If you own an older car you care about, the number that matters most after a total loss is the value your insurer will pay on. Tennessee has a specific rule for antique automobiles in Tennessee Code § 56-7-1111.
The statute says that if an appraisal of the antique automobile is made at the request of the insurer, then, in the absence of fraud, the appraised value is binding on the insurer when two things are true: the insurer charges and accepts a premium based on the appraised value, and it issues a policy or endorsement that covers the property in the amount of the appraised value.
| Topic | What Tennessee law says |
|---|---|
| Who asks for the appraisal | The insurer requests it (§ 56-7-1111) |
| When the value binds the insurer | Absent fraud, when the premium is based on the appraised value and the policy or endorsement covers that amount |
| Which policies | Antique automobile policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed after July 1, 1990 |
| Antique registration: age and condition | Over 25 years old with a nonmodified engine and body (§ 55-4-111) |
| Antique registration: allowed use | Club activities, exhibits, tours, parades; selling, testing, or repairs; general transportation on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays |
| Antique registration: renewals | Valid while title stays with the applicant; not subject to annual registration |
| Weekday general use | Forfeits the antique registration and bars it for five years |
Sources: Tennessee Code §§ 56-7-1111 and 55-4-111.
Why the appraisal request matters
The statute ties the binding value to three facts that you can check on paper: the insurer asked for the appraisal, the premium was based on the appraised amount, and the policy or an endorsement shows coverage in that amount. If your declarations page lists a different number, or the appraisal was your own idea and the insurer never used it to set the premium, ask how a loss would be valued. Start with the declarations page: TDCI glossary: what your insurance declarations page shows.
Many collector policies use an endorsement to set the vehicle value. Here is how endorsements change a policy: TDCI glossary: an endorsement can expand or limit policy benefits.
Standard auto policies often settle physical damage claims differently. Background on that: TDCI explains Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost for Tennessee homeowners.
Antique plates and how you drive the car
Insurance and registration are separate, but they overlap on how the car is used. Under § 55-4-111, an antique motor vehicle for registration purposes is over 25 years old with a nonmodified engine and body. It may be used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar collector uses; on the highways to sell it, test it, or get repairs or maintenance; and for general transportation on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.
Using it for general transportation on other days carries a price. The statute says the owner forfeits the antique registration, owes the regular registration fee, and is barred from antique registration for five years. If your policy also limits how the car can be driven, compare the two before you start using it as a daily driver.
Questions to ask about an antique or collector car policy
- Did the insurer request an appraisal, and is the premium based on that appraised value?
- Does the policy or an endorsement list the vehicle at the appraised amount?
- What usage limits does the policy set, and do they match how you drive the car?
- Is collision included, and what deductible applies? TDCI’s glossary separates collision coverage from comprehensive coverage.
- What happens to title after a total loss? In Tennessee, a wrecked car gets a salvage title when repairs would cost more than 75% of its retail value.
- Do your liability limits meet or exceed Tennessee minimums? Tennessee’s auto liability minimum is 25/50/25 — here is what TDCI’s Auto Insurance 101 page says.
This article is informational only. It summarizes Tennessee Code §§ 56-7-1111 and 55-4-111 and does not promise coverage, a claim amount, or eligibility. Your policy, endorsements, and registration control.
Related reading from All Seasons
- TDCI glossary: what your insurance declarations page shows.
- TDCI glossary: an endorsement can expand or limit policy benefits.
- TDCI’s glossary separates collision coverage from comprehensive coverage.
- TDCI explains Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost for Tennessee homeowners.
- In Tennessee, a wrecked car gets a salvage title when repairs would cost more than 75% of its retail value.
- TDCI glossary defines diminished value after a vehicle accident.
- Tennessee’s auto liability minimum is 25/50/25 — here is what TDCI’s Auto Insurance 101 page says.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
Is an antique car appraisal binding on my Tennessee insurer?
Under Tenn. Code 56-7-1111, an appraisal made at the insurer's request binds the insurer, absent fraud, if the premium and coverage are based on the appraised value.
What two conditions make the appraised value binding?
The insurer charges and accepts a premium based on the appraised value, and it issues a policy or endorsement covering the car in that amount.
Which antique car policies does the rule cover?
Policies insuring antique automobiles delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in Tennessee after July 1, 1990.
What counts as an antique motor vehicle for Tennessee registration?
A motor vehicle over 25 years old with a nonmodified engine and body, used for collector purposes such as club activities, exhibits, tours, and parades.
Can I drive an antique-registered car every day?
General transportation is allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Other uses include selling, testing, and getting repairs or maintenance.
What happens if I use antique plates for weekday driving?
The statute says the owner forfeits the antique registration, owes the regular fee, and is barred from antique registration for five years.
Do I need to renew antique registration every year?
No. The registration stays valid while title remains with the applicant and is not subject to annual registration.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
