How Much Is Car Insurance in Tennessee? (October 2024)


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Updated: October 3, 2024

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Tennessee drivers can expect to pay about $1,107 per year for full coverage car insurance. If you're looking for a more affordable option, minimum coverage car insurance costs around $449 per year.

Car insurance costs are influenced by several factors, such as your age, the level of coverage you choose, where you live, your driving record and your credit history. Insurers consider these elements to gauge how risky it is to insure you. Remember, drivers with a clean driving record and good credit often pay less for car insurance.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to get the most precise average costs for a variety of Tennessee drivers.

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These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in Tennessee as of October 2024.

59,840Quotes Analyzed
 
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68ZIP Codes

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee

The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance in Tennessee is $1,107. Knowing the average car insurance cost is crucial to understand if you're getting a good deal from your insurer. You can also enhance your options by comparing car insurance quotes.

Here's what you might pay for minimum coverage and full coverage auto insurance in Tennessee. These numbers give you an idea of your monthly and annual insurance costs.

100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,107Average Monthly Premium$92
100/300/100 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$538Average Monthly Premium$45
State Minimum Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$449Average Monthly Premium$37

Why Are Car Insurance Rates Moderate in Tennessee?

Car insurance in Tennessee is generally affordable compared to the national average. The average annual premium in Tennessee for state minimum liability only is $449 ($37 per month), while the national average cost of car insurance for the same coverage is $619 ($52 per month). A full coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible in Tennessee is $1,107 annually ($92 monthly), compared to the national average of $1,337 ($111 per month).

Tennessee's affordability is partly due to factors such as lower population density and often lower vehicle repair costs. However, individual rates are influenced by additional factors such as your driving record and the type of car you have.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee by Company

Car insurance premiums vary from one company to another, even within the same state. In Tennessee, Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance at $835 per year, while Progressive has the most expensive average premium at $1,448 per year.

Comparing car insurance quotes is important when searching for the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee. Doing so ensures you find an affordable plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
TravelersAnnual Premium$835Monthly Premium$70
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$869Monthly Premium$72
WestfieldAnnual Premium$909Monthly Premium$76
ErieAnnual Premium$914Monthly Premium$76
FarmersAnnual Premium$964Monthly Premium$80
Tennessee Farm BureauAnnual Premium$972Monthly Premium$81
Grange InsuranceAnnual Premium$1,024Monthly Premium$85
Cincinnati InsuranceAnnual Premium$1,114Monthly Premium$93
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,177Monthly Premium$98
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,208Monthly Premium$101
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,258Monthly Premium$105
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,270Monthly Premium$106
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,303Monthly Premium$109
American National P&CAnnual Premium$1,340Monthly Premium$112
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,448Monthly Premium$121
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee by Coverage Level

Car insurance costs in Tennessee are also impacted by the coverage level you select. Monthly premiums for minimum coverage average at $37, while a full coverage insurance with a $1,000 deductible averages $92. Opting for full coverage ensures more extensive financial protection despite the higher expense.

Enhancing your policy with comprehensive and collision coverage undoubtedly ups your premium. Yet, selecting higher deductibles, for example, $1,000, is a strategic way to alleviate some of that additional cost. Bear in mind that your deductible applies to each type of coverage – comprehensive and collision – individually.

State Minimum Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$449Average Monthly Premium$37
100/300/100 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$538Average Monthly Premium$45
300/500/300 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$628Average Monthly Premium$52
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$933Average Monthly Premium$78
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,018Average Monthly Premium$85
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,023Average Monthly Premium$85
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,107Average Monthly Premium$92
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,112Average Monthly Premium$93
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,166Average Monthly Premium$97
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 DedAverage Annual Premium$1,197Average Monthly Premium$100
100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_collAverage Annual Premium$1,255Average Monthly Premium$105
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,345Average Monthly Premium$112

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required.

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    $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person

    This is the minimum amount required in Tennessee to cover the other person's medical expenses in an accident in which you are at fault.

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    $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

    Tennessee requires this amount for total expenses for bodily injuries to all persons injured in a single accident.

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    $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

    This coverage helps pay for damages to another person's property resulting from an accident you cause.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee by City

Your location in Tennessee significantly affects car insurance costs. For instance, Knoxville has the cheapest full coverage at about $838 per year, and Memphis has the most expensive at around $1,105 per year.

Tennessee car insurance rates are influenced by factors such as driving history, type of car, credit score, age and even marital status.

ChattanoogaFull Coverage Annual Premium$858Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$379
ClarksvilleFull Coverage Annual Premium$853Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$373
KnoxvilleFull Coverage Annual Premium$838Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$365
MemphisFull Coverage Annual Premium$1,105Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$496
MurfreesboroFull Coverage Annual Premium$841Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$368
Nashville-DavidsonFull Coverage Annual Premium$913Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$407

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee by Age

Age significantly influences car insurance costs in Tennessee. Younger drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 typically face higher rates, with premiums generally decreasing as drivers age and gain more experience. Drivers under 30 can expect to pay an average annual premium of $1,411 for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible. In contrast, drivers aged 30 to 59 and 60 and over will find more affordable rates at around $1,107 and $1,043 per year, respectively.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
22-29Average Annual Premium$1,411Average Monthly Premium$118
30-59Average Annual Premium$1,107Average Monthly Premium$92
60 +Average Annual Premium$1,043Average Monthly Premium$87

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee for Teens

Age and gender affect car insurance rates in Tennessee. For instance, a 16-year-old male driver added to a family policy incurs an average annual premium of $2,301, the highest among other ages.

