The state of Tennessee requires all drivers to own liability insurance, this is the only coverage that should be considered mandatory for this state, however it is recommended that drivers have comprehensive and collision insurance, as well as under and uninsured motorist coverage.
The more coverage you get, the best your assets will be secure and you'll be safer in case of an accident.

Minimum liability insurance coverage required by Tennessee consists of:

• $25,000 per person to pay for bodily injury or death,
• $50,000 per accident (multiple passengers) to pay for bodily injury or death, and
• $15,000 to pay for property damage.

Proof of auto insurance and/or financial responsibility can be requested by any law enforcement officer when pulled over or if you are involved in an accident. To fulfill this requirement you can show your insurance ID card, issued by your insurer, certificate from the Department of Safety saying that you complied with a cash deposit or bond.

If you fail to demonstrate the ownership of the right financial responsibility document (car insurance or bond and deposits) you can have your driver license suspended, pay a fine or get a mark in your vehicle file that will disable you from renewing the vehicle's registration until you pay the fine.

As previously mentioned, most insurance carriers offer additional types of coverage to compliment your required liability policy. These coverages are mostly intended to protect your property and yourself, against any financial complications an accident may put you through.

Comprehensive coverage takes care of expenses caused to your vehicle by events not related to a car to car collision, such as bad weather (floods, high winds, wild fires, etc.) accidents with wildlife, theft and vandalism. It is highly recommended to own comprehensive coverage when you live in states in which weather has proven to affect and harm other people property.

Second on the complementary list is Collision coverage. This type of coverage will provide financial aid to pay for any reparations your vehicle may need, after suffering a collision. It won't matter the intensity of the damage caused to your car, collision coverage pays for fixing any physical damage caused to it.

Both, comprehensive and collision coverage will only pay for your vehicle's restoration. Neither will cover medical or legal expenses derived from the accident.

Underinsured and Uninsured motorist provides coverage for when the driver responsible for the accident has not enough liability insurance coverage or completely lacks of it. These coverages will protect you and your passengers, providing for your expenses quickly and will not leave you unattended. The insurance company will be later enabled to pursuit reimbursement from the person responsible for the accident. Uninsured motorist is also used to pay for your injuries or damage when the accident is a hit and run.

Some may consider the purchase of additional coverages as unnecessary or a waste of money, think of it as an investment. As long as you own a vehicle, you are susceptible to an accident. It is better to be safe than sorry.