3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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If you’re in the market for car insurance in Tennessee, State Farm, National General, and Hugo offer the most competitive rates depending on your situation. On average, a full-coverage auto policy in Tennessee costs $219 per month, while a liability-only policy costs $125 per month.
Your rate will ultimately depend on your driving record, age, claim history, chosen coverage, insurer, and more. Here’s what you should know about finding coverage that works for you in Tennessee.
Quick Facts
Tennessee law permits insurers to consider your credit history when determining rates.
Your city and ZIP code in Tennessee can affect your car insurance rates.
Drivers in the state must carry at least a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Tennessee
Whether you want the cheapest rates, affordable coverage for your teens, or short-term coverage, you can find the most affordable car insurers for your situation.
Insurance Company
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Average Monthly Quote
Average Annual Quote
Best for
State Farm
4.4
$35
$420
Cheapest rates
Hugo
3
$35
$420
Short-term coverage
National General
3.2
$70
$840
Teen drivers
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.
Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
855
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$22/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$47/mo
A well-established fixture in the car insurance industry, State Farm sells a number of insurance products — including auto insurance — in all 50 states. The company offers the cheapest rates in Tennessee for liability and full-coverage insurance, at $35 and $70 per month, respectively.
Pros
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), the highest level possible
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings across the nation[1]
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Fewer available discounts than some competitors
I am happy with their coverage. I just bought a new car, and my insurance quadrupled. YIKES.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$73/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$168/mo
Young drivers typically pay expensive rates on their insurance policy due to a lack of driving experience. An Allstate company, National General offers the cheapest coverage for teenage drivers in Tennessee. The company offers a range of auto coverage options and discount opportunities, as well as home and flood insurance products.
Pros
Provides coverage options for high-risk drivers
Many customizable add-on coverage options
Cons
Gap insurance not available
The average driver may see higher rates
Low prices.
Chad - November 18, 2023
Verified
Horrible service and does not appreciate customer loyalty.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NR
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$48/mo
Whether you’re renting or borrowing a vehicle — or in between insurance policies — Hugo offers flexible and affordable options for temporary car insurance. Coverage options range between three days and six months, and you can choose the flexible plan to turn your coverage on and off to only pay for coverage when you drive.
Tennessee drivers pay $35 per month for liability coverage from Hugo. Tennessee is one of just 13 states where Hugo is available.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee
Several factors can increase your risk profile and insurance premiums, including your age, gender, driving history, credit record, and chosen coverage. However, by following these steps, you can still find the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee without compromising quality of coverage.
Shop around. The Insurance Information Institute recommends gathering three quotes from various insurance companies. You want to ensure you compare the same policy types for the most accurate comparison.[2]
Increase your deductible. A higher deductible usually means lower monthly premiums. However, “a high deductible plan may be unsuitable if you have a total loss and need funds to help purchase a new car,” says Kevin Walters, director of communications at the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Take advantage of discounts. Maintaining a clean driving record, bundling policies, and having safety features on your car can qualify you for various discounts to help you save money on your policy.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Tennessee: State Farm
Liability-only coverage will pay for the other driver’s medical expenses and property damage if you cause a car accident. While liability-only insurance is the most affordable option, it doesn’t cover your medical expenses or vehicle damage.[3]
Find the cheapest companies in Tennessee for liability coverage below.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Tennessee: State Farm
If you’re looking for more than liability insurance, you should consider a full-coverage policy. This policy includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage, protecting you and the other party in an accident. With collision coverage, your insurer pays for repairs to your vehicle, even if you’re at fault in an accident. Comprehensive coverage covers losses and damages from noncollision incidents, like theft or natural disaster.
If you drive frequently, have a loan or lease on your vehicle, or live in a high-risk area, you should purchase a full-coverage policy. You’ll have to pay a deductible before receiving coverage for collision or comprehensive claims.
