Tennessee Code Annotated

Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-111 (2026)

Self-insurers

✓ current as of May 2026

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(a) Any person in whose name more than twenty-five (25) vehicles are registered may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance from the commissioner as provided in subsection (c).

(b) Any recognized religious sect or division having established tenets or teachings and that has been in existence at all times since December 31, 1950, may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance from the commissioner as provided in subsection (c) if the department determines that all of the following conditions are met:
- (1) Members of the religious sect or division operate more than twenty-five (25) motor vehicles that are registered in this state and are either owned or leased by them;
- (2) The members hold a common belief in mutual financial assistance in time of need to the extent that they share in financial obligations of other members who would otherwise be unable to meet their obligations;
- (3) The religious sect or division is financially solvent and not subject to any actions in bankruptcy, trusteeship, receivership or any other court proceeding in which the sect or division's financial solvency is in question;
- (4) Neither the religious sect or division nor any of its participating members has any judgments arising out of the operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle taken against them that have remained unsatisfied for more than thirty (30) days after becoming final; and
- (5) There are no other factors that cause the department to believe that the religious sect or division and its members are not of sufficient financial ability to pay judgments taken against them.

(c) The commissioner has the discretion, upon the application of the person or religious sect or division, to issue a certificate of self-insurance when satisfied that the person or religious sect or division is possessed and will continue to be possessed of an ability to pay any judgments that might be rendered against the person or religious sect or division.

(d) The commissioner may, at any time after the issuance of a certificate of self-insurance, cancel the certificate by giving thirty (30) days' written notice of cancellation should there be reason to believe that the person or religious sect or division to whom this certificate was issued is no longer qualified as a self-insurer under this section.

Acts 1977, ch. 446, § 11; T.C.A., § 59-1261; Acts 2002, ch. 549, § 1.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 1987–2020 · leading case: Edward Martin v. Gregory Powers, 505 S.W.3d 512 (Tenn. 2016).

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Edward Martin v. Gregory Powers, 505 S.W.3d 512 (Tenn. 2016). · cites it 40× “Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-111 (emphasis added).”

Norton v. Tennessee Dep't of Saf. (In Re Norton), 76 B.R. 624 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1987). “d with respect to his driving a vehicle not owned by him; (3) An operator or owner whose liability for damages resulting from the accident is, in the judgment of the commissioner, covered by another form of liability insurance policy or bond; (4) Any owner qualifying as a…”

Kevin E. Evans v. Ricki K. Croxdale (Tenn. Ct. App. 2020). · cites it 4× “Instead, guidance for those who qualify for self-insurance is found in Section 55-12-111, which provides, in pertinent part, as follows: (a) Any person in whose name more than twenty-five (25) vehicles are registered may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of…”

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