I am from Chicago but I just moved here in Memphis, Tennessee . I was required to carry an SR22 car insurance back in Illinois. Do I still need to keep the SR22 here in Memphis?

Jerry

Memphis, Tennessee TN

An SR22 auto insurance is used differently in various US states.

Generally an SR22 auto insurance policy is an automobile liability insurance policy mandated to have your drivers license reinstated after it has been suspended or revoked due to certain major infractions such as DUI/DWI or driving without car insurance.

An SR-22 insurance is used differently for different situations, because it mandates the insurance provider to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles if the car insurance policy has been canceled, terminated, or lapse. Your drivers license may be suspended if you cancel or let your car insurance lapse and will need to sow proof of insurance before they can reinstate your license.

In most states you will be required to acquire liability insurance in the form of SR22 insurance. Usually you need to carry it for 3 years.

When you apply for a license in Memphis, Tennessee , most likely you will need to continue with your insurance policy. You can contact the Tennessee and Illinois Department of Motor Vehicle to check if you will still need to carry it in Tennessee.

I bet people from other states will be envious. Is it true that we do not need car insurance in Tennessee and we could do away without it?

Alvin

Chattanooga TN

While it is true that auto insurance is not required in Tennessee to get your vehicle registered or to get your license, it does not mean that liability insurance should be done away with.

For one, it is foolish to think that auto insurance is not necessary. Accidents happen and not having auto insurance will expose you to a potentially damaging financial liability.

Another thing is that if you get stopped by traffic enforcement authorities for a traffic infraction, they will ask you for proof of financial responsibility. If you do not have it, you will be hauled into court where you have to obtain the proof before your hearing. If you don’t get a proof of financial responsibility, you will not be able to register your vehicle. It is also considered a misdemeanor not to have proof of financial responsibility, which means you pay a $100 fine and possible suspension of your license.

So to save yourself the stress, the time and the effort, it is best to get adequate auto insurance in Tennessee.

Another reason for getting auto insurance in this state is that it does not really cost too much to get that added convenience and peace of mind. Tennessee belongs to the ten cheapest states in terms of average insurance premiums, with premiums averaging only $666 in 2004. And there are a variety of ways to further save on auto insurance here:

• Shop around for the best price that gives you the best insurance coverage and customer service. No two companies that provide auto insurance in Tennessee has the same price structure, so one is bound to be cheaper than the other.
• Opt to pay for a higher deductible.
• Drive less. This would mean relocating nearer to your place of work or school. If that is too inconvenient, consider car pooling or taking public transportation.
• Ask for discounts. Sometimes you can get 10% off your premiums simply by asking for it.

I have talked to a lot of auto insurance agents here in Tennessee, but I also want to compare auto insurance quotes online. What’s the difference between buying online and through an agent?

Dermott

Memphis, TN

That is the right way to go about looking for the best-priced auto insurance policy. By shopping around and comparing what the market has to offer, I’m sure that the best-priced quote will eventually come up. Dermott, when choosing a good auto insurance provider, don’t forget to also ask around from your friends who have experienced making claims from such providers. Ask them if making claims from their respective auto insurance providers there in Tennessee are quickly achieved, and if their provider’s staff were accommodating when they asked about making such claims. A thing to watch out about some auto insurance providers is that they give you the runaround first before finally leading you to someone who can help.

Auto insurance quotes online give cheaper rates because the websites are usually company-sponsored. Some websites course your queries to an agent, and others have a dedicated website that considers online sale a direct sale-those that give quotes minus the agent’s commission. The drawback in getting your insurance quotes online is that you cannot have your queries directly addressed. Sometimes, directly speaking with an agent might actually work better for you. With a live representative, you can ask for recommendations as to what products will better suit your needs. Unlike an online quote, you can only choose from what’s on the website. Buying auto insurance either through an agent or online will both have pros and cons. It’s up for you to decide which one would ultimately cut it better.