Teen drivers under 18 in Tennessee typically require a parent or guardian to co-sign for car insurance. If opting for an individual policy, the premium for a 16-year-old male jumps to $5,255.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Gender:
Gender:Male
16Added to Family Policy Premium$2,301Individual Premium$5,255
17Added to Family Policy Premium$2,300Individual Premium$4,678
18Added to Family Policy Premium$1,965Individual Premium$3,996
19Added to Family Policy Premium$1,754Individual Premium$2,619
20Added to Family Policy Premium$1,805Individual Premium$2,274
21Added to Family Policy Premium$1,384Individual Premium$1,733
22Added to Family Policy Premium$1,416Individual Premium$1,548
23Added to Family Policy Premium$1,451Individual Premium$1,371
24Added to Family Policy Premium$1,345Individual Premium$1,270
25Added to Family Policy Premium$1,228Individual Premium$1,151

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee for New Cars

The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance for a 2012 model is $852. In contrast, insuring a 2022 model with the same full coverage can cost around $1,177 per year. This rate increase is because newer models generally have higher actual cash values, more expensive repair costs and a higher risk of theft. Drivers with newer car models are advised to consider comprehensive and collision coverage for protection against a broader range of potential losses, including accidents, theft, natural disasters and other non-collision events.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
2012 VehicleAnnual Premium$852Monthly Premium$71
2022 VehicleAnnual Premium$1,177Monthly Premium$98
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ACTUAL CASH VALUE

Your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) is pivotal in determining your insurance payout for a comprehensive or collision claim. The ACV reflects your car's market value, considering depreciation. Insurance companies use the ACV to calculate the maximum reimbursement for your vehicle following a covered incident.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee by Driving Record

The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee can vary depending on a driver's record. Here's how driving violations can impact your insurance premiums:

  • With a ticket: $1,339 per year; $112 per month
  • With an at-fault accident: $1,657 per year; $138 per month
  • With a DUI: $2,056 per year; $171 per month

More serious violations usually mean you'll pay more for car insurance. Your rates can continue to be higher as long as the violation stays on your record. In Tennessee, a DUI can remain on your driving record for up to five years.

You can review the table below and sort by coverage and age group to find the average cost of car insurance in Tennessee for different driving records. This will help you understand how violations like tickets, accidents or DUIs might affect your premiums.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
CleanAverage Annual Premium$1,107Average Monthly Premium$92
TicketAverage Annual Premium$1,339Average Monthly Premium$112
At-fault AccidentAverage Annual Premium$1,657Average Monthly Premium$138
DUIAverage Annual Premium$2,056Average Monthly Premium$171

Average Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee by Credit Score

In Tennessee, the average annual cost of car insurance varies with credit scores, ranging from $647 for drivers with excellent credit to $1,367 for poor credit.

A good credit score falls between 670 and 739. Above that is considered very good (740 to 799) or excellent (800 and higher), which usually means more affordable rates. Scores below 670 can mean higher premiums, reflecting the risk insurers associate with lower credit scores.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 w/ $1000 Deductible
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
ExcellentAnnual Premium$647Monthly Premium$54
GoodAnnual Premium$775Monthly Premium$65
FairAnnual Premium$943Monthly Premium$79
Below FairAnnual Premium$1,117Monthly Premium$93
PoorAnnual Premium$1,367Monthly Premium$114
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Tennessee

The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee depends on key elements such as:

  • Driving Record: Maintaining a clean record is crucial, as traffic violations, accidents and DUI/DWI offenses can significantly elevate your insurance premiums.
  • Credit Score: In Tennessee, drivers with strong credit may access more favorable rates, whereas a low credit score can result in higher premium costs.
  • Age and Gender: Younger drivers, especially males, often face higher rates due to a perceived higher risk. Older, more experienced drivers tend to enjoy lower premiums.
  • Vehicle Type: The make, model and age of your car impact your rates. High-value or high-performance cars might command higher insurance costs.
  • Location: Urban areas with higher traffic density and theft rates typically see increased insurance premiums compared to rural, less congested areas.
  • Coverage Level: Opting for collision insurance and comprehensive insurance will affect costs, with more coverage leading to higher rates.
  • State Minimum Requirements: Meeting Tennessee's state minimum coverage can affect how affordable your plan is — all drivers must be protected against liabilities.
  • Annual Mileage: The distance you drive annually can influence your rates. Less mileage might reduce the risk of accidents and, consequently, the insurance cost.
  • Marital Status: Married individuals often receive lower insurance quotes, as they are statistically seen to be less risky compared to single drivers.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Tennessee

To get affordable car insurance in Tennessee, compare prices, raise your deductible and take advantage of all available discounts to save on premiums.

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    Shop Around

    Comparing rates from different insurers can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee. Don't settle for the first quote you receive.

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    Maintain a Clean Driving Record

    Drivers with no accidents or traffic violations typically qualify for lower rates. Safe driving habits can save you hundreds of dollars annually.

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    Increase Your Deductible

    Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium. Ensure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.

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    Bundle Policies

    Bundling car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance can lead to discounts and more affordable rates.

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    Look for Discounts

    Insurers offer various discounts such as for good students, military personnel or those driving fewer miles. Always ask for available discounts.

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    Choose a Cost-Effective Vehicle

    Some cars are cheaper to insure. Research which vehicles have lower insurance costs before making a purchase.

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    Review Your Coverage

    Regularly assess your coverage needs. You may find you're paying for coverage that's no longer necessary.

FAQ: Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee

Review our answers to frequently asked questions about the average costs of car insurance in the Volunteer State, which can help you make an informed decision.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Tennessee?
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in Tennessee?
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in Tennessee?
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Tennessee?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.