A number of insurers in Tennessee offer affordable full-coverage insurance rates, including the following:
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee adheres to the tort system, meaning you’re financially responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from an accident you cause. To drive legally in Tennessee, you must carry the minimum coverage required by law:[4]
Bodily injury liability
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$25,000 per accident
While not required in Tennessee, additional auto insurance coverage can provide more financial protection in an at-fault accident. To ensure you have enough protection, consider the following optional coverages:
Collision coverage
This covers damage from collisions you have with a vehicle or another object, such as a tree or light pole, regardless of fault.If you have a loan or lease on your car, your lender may require you to purchase collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage
If a noncollision incident causes vehicle damage, comprehensive insurance kicks in. This includes damage from fire, theft, falling objects, and natural disasters.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If you’re in an accident where the at-fault person doesn’t have enough or any coverage, your policy steps in to cover the gaps and pay for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. UM/UIM also covers damage to your car from a hit-and-run accident.
Medical payments coverage
In the event of an accident, medical payments coverage pays for your medical expenses from resulting injury, up to your coverage limit.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
If you ’re a driver in Tennessee with a history of at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other moving violations, you’ll typically receive increased insurance premiums.[5]
If you have a spotty record, insurers see you as a higher risk for future incidents than drivers with clean records. The likelihood of you having another moving violation increases, making you more liable to the insurer.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Tennessee
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: State Farm
A speeding ticket may not seem like a huge deal, but it can have consequences, including points on your driving record, fines, and premium increases for several years.
If you have a speeding ticket on your record, these insurance companies offer the most affordable coverage.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: State Farm
At-fault accidents can cause your policy premiums to increase significantly, depending on the accident’s severity. Accidents can stay on your record for up to five years and keep your insurance rates high.
Fortunately, some companies offer accident forgiveness programs to help prevent rate increases after your first at-fault accident, and many insurance companies still provide competitive rates. Find the cheapest average monthly quotes in Tennessee below.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: State Farm
A DUI is a severe offense with major legal and financial consequences. If you have one, Tennessee will usually require your insurer to file an SR-22 form to show that you have the necessary insurance to operate a vehicle. This offense can result in a substantial increase in your rates for several years. In Tennessee, a DUI stays on your record permanently and you won't be able to get it expunged.
You can work to lower your costs by shopping for the most affordable auto insurance company. To begin your search, consider the following insurers that offer competitive rates for drivers with a DUI on their record. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to go with a high-risk insurer if you can't obtain coverage through the standard market.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Travelers
As you enter your 70s, age-related conditions may start to pose a hazard to you and other drivers on the road. Insurers may see your age as a risk factor for more accidents, and increase your insurance premiums.
To counteract the slight price increase, you can shop for an insurer that offers budget-friendly rates for senior drivers.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Elephant
Teenagers often see the highest auto insurance costs, which don’t start to drop significantly until drivers turn 25. Young drivers typically have less experience on the road, which presents an increased hazard to themselves and others.
To save money on coverage for your teenager, you can keep them on your insurance policy, have them drive a safe car, and take advantage of a good student discount. You can also compare quotes to see which insurance companies offer the best rates for teen drivers, starting with the insurers below.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee
Several factors can increase your risk profile and insurance premiums, including your age, gender, driving history, credit record, and chosen coverage. However, by following these steps, you can still find the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee without compromising quality of coverage.
Shop around. The Insurance Information Institute recommends gathering three quotes from various insurance companies. You want to ensure you compare the same policy types for the most accurate comparison.[2]
Increase your deductible. A higher deductible usually means lower monthly premiums. However, “a high deductible plan may be unsuitable if you have a total loss and need funds to help purchase a new car,” says Kevin Walters, director of communications at the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Take advantage of discounts. Maintaining a clean driving record, bundling policies, and having safety features on your car can qualify you for various discounts to help you save money on your policy.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Tennessee car insurance FAQs
Finding affordable car insurance that meets your coverage needs can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a high-risk driver. The information below should help you navigate the process of finding coverage in Tennessee.
How much is car insurance in Tennessee?
On average, Tennessee drivers pay $219 per month for full-coverage insurance and $125 per month for liability coverage. Your rate depends on your driving history, credit record, age, location in the state, chosen coverage, and more.
