How Much Is Car Insurance in Tennessee? (2026)
Drivers in Tennessee pay an average of $1,155 per year for car insurance.
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Written byMelanie Lockert
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Melanie LockertInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
10+ years writing on personal finance topics
Host of the Mental Health and Wealth podcast
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Edited byMacKenzie Korris
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MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
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Reviewed byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
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Quick Facts
Tennessee drivers pay an overall average of $96 per month for auto insurance, which is below the national average of $143 per month.
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee, with an average monthly cost of $35 for liability-only insurance.
Tennessee car insurance rates rose 15% over the past five years, though the increase has been less significant than in some other states, according to Insurify data.
How much is car insurance in Tennessee?
The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee is $60 per month for liability insurance and $132 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data.
Tennessee drivers pay a monthly average of $60 for liability-only coverage and $132 for full-coverage car insurance.
Drivers in nearby Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina pay a total monthly average of $157, $208, and $91, respectively.
Below, you can compare average monthly and annual quotes in Tennessee by coverage type.
Coverage Type | Average Monthly Quote | Average Annual Quote |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | $60 | $720 |
| Full coverage | $132 | $1,589 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time Tennessee quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee law requires drivers to demonstrate financial responsibility. Typically, this means carrying liability coverage with specific limits, but Tennessee also allows drivers to post a $65,000 bond or make a $65,000 cash deposit.[1]
Liability insurance includes two important parts: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. If you’re in an at-fault accident, liability insurance pays for injuries to the other driver and damage to their property.
The table below shows the minimum car requirements in Tennessee.
Coverage Type | Tennessee Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability per accident | $25,000 |
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Cheapest car insurance companies in Tennessee
The cheapest car insurance companies for Tennessee drivers are State Farm, Sun Coast, and Mile Auto.
Tennessee recorded almost 173,000 traffic crashes in 2025, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Liability insurance is typically the cheapest option because it meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements, but it doesn’t pay for damages to your own vehicle.
In the following table, you’ll find the cheapest liability-only rates in Tennessee.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $35 |
| Mile Auto | $37 |
| Sun Coast | $37 |
| Progressive | $40 |
| Direct Auto | $41 |
| Certainly | $42 |
| USAA | $42 |
| Allstate | $46 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $46 |
| Auto-Owners | $48 |
| GEICO | $48 |
| Travelers | $48 |
| The General | $49 |
| Erie | $52 |
| Trexis | $52 |
| GAINSCO | $58 |
| Safeco | $58 |
| Trexis One | $59 |
| National General | $62 |
| First Acceptance | $64 |
| Dairyland | $65 |
| Mendota | $65 |
| Farmers | $69 |
| Liberty Mutual | $71 |
| Bristol West | $73 |
| Insurify Car | $73 |
| Root | $76 |
| Elephant | $77 |
| Hugo | $93 |
| Chubb | $100 |
| State Auto | $133 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Tennessee car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Tennessee may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Average Tennessee car insurance rates by city
Tennesseans may enjoy lower auto insurance rates relative to the national average. But insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on where you live. Each city has unique risk factors when it comes to theft, weather, crime, and population density.
Johnson City has the lowest car insurance rates in Tennessee, with an average of $76 per month for coverage. Memphis has the most expensive car insurance rates, at $144 per month.
Memphis sits on the bank of the Mississippi River and has an estimated population of about 610,000.[2] Interstate 40 is also an important freight route in the Memphis area, where the state is working to reduce congestion and improve freight movement.
Johnson City is much smaller, with about 75,000 residents. Located near the Appalachian Mountains in northeastern Tennessee, the city has a substantially smaller population than Memphis. Differences in population and traffic conditions may help explain the variation in rates.
The table below compares average monthly quotes for different Tennessee cities.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
City | Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | $44 | $113 |
| Johnson City | $48 | $103 |
| Maryville | $50 | $110 |
| Kingsport | $51 | $111 |
| Cleveland | $56 | $125 |
| Oak Ridge | $56 | $114 |
| Franklin | $58 | $129 |
| Jackson | $58 | $137 |
| Hendersonville | $59 | $134 |
| Knoxville | $60 | $128 |
| Chattanooga | $62 | $132 |
| Clarksville | $64 | $143 |
| Smyrna | $65 | $137 |
| Murfreesboro | $66 | $141 |
| Nashville | $73 | $159 |
| Memphis | $89 | $198 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Tennessee car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Tennessee may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Average Tennessee car insurance rates by age
Age can affect how much you pay for car insurance in Tennessee. Young drivers pay more for car insurance because they have less driving experience and a higher risk of crashes. As drivers gain more experience, rates typically drop with age, though they can increase again after age 65. About 19% of Tennessee residents are age 65 or older.
Teen drivers in Tennessee pay an average of $118 per month for liability insurance, while senior drivers pay an average of $52 per month.
Below, you can see how age affects car insurance in Tennessee.
Age | Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Teens | $118 | $260 |
| Adults (40s) | $60 | $131 |
| Seniors | $52 | $114 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time Tennessee quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
How your driving record affects car insurance rates in Tennessee
Your driving record is one of the key factors that insurance companies consider when determining rates. A clean driving record helps you qualify for competitive rates.
