7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Contributor to top media, including USA Today
A passionate personal finance advocate, Sarah’s writing has graced the pages of many of the personal finance and insurance industries’ top web publications.
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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Homeowners in Tennessee pay an average of $229 per month, or $2,748 per year, for homeowners insurance. That’s more than the national average of $205 a month.
The good news is you can find cheap home insurance options, including policies from Stillwater and Nationwide. Since homeowners in the state face the threat of severe storms and flooding, a home insurance policy with additional coverage options may be necessary.[1] A standard homeowners insurance policy won’t cover flood damage, which makes obtaining extra coverage a consideration for many.
Homeowners in the Volunteer State have access to many high-quality home insurance companies. However, everyone has a unique situation that affects their best option. Below is a look at some of the top options in the state.
Best large insurer: Nationwide
This major insurance company offers below-average rates to homeowners in Tennessee. On average, Nationwide offers home insurance to Tennessee residents at $165 per month. Nationwide also earned a close-to-average customer satisfaction rating in the 2022 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study, with a score of 816 out of 1,000.[2]
Pros
Cheap premiums compared to competitors
Large network of local agents
Many discounts available
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power score
No online chat options
Best insurer for cheap rates: Stillwater
Based on analysis from Insurify data scientists, Stillwater tends to offer the lowest rates. On average, homeowners in Tennessee pay $122 per month for a policy through Stillwater. That’s about $100 lower than the average cost for the state.
Pros
Lower-than-average premiums
Many add-on options
Extensive discount opportunities
Cons
No J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Average Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews
A- A.M. Best rating
Best for storm coverage: Amica Mutual
In the 2022 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study, Amica Mutual earned the highest marks for customer satisfaction. The company scored 849 out of 1,000 and has locked in a reputation for helping customers through difficult claims.[2]
One of Amica Mutual’s unique features is the option to get a dividend policy. If you file fewer claims, you might get a dividend to lower your insurance costs.
Pros
Multiple policy options
Dividend policies an option
Highest customer satisfaction rating in J.D. Power study
Cons
Often pay more for dividend policy
May need to determine your own replacement value
May need to accurately assess the architectural style of your home
Best insurer for high-value homes: Chubb
As a homeowner with a high-value home, you might need more coverage than you’ll find in a standard policy. If you have more you need to insure, a high-value home insurance policy might be the solution. Chubb offers policies for high-value homes.
Chubb earned 809 out of 1,000 in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study.[2]
Pros
Writes policies for high-value homes
Offers optional coverage for valuable items
Online quote tool
Cons
May be more expensive due to larger policies
May need to finalize quote with local agent
May have coverage minimums
Best regional insurance company: Shelter Insurance
Shelter Insurance is a regional insurance company offering policies in 15 states, including Tennessee. It’s worth looking into this company due to its ample discounts and long list of coverage options.
Pros
Extensive discounts
Easy-to-use website
Cons
Discounts vary based on your location
Must work with a local agent
No J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Methodology
Insurify’s team of data scientists analyze millions of home insurance quotes, and weigh publicly available reviews, claims payout rates, complaint indexes, financial strength scores, company reputations, and proprietary quoting data. Our editorial team applies this insight to inform our unbiased reviews and recommendations.
How much is homeowners insurance in Tennessee?
On average, homeowners pay $229 per month for property insurance in Tennessee. However, the exact cost of your home insurance policy varies based on several factors. For example, your location and the type of home insurance policy you select greatly influence your costs.[3]
How your policy choices affect home insurance rates in Tennessee
When you choose a homeowners insurance policy, you must make several decisions. You need to choose a policy form, deductible, coverage limits, and more. Every decision you make will affect your total costs.
Your policy form
Homeowners insurance policies fall into a few different forms. Each policy form offers different levels of coverage. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common policy forms:
Basic form (HO-1): This often covers 10 perils. Many insurers no longer provide this policy form due to the limited nature of its coverage.
Broad form (HO-2): This covers more perils than an HO-1. It can includeprotection for the dwelling, other structures, personal property, personal liability, and medical payments. Importantly, it covers only perils named in the policy.
Special form (HO-3): This is the most popular option. It covers damage to the dwelling, other structures, personal property, personal liability, and medical payments. If a peril isn’t specifically excluded, HO-3 will cover the damage.
