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Compare car insurance in Tennessee
Get the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee for 2022
Tennessee drivers pay an average of $995.91 per year for car insurance according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), that’s about $82.99 per month. Tennessee drivers pay about 16% less than the countrywide national average of $1,189.64.
The NAIC takes into account all car insurance policies within the state such as drivers who select only state minimum coverage, as well as policies that include various levels of comprehensive and collision coverage. Because car insurance rates are influenced by personal factors, you could find yourself paying significantly less.
Tennessee car insurance quick facts
Minimum liability requirements
25/50/15
Average annual car insurance cost according to the NAIC
$995.91
At-fault state
In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
Tennessee state minimum car insurance requirements
Drivers in Tennessee are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to legally drive. You may see it written as 25/50/15, but we’ll break down what that means.
Tennessee bodily injury liability
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
Tennessee requires $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 of bodily injury per accident to legally drive. That’s right in line with what most states across the US require for this coverage.
This means $25,000 is the most your insurer will pay for a single person injured by you in an at-fault accident. And $50,000 is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if there is more than one person injured by you in an at-fault accident. Any costs outside of your bodily injury limit are required to come out of your pocket.
Tennessee property damage liability
- $15,000 property damage liability
Tennessee requires drivers to carry $15,000 of property damage liability to legally drive. This required limit is middle of the road compared to what other states require for property damage liability.
This means $15,000 is the maximum amount your car insurance company will pay towards damages you cause to another person’s car or property, such as repairs to a car, fence or building. You’ll have to pay out of pocket for any costs beyond your property damage liability limit.
Finder tip: Tennessee state minimum coverage isn’t enough
These state-mandated requirements are the lowest amount of coverage you need to legally drive in Tennessee, but may fall short if you’re in a major accident. To avoid high out-of-pocket costs after an accident, consider raising your liability limits by balancing coverage, your budget and what you can afford to pay out of pocket for certain damage.
In Tennessee, the driver at fault pays for damage
Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver who caused the accident pays for the damage. Your insurance company and legal authorities will figure out who’s at fault, based on the specific circumstances.
However, Tennessee also factors in whether both drivers are partially at fault under a law called modified comparative negligence, according to the legal website Nolo. Under this law, both drivers will be assigned a percentage of fault. Drivers with less than 50% of fault can get reimbursed for their damages.
For example, if you’re 80% responsible for an accident, your insurance will pay 80% of the other driver’s damages. However, since you’re more than 50% at fault, the other driver isn’t required to pay for your damages.
Cheapest rates by age in Tennessee
If you want to pay sub-$200 per month as a young driver, you’ll want quotes from Allstate and USAA. However, Progressive may offer the lowest price for other ages.
| Age | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-24 | $160.66 | $216.66 | $202.04 | $158.96 |
| 25-34 | $138.32 | $131.73 | $129.81 | $140.96 |
| 35-44 | $132.78 | $114.11 | $123.56 | $127.14 |
| 45-54 | $116.31 | $107.21 | $119.14 | – |
| 55-64 | $130.44 | $83.38 | $108.81 | – |
Cheapest rates by gender in Tennessee
You can pay widely different prices with different companies based on your gender. In this sample, men may want to go with Allstate, while women should get a quote from Progressive.
| Company | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | $124.64 | $134.85 | $136.42 | $152.15 |
| Women | $138.28 | $117.46 | $140.28 | $132.55 |
Sample rates in Tennessee from major car insurance companies
We found Progressive to offer the best value in Tennessee, costing as much as $17 per month less than competitors. We base this information on sample quotes from Savvy.
| Company | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | $131.46 | $125.37 | $138.35 | $142.35 |
7 factors that affect Tennessee car insurance rates
Factors are characteristics specific to you that car insurance companies use to set how much you’ll pay for car insurance. The less risky each of your factors is the less you pay, the riskier you are the more you’ll pay. We’ll break down Tennessean’s rating factors to keep in mind.
| Factor | How it affects your rates |
|---|---|
 Age | How old you are is a top factor in determining your car insurance rates. With each passing year, you earn more experience on the road. More experience can equal cheaper rates. Teen drivers pay the most, but rates begin to level off around your 20’s with drivers over 50 paying the least. |
 Gender | Tennessee takes gender into account when determining your rates. Our analysis of Quadrant data found that men under 18 pay 17% more for car insurance compared to women of the same age. But, between 31 and 45, women see rates 5% higher than men. After 45, rates differ between men and women by only 1%, with women on the higher end. |
 Location | Where you live affects your rates, including where you park your car. High theft rates, high traffic and a high number of uninsured drivers could mean higher rates. Tennessee vehicle theft rates stand at 306.4 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the FBI’s most recent report on vehicle theft rates. That’s well above the national average of 246 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. As for uninsured drivers, 23.7% of Tennesseans on the road are uninsured. That’s the third-highest percentage of uninsured drivers in a state according to Insurance Information Institute, with the national average standing at 12.6%. |
 Vehicle and mileage | Your car’s make, model and trim directly affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Things like its cost, safety ratings, the likelihood of theft and sportiness all help insurers determine its cost to insure. Safer and cheaper vehicles score the lowest rates, with luxury vehicles with higher repair costs resulting in higher premiums. And, the more you’re on the road, the more at-risk you are to get in an accident, which means higher premiums. However, according to the Bureau of Transportation, Tennesseans drive an average of 42.8 miles per day, that’s well above the average across the US of 36.1 miles per day. |
 Credit score | Your credit score is included in your credit-based insurance score which insurers use to help calculate rates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is a strong correlation between your insurance score and claims filings. A good credit-based insurance score could mean lower rates. Tennessee drivers have protections under state laws that regulate the use of your credit history when issuing car insurance policies. Credit score can’t be the only factor used to determine your rates or rate increases at renewal. |
 Coverage | The more coverage you get and the higher limits you choose, the more protection you’ll have and the more you’ll pay in monthly premiums. And, if you opt for full coverage car insurance that includes comprehensive and collision, the amount of your deductible weighs into your costs too, higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums. |
 Driving Record | The better your driving record, the lower your premium. If you’re in an at-fault accident you could see rates increases from 20% to 50%. And DUI’s in Tennessee can increase your rate by around 19%. These types of violations typically stay on your record for about three years. |
How does SR-22 insurance work in Tennessee?
