Car insurance rates vary greatly based on your ZIP code, the coverage you choose and other personal details, such as age and driving record. CarInsurance.com’s data shows that Tennessee Farmers offers the most affordable car insurance at $1,355 per year.

We’ve compiled this detailed guide to help you choose the right car insurance in Tennessee. The team at CarInsurance.com has done all the hard work by researching and analyzing insurance prices for different kinds of drivers. 

Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in Tennessee works and how much coverage you need.

Key Highlights:
  • Tennessee Farmers provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Tennessee, at $1,355 per year.
  • In Tennessee, car insurance costs can change based on the type of coverage, coverage limits, age, location, make and model of your car and your driving record.
  • Minimum liability coverage in Tennessee costs around $442 annually for limits of 25/50/25, while liability-only coverage costs $547 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
  • In Tennessee, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 33%, a DUI raising rates by 62%, and an at-fault accident by up to 55%.
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Written by:
Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer
Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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Reviewed by:
Laura Longero
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Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Data checked by:
Brent Buell
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Data Journalist
Before joining QuinStreet, Brent worked for nearly four years at NYCM Insurance (a personal and commercial insurance carrier based in New York) between his roles as a product analyst and a commercial lines underwriter. Before joining NYCM, Brent owned and operated a captive insurance agency. He holds a property & casualty broker’s license and is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).
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How much is car insurance in Tennessee?

According to CarInsurance.com data, drivers in Tennessee pay about $140 per month for full coverage car insurance.

Understanding the average insurance cost can give you a head start in budgeting for your coverage. It’s important to consider that premium costs vary from person to person and will depend largely on the make/model of your car, your driving record and other factors.

Average cost of auto insurance in Tennessee by coverage level

In Tennessee, car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in Tennessee are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/25 to drive legally. 

Liability-only insurance policies are the most affordable option and provide the minimum coverage required in Tennessee. However, they don’t offer much protection. 

While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.

On the other hand, full coverage car insurance costs more but provides a lot more protection. It covers damage to your car in accidents, theft, natural events and animal collisions. If you have full coverage, you can be reassured that you’re well-protected.

Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.

In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in Tennessee for three different coverages. 

Coverage LevelAvg. Monthly CostAvg. Annual Cost
State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD$37 $442
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$46 $547
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible$140 $1,677

State minimum car insurance in Tennessee

Tennessee’s car insurance laws require a minimum coverage of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability.

The state minimum coverage in Tennessee costs $442 a year but doesn’t provide much protection for drivers. Tennessee drivers may purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, increase their liability limits and add personal injury coverage or other endorsements for extra protection.

Drivers in Tennessee must be aware of the minimum car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.

Liability-only car insurance in Tennessee

The average cost of liability-only insurance in Tennessee is $547 for the coverage limits of 50/100/50, based on a recent data analysis by CarInsurance.com.

Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people’s property or for injuries to others in an accident, but it doesn’t cover your passengers’ medical expenses. It’s cheaper than full coverage insurance, but it won’t help if your own car is damaged or stolen.

Full coverage car insurance in Tennessee

On average, premiums for full coverage car insurance in Tennessee cost $1,677 per year for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.

Experts recommend that drivers purchase full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford to be financially protected. Full coverage car insurance policies include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.

Calculate the cost of car insurance in Tennessee

A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.

Insurance companies assess various factors, such as crime rates, traffic conditions, car theft incidents and population density, to evaluate the level of risk in different areas and determine car insurance premiums.

As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of Tennessee have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.

With our easy-to-use tool, you can get insurance quotes for different coverage limits for your ZIP code in minutes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see how much you can save.

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Tennessee Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code

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Coverage Types
*Please enter valid Zip
State Minimum: Required liability coverage to drive legally in your state; some states mandate additional coverage, such as personal injury protection, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist. Liability Only 50/100/50: $50,000 per person/$100,000 maximum per accident for bodily injury; $50,000 for property damage. Liability pays for injuries/damage you cause others. Full Coverage 100/300/100: $100,000 per person/$300,000 maximum per accident for bodily injury; $100,000 for property damage; comprehensive and collision coverage with $500 deductible. Liability pays for injuries/damage you cause others. Comprehensive and collision pay for damage to your car.
37206, Nashville,  For 30 Year Old  Male  (Type:  Liability - Minimum )
Average Monthly Premium
$34
Highest Rate
$46/mo
Lowest Rate
$24/mo
Compare personalized quotes from up to 20 companies in Tennessee now

Estimate car insurance in Tennessee by car model

Car insurers in Tennessee use the make and model of your car to determine your insurance rates. Cars deemed more expensive to repair, such as luxury cars and EVs, may raise your rates more than those that may cost less to fix.