What are the best car insurance companies in Tennessee?
The best car insurance companies in Tennessee include State Farm, GEICO, and USAA. Hugo, an on-demand insurer, offers the best coverage for drivers looking for temporary coverage. With an IQ Score of 4.4, solid financial strength ratings, and quality coverage, State Farm is your best option for coverage in Tennessee.
Is insurance cheaper in Tennessee?
Nationwide, drivers pay an average of $253 per month for full coverage and $170 for liability, so Tennessee residents benefit from slightly lower rates. Tennessee drivers pay $125 per month for liability insurance and $219 per month for full coverage.
Is Tennessee a no-pay, no-play state?
No. Tennessee is not a no-pay, no-play state. This means the state has laws that limit your right to sue for damages after an accident if you were driving uninsured when the accident occurred. The state operates under an at-fault system that requires drivers responsible for an accident to cover the costs of medical expenses and vehicle damage they cause the other party.
Insurify Insights
How Tennessee Drivers Measure Up
While most drivers know that car insurance quotes are determined in part by your personal driving history, many may be unaware that rates are also impacted by the average risk of the drivers around you as well. Check out Insurify's latest analysis of driving records in Tennessee below:
Methodology
Drawing from an internal database of over 4 million car insurance applications, the research team at Insurify analyzes patterns in car ownership and driver behavior - including how Tennessee drivers measure up to their fellow motorists across the United States in areas including speeding, DUIs, and more. Insurify Insights publishes data-driven articles, trend analyses, and national rankings each week on all factors related to cars and those who drive them.
Nissan Altima
Most Popular Car in Tennessee
#16
State with the Most Speeding Tickets Rank
#14
State with the Moving Violations Rank
#30
State with the Most DUIs Rank
#7
State with the most Suspended Licenses
While car accidents are a sadly unavoidable feature of time spent on the road, rates of accidents do vary from city to city and from state to state. Tennessee is the #10 state in the country for drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record.
Rank among states: #10
Percent of drivers in Tennessee with an accident: 10%
While driving while intoxicated is never acceptable, it’s a more common offense than many assume. Tennessee is the #30 state in the country for drivers with a prior drunk driving conviction.
Rank among states: #30
Percent of drivers in Tennessee with a DUI: 1.2%
Reckless driving refers to a specific traffic violation: when drivers willfully act dangerously in spite of the risks they’re imposing on both themselves and others. Tennessee is the #26 state in the country for drivers with a reckless driving offense on record.
Rank among states: #26
Percent of drivers in Tennessee with a reckless driving offense: 1.3%
The Insurify team classifies rude drivers as those who commit one or more of the following driving offenses: failure to yield or failure to stop, improper backing, passing where prohibited, tailgating, street racing, or hit-and-run. Tennessee is the #25 state in the country for drivers with a rude driving violation on record.
Rank among states: #25
Percent of drivers in Tennessee with a rude driving violation: 1.5%
Exceeding the speed limit can endanger others and have a serious impact on your insurance costs. Tennessee is the #16 state in the country for drivers with a speeding ticket on record.
Rank among states: #16
Percent of drivers in Tennessee with a speeding ticket: 10.1%
Failing to yield the right of way isn’t just frustrating for other drivers; it’s dangerous, too. Tennessee is the #21 state in the country for drivers with a failure to yield violation on record.
Rank among states: #21
Percent of drivers in Tennessee with a failure to yield violation: 0.1%
Insurify Insights
Insurify's team of data scientists and content specialists presents Insurify Insights, a series of automotive, home, and health studies focusing on the topics that impact us all. through expert analysis of over 4 million car insurance applications and an array of top data sources, the Insurify Insights team produces new data-driven articles, trend analyses, regional superlatives, and national rankings every week. See Insurify Insights as featured in Forbes, Fox News, USA Today, NPR, and more.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Alani Asis is a personal finance freelance writer with nearly three years of experience in content creation. She has landed bylines with leading publications and brands like Insider, Fortune, LendingTree, and more. Alani aims to make personal finance approachable through fun, relatable, and digestible content.
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.