multiple vehicles under one plan and your policy explicitly allows it.

Too often, people assume their insurance will automatically protect them in all scenarios, but when the at-fault driver disappears or hands you a policy worth less than your hospital bill, the difference between having UM/UIM and going without can mean financial stability—or months of uncertainty.

Common Challenges in Uninsured Motorist Claims

Filing a UM or UIM claim can quickly turn into a frustrating experience. Since you’re pursuing compensation from your insurer, the dynamic shifts. The company that once called you a valued customer may now treat you more like a legal opponent.

We often see:

  • Claim delays may occur while insurers investigate and assess liability and damages.
  • Low settlement offers that fall short of covering medical costs or lost wages.
  • Disputes over fault or coverage terms are also common in these cases.
  • Denials are rooted in vague policy language or strict interpretations.

One of the more complex realities of UM claims is that, despite being designed to protect you, they often put you at odds with your provider. 

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Tennessee?

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are optional protections that insurers are required to offer with every auto policy issued in the state. These coverages are designed to provide financial protection when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or lacks sufficient coverage to pay for the damage caused.

By statute, the limits for UM/UIM must match the liability limits for bodily injury and property damage unless the policyholder signs a written waiver requesting lower limits or declining the coverage altogether. Uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee is not mandated by law, but if declined, it must be done explicitly and in writing, as outlined in Tennessee Code § 56-7-1201.

UM/UIM coverage applies when another driver causes a crash and cannot be held financially accountable through their insurance. This includes:

  • Drivers who carry no liability insurance.
  • Drivers who flee the scene (hit-and-run).
  • Drivers whose liability limits are lower than the cost of damages caused.

The claims process typically involves working directly with your insurer, which may result in a separate claims evaluation similar to those made against third-party insurers. In these cases, the insurer may assess medical records, repair estimates, and police reports to determine liability and the extent of compensable losses.

Understanding the mechanics of uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee—including how it’s offered, structured, and triggered—can help drivers make informed decisions that align with their needs and policy options.

Injured After a Car Accident? Call Us for a Free Consultation

When you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough, it can feel like you’re stuck without options. But with the proper support, you’re not. At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless clients across the region recover after devastating accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Call our Nashville office today at 800-800-4600 or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on getting better.

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