Drivers typically see an increase in car insurance rates starting at age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that older drivers have higher fatal crash rates than those aged 35 to 54.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in Tennessee and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- A 65-year-old driver in Tennessee pays an average of $1,548 annually for full coverage car insurance.
- In Tennessee, a 70-year-old driver’s car insurance rates are 6% more for full coverage than for a 65-year-old driver.
- Compared to a 65-year-old driver, a 75-year-old driver in Tennessee pays 15% more a full-coverage car insurance.
- To get the best car insurance rates in Tennessee, shop for quotes every six months or when your policy is up for renewal.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Tennessee
Here are the most affordable full coverage car insurance rates in Tennessee for drivers of different ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $102 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $97 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $102 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $109 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Tennessee
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in Tennessee from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Tennessee?
Insurance rates for older drivers tend to increase due to several factors. Statistics suggest that seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers, excluding teen drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Despite decades of driving experience, older drivers face age-related problems like hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, side effects from medication and other health concerns that make driving more challenging.
The CDC reports that drivers older than 70 have a higher rate of crash fatalities per 1,000 crashes than those aged 35-54. NHTSA statistics reveal that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, up by 26% since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
All of this leads to higher car insurance rates. Car insurance premiums go up for most senior drivers in their mid-60s, according to CarInsurance.com data analysis, and then continue to climb. The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Tennessee is $1,548 for a full coverage policy. Drivers age 70 pay $1,641 for the same coverage.
70-year-old drivers pay 6% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-old drivers pays 15% more for a full coverage policy
The table below highlights the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Tennessee based on age and different coverage levels:
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $447 | $556 | $1,548 |
| 70 | $477 | $588 | $1,641 |
| 75 | $529 | $646 | $1,820 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comp/coll Deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Tennessee
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will raise your insurance rates regardless of your age. Insurers love statistics, and data show that a driver with a ticket on their record is more likely to get in an accident that may result in a claim.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, Tennessee, drivers can expect their rates to go up 41% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
If you are a senior with a speeding ticket or other minor moving violation on your record, expect to pay more for coverage. When we ran the numbers, these were the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets on their records.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $1,585 | $132 |
| State Farm | $1,643 | $137 |
| Progressive | $2,000 | $167 |
| Travelers | $2,146 | $179 |
| Nationwide | $2,248 | $187 |
| Farmers | $2,661 | $222 |
| Geico | $2,810 | $234 |
| Allstate | $3,314 | $276 |
| USAA* | $1,317 | $110 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Tennessee
A DUI is a serious driving violation; your insurance rates will soar once it hits your driving record. In most cases, your insurance premium will double if you have a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com in some states, the increase can be as much as 77% after your first DUI. If you manage to rack up a second DUI, the increase could be as much as 167%.
Finding affordable coverage (or any coverage) will become more difficult after a DUI. Still, according to our data, these are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in Tennessee:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,643 | $137 |
| Progressive | $1,925 | $160 |
| Travelers | $2,241 | $187 |
| Erie Insurance | $2,330 | $194 |
| Geico | $2,889 | $241 |
| Nationwide | $3,140 | $262 |
| Farmers | $3,433 | $286 |
| Allstate | $4,090 | $341 |
| USAA* | $2,128 | $177 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Tennessee
Just like a ticket or DUI, having an accident on your driving record will push up your insurance rates. The increase will vary by insurance company but according to our data, drivers should expect their premium to jump 62% with one at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will typically stay in place for three to five years, so it’s important to find the most affordable insurance company. Our data shows that the following insurers offer the cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Tennessee.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,778 | $148 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,957 | $163 |
| Travelers | $2,089 | $174 |
| Nationwide | $2,451 | $204 |
| Geico | $2,702 | $225 |
| Farmers | $2,721 | $227 |
| Progressive | $2,775 | $231 |
| Allstate | $4,722 | $394 |
| USAA* | $1,821 | $152 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Tennessee?
Auto insurance for seniors can be costly, but there are several ways to save. Here are some simple ways to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Regularly comparing car insurance rates – every six months or annually when it’s time to renew – can help you secure the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you money each month, but ensure you have the funds available to cover the higher deductible if needed.
- Ask about discounts Bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed are great ways to save on car insurance. Find more details on discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 4% on their car insurance in Tennessee. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Tennessee.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Tennessee
Seniors can take advantage of these car insurance discounts to reduce their insurance costs.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 6% |
| Days advanced purchase | 7% |
| Defensive driver | 4% |
| Education | 9% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 3% |
| Homeowner | 5% |
| Lower annual mileage | 5% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 9% |
| Marital status | 6% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 4% |
| Payment type | 9% |
| Primary use | 9% |
| Profession | 13% |
| Safety devices | 4% |
| Telematics | 11% |
| Years insured | 16% |
| Years licensed | 32% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Tennessee
Senior drivers generally pay higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you want an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and determine the coverage amount. When shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and available discounts.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Tennessee
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Tennessee?
Our data show that Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee provides the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Tennessee, at around $295 per year. Erie Insurance and State Farm also rank highly for affordable state minimum coverage for seniors in Tennessee.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Tennessee?
Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers the cheapest liability car insurance for senior drivers in Tennessee, with an average annual premium of $361. According to a CarInsurance.com data analysis, Erie Insurance and State Farm also provide cheap liability insurance for seniors in Tennessee.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Tennessee?
State Farm does not offer a senior discount in Tennessee, but it provides many discounts that seniors can use to lower their premiums. It includes discounts for defensive driving courses, safe driving, long-term customer loyalty, bundling policies and advanced safety feature discounts.
Bottom line
Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Tennessee for a full coverage policy, based on a CarInsurance.com analysis.
By shopping around and comparing rates online from different insurers, seniors can find the best deal on their car insurance. Additionally, senior drivers could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of insurance.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed March 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed March 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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