Driving violations and accidents can increase rates, and the severity matters. In Tennessee, rates go up by 33% with a speeding ticket, 42% with a car accident, and 50% after a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. In Tennessee, a first-time DUI offense can lead to a fine of $350 to $1,500 and loss of driving privileges for one year, among other penalties.[3]
Maintaining safe driving habits and a clean driving record can be one of the most effective ways to keep insurance costs affordable.
Driving Record | Average Monthly Quote in TN | % Increase Compared to Clean Driving Record |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $96 | N/A |
| With speeding ticket | $127 | 33% |
| With accident | $136 | 42% |
| With DUI | $144 | 50% |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time Tennessee quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
What affects car insurance rates in Tennessee?
Car insurance companies use many risk factors to determine insurance premiums. Your driving record matters, but other factors can influence rates in Tennessee.
Weather and natural hazards: Tennessee’s geographic location exposes the state to hazards including wildfires, floods, severe weather, earthquakes, and tornadoes, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority.
Crash fatalities: Tennessee has a high rate of motor vehicle deaths, at roughly 17 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 11.5 nationwide.[4]
Uninsured drivers: Approximately 15% of Tennessee motorists are uninsured, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. That’s in line with the latest national estimate of 15.4%.[5] An accident with an uninsured driver can leave you responsible for expenses after an accident.
Credit history: Insurance companies may consider credit when determining rates. Tennessee’s average FICO credit score was 703 in 2025, which falls within the “good” credit range.[6] The effect on premiums can be significant. For example, Tennessee drivers with poor credit pay about 37% more than drivers with excellent credit.
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How Tennessee car insurance rates have changed over the past five years
Like much of the country, Tennessee drivers have seen car insurance rates increase over the past five years. But the increase hasn’t been as stark as in some other states.
As of January 2021, the average annual car insurance premium in Tennessee for a full-coverage policy was $1,369, according to Insurify data. By January 2026, that number rose to $1,575, representing a 15% increase.
While Tennessee drivers are likely to notice the difference, it’s a smaller increase compared to states like California, where full-coverage rates rose by 40% during the same period.
Severe weather adds pressure to insurance costs. Tennessee has experienced multiple billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in recent years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information. For example, Hurricane Helene alone caused an estimated $1.35 billion in property damage in the state in 2024.
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To find car insurance rates in Tennessee and the U.S. over the last five years, download our data here.
How to lower car insurance costs in Tennessee
Tennessee drivers can take the following steps to lower car insurance costs:
Get multiple Tennessee car insurance quotes. Shop around for an auto insurance policy from local insurers like Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee or Tennessee Auto Insurance Agency, as well as national companies such as Allstate or Liberty Mutual.
Take advantage of bundling discounts. Tennessee has a 66.9% homeownership rate, according to U.S. census data. Homeowners may qualify for a multi-policy discount by purchasing both auto and homeowners insurance from the same insurance company.
Ask about car insurance discounts. You may qualify for other auto insurance discounts based on your driving record, profession, or affiliation. For example, GEICO offers a clean driving record discount of up to 22%.
Enroll in a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies may offer savings if you complete a defensive driving course. For example, State Farm partners with the National Safety Council to offer a defensive driving course that may qualify Tennessee drivers for a discount. Tennessee drivers may also get a 10% discount for taking a defensive driving course with GEICO.
Avoid a lapse in coverage. Don’t let your policy expire. Maintain continuous coverage, and keep proof of insurance available. High-risk drivers unable to secure insurance coverage can consider the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan.[7]
Tennessee average car insurance cost FAQs
Find out more about how much car insurance costs in Tennessee and where to look for affordable options.
Why is car insurance so high in Tennessee?
Car insurance in Tennessee averages $96 per month, which is actually lower than the national average of $142 per month. Factors such as Tennessee’s higher motor vehicle crash deaths and exposure to severe weather, including floods and tornadoes, can affect insurance costs.
What insurer has the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee?
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee, with an average monthly cost of $35 for liability insurance, according to Insurify data.
Is $300 per month too much for car insurance?
Whether paying $300 per month for car insurance is too much depends on factors like your driving record, where you live, and coverage choices. Full-coverage car insurance averages $96 per month in Tennessee and $143 nationally. But drivers with a poor driving record, lower credit, or higher coverage limits may pay significantly more.
Is car insurance cheaper in Tennessee or Florida?
Yes. Car insurance is cheaper in Tennessee than in Florida. Tennessee drivers pay an average of $96 per month compared to $189 per month in Florida, according to Insurify data.
Sources
- Tn.gov. "Financial Responsibility Law."
- U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts Memphis city, Tennessee."
- Knox County General Sessions Court. "DUI Laws."
- Iihs.org. "State by state."
- Insurance Research Council (IRC). "ninsured and Underinsured Motorists: 2017–2023."
- Experian.com. "What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?."
- AIPSO. "Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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 500+ 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
- 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.
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Melanie LockertInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
10+ years writing on personal finance topics
Host of the Mental Health and Wealth podcast
Featured in
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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