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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Tennessee

The average car insurance rate in Tennessee is $1,262 per year — 17% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Tennessee car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Tennessee based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Tennessee

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 890 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast Region.

2nd place medal
Tennessee Farm Bureau

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Tennessee Farm Bureau scored an 883 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Erie

Erie placed third with a score of 874 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.

Key takeaways
  • Tennessee drivers pay about 17% less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Tennessee is State Farm

The cheapest car insurance companies in Tennessee

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

State Farm logo
Cheapest for full coverage: State Farm

The cheapest rates for full coverage in Tennessee are from State Farm at $946 annually, or $79 per month.

Farmers logo
Cheapest for drivers with bad credit: Farmers

If you have bad credit, check out Farmers for the best average rates.

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for minimum coverage: Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates for minimum liability coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $946
USAA $1,126
Farmers $1,333
GEICO $1,392
Progressive $1,679
Allstate $2,226

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Tennessee auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Tennessee. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Tennessee, expect to pay an average of $373 annually. This premium is less expensive than the nationwide average by 31%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Tennessee, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

  • $25,000 in bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident

Optional coverage in Tennessee (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Medical Pay
  • Roadside assistance
  • Personal injury protection
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury
  • Uninsured motorist property damage
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Tennessee, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,093, 193% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay around $1,327.

The Zebra's guide to Tennessee car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Tennessee with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Tennessee.

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Tennessee car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Tennessee.

 

Cheap auto insurance in Tennessee for minimum coverage

Getting the bare minimum coverage required by the state of Tennessee is certainly one of the best ways to stay legal for the minimum price. Be warned, however, that minimum coverage rarely provides enough coverage to suitably protect you and your vehicle. For that reason, it's highly recommended that you take the minimum coverage rates listed below as a starting from which to consider expanding limits or adding coverage options.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $270
USAA $344
GEICO $354
Allstate $459
Progressive $538
Farmers $547

Cheap auto insurance in Tennessee with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Tennessee drivers with poor credit pay 162% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Farmers $1,986
GEICO $2,031
USAA $2,104
Progressive $2,762
Allstate $3,149
State Farm $6,055

Cheap auto insurance in Tennessee with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as 41% per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,149
USAA $1,614
Farmers $1,864
GEICO $2,202
Progressive $2,622
Allstate $3,036

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Tennessee

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Tennessee, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4.351 per year — 245% more than a typical Tennessee driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $3,347
USAA $3,657
GEICO $4,318
Farmers $5,776
Allstate $6,432
Progressive $8,305

Tennessee auto insurance rate by violation

In Tennessee, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 103% after a DUI and as much as 39% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in Tennessee after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,518 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,532 1% $14
One Med/PIP claim $1,537 1% $19
One comp claim $1,566 3% $48
Two Med/PIP claims $1,574 4% $57
Two comp claims $1,588 5% $70
Failure to show documents $1,699 12% $181
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,719 13% $201
Child safety restraint $1,730 14% $213
Driving without lights $1,730 14% $213
Driving with expired registration $1,812 19% $294
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,817 20% $299
Cell phone violation $1,819 20% $301
Speeding in school zone $1,821 20% $303
Driving too slowly $1,821 20% $303
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,829 21% $311
Texting while driving $1,836 21% $318
Failure to yield $1,840 21% $322
Following too closely $1,840 21% $322
Illegal turn $1,841 21% $323
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,849 22% $331
Improper passing $1,854 22% $336
Failure to stop at a red light $1,859 23% $342
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,873 23% $355
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,924 27% $406
Passing school bus $1,951 29% $433
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,986 31% $468
In 65 MPH zone $2,109 39% $591
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,118 40% $600
Open container $2,150 42% $633
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,259 49% $742
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,259 49% $742
Reckless driving $2,771 83% $1,254
Racing $2,825 86% $1,307
Driving with a suspended license $2,916 92% $1,399
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,030 100% $1,512
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,033 100% $1,515
DUI $3,082 103% $1,565

Tennessee DUI laws

In Tennessee, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,565. That’s 7% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Tennessee

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Tennessee, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Tennessee, State Farm, averages around 57% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Tennessee is Farmers, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices just above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,320
Farmers $1,789
Progressive $1,897
USAA $2,180
Allstate $2,677
GEICO $3,111

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Tennessee SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Tennessee to ensure that you remain insured.

Car insurance with an SR-22 in Tennessee is often expensive. This isn't a direct result of the SR-22 — filing fees usually total $15 to $35 — but thanks to the insurance rate increases caused by the violation that prompted the SR-22 requirement.

 

How to get an SR-22 in Tennessee

 

Currently insured?

If you currently have auto insurance, obtaining an SR-22 certificate is relatively simple. Contact your auto insurance company and request that the company file a SR-22 request for you. If your insurance company isn’t willing to request a certificate, you should shop around for a new insurance company.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for car insurance, you'll be billed extra to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification may disqualify you from buying insurance from some companies, while others may happily sell you a policy.

 

For non-vehicle owners

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

If you don't own your car, it's more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you'll need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a car, you should get a non-owners auto insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it won’t provide protection for material damages sustained by your automobile.

Find an affordable policy in Tennessee in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Walnut Hill, Tennessee, and the most expensive in Memphis, Tennessee.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Tennessee's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Chattanooga $1,478
Knoxville $1,486
Clarksville $1,498
Nashville $1,546
Memphis $1,954

Car insurance price trends in Tennessee

In Tennessee, average annual auto insurance costs increased by only $4 in the past year. A typical Tennessee driver pays an average of $1,262 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Tennessee leans toward cheaper car insurance costs. From 2018 to 2021, average annual rates in Tennessee dropped from $1,506 to $1,262. In spite of this significant drop, rates are likely to rise due to a number of economic factors. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

TENNESSEE CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Tennessee Yearly Change — Tennessee Avg. Annual Premium — USA Yearly Change — USA
2021 $1,262 $4 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,258 -$76 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,334 -$172 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,506 $190 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,316 $144 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,172 $76 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,096 $137 $1,280 $51
2014 $959 $55 $1,229 $34
2013 $904 $9 $1,195 -$80
2012 $895 -$62 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Tennessee car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Tennessee auto insurance.

Our data indicate State Farm ($473 per six-month policy) and Auto-Owners ($485) offer the cheapest premiums for drivers in Tennessee. Drivers should also consider USAA, Farmers, and GEICO.

A liability-only car insurance policy in Tennessee costs $31 per month. If you want a full coverage policy, your premiums could be $91 per month.

Drivers in Tennessee will pay $186 for a liability-only six-month policy. For drivers needing full coverage, rates average $546.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.