Modified form (HO-8): This is often reserved for older homeswith a high cost of rebuilding. It covers basic perils and rebuilding costs for older materials.[4]
Home insurance policies outline how the insurance company will pay out a claim after a peril. A peril is the cause of a loss. For example, a fire would be a peril. The different forms of home insurance cover different perils.
In general, an insurance policy with more covered perils will come with higher costs than a policy with fewer covered perils. As you narrow down your options, confirm which perils are covered. Be sure to get a policy that offers an appropriate level of coverage for common perils in your area.
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Your coverage level
A home insurance policy offers coverage up to a specified limit. A higher coverage limit offers more financial protection but often comes with higher costs. Lower coverage limits often come with lower costs. Find a balance that works for your budget and financial picture.[5]
Coverage Amount
Average Monthly Quote
$250,000
$140
$500,000
$245
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.
Your deductible
When you file a claim, a deductible is what you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Opting for a higher deductible typically comes with lower insurance premiums.[6]
Before choosing a high deductible, confirm you can pay it when the need arises. For example, you might want to keep enough money to cover a deductible in your emergency fund.
How location affects home insurance rates in Tennessee
Where you live affects your home insurance rates. Homeowners in different states can experience widely different rates. Even homeowners living in different parts of the same state can see a difference in average home insurance prices.
Some location-related factors that affect your home insurance costs include your proximity to a fire station, the expected frequency of weather events, and the likelihood of vandalism in your area.[4]
Below are the average monthly quotes for select cities in Tennessee:
City
Average Monthly Quote
Brentwood
$237
Chattanooga
$207
Clarksville
$238
Cleveland
$232
Collierville
$242
Cordova
$267
Crossville
$193
Franklin
$241
Hixson
$228
Jackson
$264
Kingsport
$197
Knoxville
$191
Lebanon
$283
Madison
$140
Maryville
$219
Memphis
$255
Mount Juliet
$228
Murfreesboro
$237
Nashville
$207
Sevierville
$187
Shelbyville
$253
Smyrna
$181
Spring Hill
$219
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.
What are the cheapest home insurance companies in Tennessee?
The average homeowner in Tennessee pays $229 per month for home insurance. But on average, shoppers can find cheaper options through Stillwater at $122 per month, Grange at $154 per month, and Nationwide at $165 per month.
Your specific insurance needs might lead to higher or lower costs. But it’s worthwhile to know which insurance companies tend to offer the best rates in your state:
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Stillwater
$122
Grange
$154
Nationwide
$165
State Auto
$169
Travelers
$172
Acuity
$189
Hippo
$209
Liberty Mutual
$237
Midvale Home & Auto
$249
Safeco
$659
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Tennessee?
Homeowners insurance isn’t a legal requirement in Tennessee. But homeowners with a mortgage will likely find that their lender sets home insurance requirements. Even without a mortgage, many homeowners choose to pay for home insurance.[4]
Beyond the requirements your mortgage company sets, you may want to insure your home for most of its replacement value. If you want to protect the personal property within your home, consider insuring it at the replacement cost or actual cash value. Homeowners should also consider what levels of personal liability coverage and medical payments coverage are best for their situation.[5]
The key to selecting the right insurance policy is to understand exactly what the policy covers. Before signing up, confirm you’re comfortable with everything covered.
What home insurance coverages should you buy in Tennessee?
Here are some of the coverages you should consider buying:
Dwelling: Dwelling coverage applies to your home and any attached structures. This is the basis of any home insurance policy.
Other structures: Structures not attached to your home might include fences, accessory dwelling units, sheds, and more.
Personal property: The items in your home can carry both financial and sentimental value. If you have specific high-value items, consider getting additional insurance.
Liability coverage: If someone sues you in connection to your property, liability coverage can protect you. For example, if someone slipped and fell on your property, liability coverage may help pay the costs of a potential lawsuit.
Medical payments coverage: If someone is hurt while at your house, this coverage can pay for their medical bills, regardless of fault.
Loss of use coverage: If your home is getting repaired after a covered peril, you might have to move out temporarily. This coverage can help pay for living expenses while your home is fixed.[4]
What optional home insurance coverages should you buy in Tennessee?