For instance, Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi are some of the most expensive cars to insure. Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are among the cheapest cars to insure.

Find out how much car insurance costs for your car make and model in Tennessee.

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Insurance Rates by Car Model

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Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool

Car insurance rates by age group in Tennessee

As you age, the cost of your car insurance might change. As a young driver, you’ll pay more than an experienced, older driver. This is because younger drivers are more prone to accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than for drivers 20 years old or older.

Auto insurance companies understand that teenage drivers typically have less experience and pose a higher risk to insure. In Tennessee, drivers aged 30 to 60 enjoy the lowest average auto insurance premiums, at $1,630 annually.

Tennessee drivers aged 16-19 pay $4,066 more for insurance premiums than drivers aged 30-60.

See the average rates by age group below:

  • For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $5,696 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
  • For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $2,598 a year for a full coverage policy.
  • For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,630 per year in Tennessee.
  • For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $1,670 per year.

Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age

Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in Tennessee

Having a DUI, speeding ticket or being at fault in an accident can substantially increase your insurance rates. In Tennessee, a DUI conviction often results in higher premiums and you may see an increase of up to 62% as insurers perceive you as a high-risk driver.

If you receive a speeding ticket in Tennessee, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 33% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.

Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:

  • Speeding ticket: Up to 33% increase
  • DUI conviction: 62% increase
  • At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 55% increase

Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.

Car insurance cost in Tennessee for high-risk drivers

High-risk drivers in Tennessee pay more for car insurance than other drivers because they are considered riskier. Factors like accident history, traffic violations and poor credit scores influence how much the policyholder will pay for insurance coverage.

Luckily, there are ways for high-risk drivers to reduce their premium payments. Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great place to start, as each company will have its own rate structure tailored to individual needs.

Use this tool to determine which company has the best prices for drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents on their driving records.

Average cost of car insurance in Tennessee for high-risk driver

Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.

Average Annual Car Insurance Rate for At-fault bodily injury accident in Tennessee is $2,654
Show Graph View
Company Name Insurance Rates
USAA $1,808
State Farm $1,969
Erie Insurance $2,125
Travelers $2,125
Progressive $2,458
Nationwide $2,674
Geico $2,994
Farmers $3,044
Allstate $4,805

Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates

Compare car insurance quotes in Tennessee

In Tennessee, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.

Compare the best car insurance options in Tennessee by getting quotes from different insurance companies.

Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in Tennessee and their average annual premiums.

CompanyState Minimum50/100/50100/300/100
Tennessee Farmers$287 $352 $1,355
Travelers$390 $486 $1,395
Progressive$605 $663 $1,550
Geico$316 $409 $1,565
Erie Insurance$307 $395 $1,598
Nationwide$603 $725 $1,632
State Farm$342 $425 $1,677
Farmers$536 $753 $1,770
Allstate$772 $885 $3,032
USAA$266 $375 $1,194

Car insurance rates by city in Tennessee

Memphis is the most expensive city in Tennessee, with an average car insurance rate of $2,161 a year. Bristol is the cheapest city for Tennessee drivers at an average rate of $1,385 annually.

Car insurance rates vary by city in Tennessee for several reasons. One of the most significant factors is traffic congestion. Areas with more traffic typically have higher rates of accidents and claims, which leads to higher premiums.

Other factors that can affect rates include the number of uninsured drivers, the cost of repairs and medical bills and the crime rate in the city.

The table below shows the average annual car insurance premiums for Tennessee’s largest cities.

Average cost of car insurance in Tennessee by city

Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.

Average Annual Rate of Car Insurance in Ashland City, TN is $1,694
Show Graph View
Company Name Insurance Rates
USAA $1,232
Travelers $1,354
Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee $1,368
Nationwide $1,510
Progressive $1,579
Erie Insurance $1,618
State Farm $1,733
Farmers $1,735
Geico $1,783
Allstate $3,029

How much does car insurance cost in Tennessee per month?

The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in Tennessee costs $140 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.

Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.

Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.

Coverage LevelAvg. Monthly Rates
State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD$37
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$46
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible$140

Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in Tennessee

When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.

Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

  1. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
  2. USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in Tennessee. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.

 The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:

  • Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
  • Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
  • State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/25.

To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.

Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

Laura Longero

Ask the Insurance Expert

Laura Longero

Executive Editor

Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.

John McCormick

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John McCormick

Editorial Director

John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.

Leslie Kasperowicz

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Leslie Kasperowicz

Executive Editor

Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.

Nupur Gambhir

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Nupur Gambhir

Managing Editor

Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.

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Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.