Tennessee
Car insurance quick facts
25/50/15
Minimum liability requirements
$1,300
Average annual car insurance cost
90
Days to update your license
At-fault state
In at fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
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Compare car insurance in Tennessee
Get the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee for 2020
Updated
Tennessee is a fun state to drive through with its rolling landscapes, lush farmland, low mountain passes and bustling cities like Memphis and Nashville. But if you want to get behind the wheel in this state, you need to understand the rules and regulations of driving on Tennessee roads. Compare minimum coverage requirements and driving laws in Tennessee and find the best cheap car insurance for you.
Our top pick: Progressive
Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.
- Broad coverage, including for custom car parts or ridesharing
- Transparent pricing tools that help you buy within budget
- Accident forgiveness on small claims or for staying claim-free
- Stack a variety of discounts for multiple cars, autopay or homeownership
Compare Tennessee car insurance providers
Most popular Tennessee auto insurance companies list
| Company | Direct premiums written (billions) | Market share |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $943,143 | 21.8% |
| Tennessee Farmers Mutual | $710,174 | 16.40% |
| Geico | $402,823 | 9.30% |
| Progressive | $372,374 | 8.60% |
| Allstate | $266,411 | 6.20% |
| USAA | $236,693 | 5.50% |
| Liberty Mutual | $220,833 | 5.10% |
| Nationwide | $142,316 | 3.30% |
| Erie | $127,053 | 2.90% |
| National General | $95,684 | 2.20% |
What's in this guide?
Average car insurance costs in Tennessee
When it comes to how much you’ll pay for car insurance, Tennessee was a bit less than the national average of $1,300 in 2017, with most drivers paying under $1,200 annually for coverage.
The most expensive areas to insure a car are typically the state’s big cities of Nashville and Memphis due to the additional risk for car accidents, vandalism and theft. In smaller towns and rural areas of the state like the Tri-Cities area, you’re likely to find lower insurance rates because of a decreased risk of damage.
While you can expect to pay something in the ballpark of that $1,200 average, you could also end up paying significantly less if you qualify for discounts and follow our tips for lowering your payments.
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee?
Of Tennessee’s largest cities, Hendersonville has the cheapest rates and Nashville has the most expensive car insurance rates. Nashville drivers could face rates 3 times more than Hendersonville drivers.
Car insurance quotes in Antioch
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2079 |
| SafeAuto | $1881 |
| Geico | $3968 |
| StateFarm | $1397 |
| USAA | $2037 |
Car insurance quotes in Nashville
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2048 |
| SafeAuto | $2001 |
| Geico | $3968 |
| StateFarm | $1224 |
| USAA | $1930 |
Car insurance quotes in Clarksville
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2091 |
| SafeAuto | $1809 |
| Geico | $3308 |
| StateFarm | $1361 |
| USAA | $2020 |
Car insurance quotes in Hendersonville
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2017 |
| SafeAuto | $1717 |
| Geico | $3177 |
| StateFarm | $1305 |
| USAA | $2033 |
Car insurance quotes in Brentwood
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2021 |
| SafeAuto | $1737 |
| Geico | $3663 |
| StateFarm | $1398 |
| USAA | $1967 |
Tennessee minimum requirements for car insurance
To legally drive in Tennessee, you’ll need liability insurance that includes at least:
- $25,000 for each injury or death per accident
- $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
Can I get SR-22 insurance in Tennessee?
Yes, you can file an SR-22 in Tennessee. An SR-22 is a form your insurance provider files with the state that proves you have the minimum insurance needed to get behind the wheel. In Tennessee, you’re usually required to file this form if you’re convicted of a DUI, have an illegal lapse in insurance coverage or accumulate too many violation points on your driving record. It mandates a specific level of insurance coverage, typically for a period of three years.
Case study: Roslyn’s experience
Roslyn McKenna
Car Insurance Publisher
When I moved from South Carolina to Tennessee, I didn’t have a lot of changes to make to my car insurance. The state minimum requirements are almost the same, except Tennessee doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage. Car insurance rates are also very similar in both states.
The biggest differences were the terrain and traffic. I needed to keep my collision coverage since I’d moved to a city with more traffic and was doing more driving through the mountains.
However, I wish I hadn’t kept my comprehensive coverage, because I found that in practice, the deductible is usually higher than the actual repairs on a comprehensive claim, like getting a chipped windshield or a bent wheel rim. Between the deer on rural roads and potholes along I-40, there are a lot of road hazards to contend with in Tennessee, but comprehensive probably won’t be worth it if you have a high deductible or tend to pay for minor damage out of pocket.
Bottom line
To drive in Tennessee, you’ll need to either purchase a conventional car insurance policy or prove your financial responsibility with a large cash deposit to the state. Make sure you understand the terms and limitations of your policy before you get behind the wheel to explore everything this incredible state has to offer.
To learn more about types of coverage, getting better rates and nationwide rules and regulations, read our comprehensive guide to car insurance.