Standard home insurance policies might not cover all the perils in your area. But you can buy optional coverages to increase your protection:
Flood insurance: Floods are a threat to Tennessee residents. But standard home insurance policies don’t include flood insurance. One option is to purchase flood insurance through theNational Flood Insurance Program.
High-value possessions: Most policies have a coverage limit on personal property. If you have high-value items, consider purchasing additional coverage to protect their value.[4]
How much home insurance coverage should you have in Tennessee?
The amount of home insurance coverage you need varies based on your specific needs. As a homeowner, you need to consider the risk factors affecting your finances. Here’s what to consider when determining the right amount of coverage:
Value of your home: The value of your home affects your insurance premiums. Homes with a higher value tend to be more expensive to insure.
Location of your home: Homes face different risks based on location. For example, a home might be more at risk of flooding in a low-lying area.
High-value contents: The value of the contents of your home might exceed the limits of your policy. If you have high-value items, consider additional insurance.[5]
Before settling on any particular policy, get quotes from at least three different insurers. If you don’t shop around, it’s easy to accidentally pay more than you need to.
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What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Tennessee?
Homeowners in the Volunteer State face many risks. Here’s a look at some of the most critical threats:
Flooding: Deadly flooding events are a threat in Tennessee.[7] Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. But you may have the option to buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Severe storms: Severe weather can cause damage across the state. Most home insurance policies includecoverage for storm damage.
Wildfires: For many homeowners in Tennessee, wildfires are a significant threat. Many insurance policies include coverage against fires.[8]
How can you save money on homeowners insurance in Tennessee?
Homeowners insurance is an unavoidable expense for many. But that doesn’t mean you should pay more than necessary. Here’s how to save money on homeowners insurance.
Bundle home and auto insurance
“Tennessee residents can save money on their homeowners insurance by working with the same insurance company for their home and auto to secure a multi-policy discount,” says William Styles, a COUNTRY Financial insurance agent in Tennessee. “That also makes it more convenient having everything with one company and one insurance agent.”
A higher deductible often comes with lower insurance premiums. If you can afford a higher deductible, you may pay lower premiums.[6]
Improve your home security
If you invest in home security upgrades, many home insurance companies offer savings. The idea is that a secure home is less vulnerable to theft, which lowers the chance of a claim.[6]
Comparison shop
Shopping around for home insurance is a key part of finding the best options. Take the time to get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Otherwise, you could end up paying more than you need to.
Average home replacement cost in Tennessee
The replacement cost of your home is the amount you’d need to spend on rebuilding or replacing your home with similar construction. The market value of your home is typically different from the replacement cost. Some experts recommend getting insured for 80% of your home’s replacement cost.
City
Average Home Value
Chattanooga
$353,873
Clarksville
$271,315
Cleveland
$214,074
Collierville
$508,150
Cordova
$361,293
Crossville
$246,625
Franklin
$438,478
Hixson
$363,562
Jackson
$368,610
Kingsport
$222,293
Knoxville
$328,349
Lebanon
$339,228
Madison
$226,399
Maryville
$257,931
Memphis
$302,407
Mount Juliet
$382,746
Murfreesboro
$450,924
Nashville
$350,729
Sevierville
$291,029
Shelbyville
$260,248
Smyrna
$246,387
Spring Hill
$415,311
Tennessee homeowners insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Tennessee homeowners insurance.
How much is home insurance in Tennessee per month?
On average, home insurance in Tennessee costs $229 per month. But your unique situation will affect your premiums.
Is homeowners insurance expensive in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the average monthly cost of home insurance is $229. That’s a bit more than the national average of $205 per month.
What should you look for in homeowners insurance in Tennessee?
As you look for homeowners insurance in Tennessee, getting the right level of coverage is key. Importantly, look for a policy that covers perils that might affect your home. If you’re concerned about flooding, look beyond a standard home insurance policy for coverage options.
Who insures the most homes in Tennessee?
State Farm, Allstate, and USAA are some of the largest insurance companies in the country. Try to find a company that offers the policy you need with high customer satisfaction ratings.
Does Tennessee require homeowners insurance?
No. Tennessee doesn’t require homeowners insurance. However, your mortgage company may require it. Even if you don’t have to purchase homeowners insurance, it’s a worthwhile option. The right policy can protect your finances from damages and perils.
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.