In Tennesee, you may be required to file an SR-22 for a minimum of five years, and have no incidents in the first three years for the chance to cancel it earlier. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, or you have multiple accidents or speeding tickets on your record, you may be required to carry it. Tennessee’s DMV will contact you if you’re required to complete an SR-22 form. Learn more about the SR-22 insurance process in Tennesee.
Coverage we recommend for Tennessee drivers
The purpose of your car insurance is to help you recover financially after a car accident. While your state requires a minimum level of coverage, in most cases it won’t be enough to keep you from out-of-pocket costs. Consider increasing your required coverage and adding optional types of coverage that may be worth the extra cost for you, including:
Higher liability limits
Tennessee requires 25/50/15 for liability coverage, that’s a standard requirement across many states. However, it’s a low amount of protection if you end up paying someone else’s medical bills and property damage. You need higher protection in most cases, especially if another driver takes you to court. Talk with your insurance agent to weigh how much out-of-pocket costs your budget can afford after an accident. You’ll want to set liability limits that balance your monthly budget and offer the coverage you need to protect your assets.
Collision
For accidents where you’re at fault, your collision coverage pays for your own car’s damage — if you buy this optional coverage. Otherwise, repairs to your own vehicle could cost you out of pocket.
Remember that your required liability coverage doesn’t pay for your car damage. Instead, it pays for damage to someone else’s property.
Consider collision coverage if . . .
- Your car loan requires it.
- It costs less than your car’s value.
- You can’t pay for car repairs or another car out of pocket.
- You drive your car regularly, such as for commuting.
Comprehensive
Because Tennessee sees vehicle theft rates well above the average across the US, consider adding comprehensive coverage to your policy. You’re covered for the outright theft of your vehicle, plus any damages that might occur during a break-in.
Plus, Tennesee is vulnerable to heavy rainfall, melting snow during the warmer months, thunderstorms and the occasional damaging winds and hail. This coverage can kick in to cover damages from any harsh weather, falling tree branches or animals.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- It’s required for your car loan.
- You can’t repair or replace your car out of pocket.
- Your area has a high risk of theft or serious storms.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist
This coverage isn’t required in Tennessee, but as a state with the 3rd highest percentage of uninsured drivers on the road, you may consider opting in. If you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have proper coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage pays for your medical expenses, car repairs or other property damage.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- You can’t pay for car repairs or another car on your own.
- You don’t have health insurance.
- Your health insurance has high out-of-pocket costs.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance could be a huge perk for Tennessee drivers that spend a lot of time on the road. Tennesseans drive well above the average miles driver per day across the US. Adding on roadside assistance gives you a dedicated customer service number to call if your car breaks down, with features like tire changes, towing or fuel delivery.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- You rely on your car to get around.
- You own an older or less reliable vehicle.
- You don’t have roadside assistance through your car warranty.
- You’d rather not research service providers on your own after a breakdown.
Top 10 auto insurance companies in USA that serve Tennessee
We’ve pulled the top 10 companies by market share that offer coverage in Tennessee according to S&P Global. Compare top companies by three major rating agencies along with our overall score.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating measures how a business interacts with its customers, with the highest rating being A++.
- J.D. Power determines customers’ overall satisfaction with their car insurer’s price, billing, claims and customer support. The higher the J.D. Power score out of 1,000, the better.
- NAIC complaint index shows how a company’s number of complaints compares to similar companies of its size. Scores lower than 1.00 show the company receives less than the average number of complaints, and scores above 1.00 show more complaints than average.
- Finder’s score shows you an overall look at the company by taking into account scores from each of these agencies as well as the coverage and discounts each company offers.
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 3/5 |
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 |
Compare car insurance providers in Tennessee
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.
- Average Premiums and Expenditures, NAIC, 2018
- Automobile Financial Responsibility Limits By State, III, October 2021
- Tennessee Car Accident Laws, Nolo
- Motor vehicle theft rate in the United States in 2020, by state, Statista, 08 October 2021
- Top 10 Highest And Lowest States By Estimated Percentage Of Uninsured Motorists, 2019, III
- State Transportation by the Numbers, BTS
- Largest private auto insurers posted combined ratios under 100% in 2020, Spglobal, May 4 2021
Frequently asked questions about Tennessee car insurance
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