Tennessee UM/UIM Anti-Stacking & Multiple Insurance Policies

Multiple Tennessee UM policies do not automatically add together

Section 56-7-1201 contains priority and anti-stacking rules that can prevent a claimant from simply adding limits across multiple UM policies. Identify each policy and the claimant’s insured status before applying the statutory ceiling.

The statutory ceiling focuses on the highest applicable limit

Hinds v. Oliver recently applied the statute to hold that total recovery from multiple UM policies could not exceed the highest applicable UM limit in the circumstances before the court.

Priority and insured status still come first

The anti-stacking rule does not eliminate the need to determine which policy applies first, which person qualifies as an insured, what offsets are permitted and whether a policy provides broader contractual rights consistent with Tennessee law.

Model the recovery before settlement

Create a policy-by-policy recovery worksheet showing liability proceeds, UM limits, priority, offsets and procedural requirements. Use that model before executing any release or agreeing that one carrier has exhausted the available first-party protection.

PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION

VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.