Tennessee's top five carriers split cleanly into two groups: Auto-Owners and Travelers both price full coverage under $80/month while maintaining strong service records, while Erie, Farm Bureau and Progressive each lead in a specific area: customer experience, minimum coverage affordability and add-on depth, respectively. Our analysis found that the best car insurance for most Tennessee drivers comes down to which of those categories matters most to their situation, because no single carrier leads across all three.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for 2026
Updated: June 2, 2026
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My Experience Reviewing Tennessee's Top Car Insurers
Auto-Owners: Best Overall in TennesseeAuto-Owners is the rare carrier that leads on both price and service simultaneously. Full coverage averages $77/month, the lowest among the top five, and it earns the top customer experience score in our Tennessee rankings. For drivers who want the strongest all-around pick without having to trade one for the other, nothing else in Tennessee's top five matches that combination.
Travelers: Best Balance of Price and CoverageTravelers prices full coverage at $78/month, just $1/month more than Auto-Owners, but offers a broader add-on selection with a coverage score of 3.93/5 versus Auto-Owners' 3.39/5. That includes rideshare coverage, gap insurance and accident forgiveness, options that Auto-Owners doesn't match. For drivers who want competitive pricing without giving up coverage flexibility, Travelers is the strongest alternative in Tennessee's top five.
Tennessee Farm Bureau: Cheapest Minimum CoverageTennessee Farm Bureau offers the lowest minimum coverage rate in the top five at $27/month, the defining reason it earns its position in Tennessee's rankings despite a coverage score of 2.50/5, the lowest in the group. Full coverage costs $82/month, 18% below the state average. For drivers who carry only liability coverage and want the lowest possible rate, no top-five Tennessee carrier comes in cheaper.
Erie Insurance: Best Customer ExperienceErie Insurance earns a 4.76/5 customer experience score, the highest in Tennessee's top five, and its J.D. Power 2025 Southeast score of 718 ranks first in the region. That service record is the defining reason Erie earns its place in Tennessee's top five despite full coverage at $102/month, just above the state average. Its coverage score of 4.20/5 ranks third among the top five, ahead of both Auto-Owners and Travelers.
Progressive: Best Coverage OptionsProgressive earns a 4.82/5 coverage score, the highest in Tennessee's top five, with rideshare endorsements, gap insurance and the Snapshot telematics program all available in Tennessee. Full coverage costs $108/month, 7% above the state average and the highest among the top five. For drivers who need the broadest possible range of add-ons and are willing to pay a premium for it, Progressive is the only carrier in the group that delivers that full selection.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Tennessee: Scores and Methodology
Auto-Owners | 4.84/5 | #1 | #1 | #6 |
Travelers | 4.74/5 | #2 | #3 | #5 |
Tennessee Farm Bureau | 4.35/5 | #3 | #5 | #8 |
Erie Insurance | 4.32/5 | #5 | #2 | #3 |
Progressive | 4.05/5 | #6 | #4 | #2 |
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek's Tennessee Ratings
MoneyGeek evaluated 10 insurance companies in Tennessee, including national carriers and Southeast regional insurers. Rankings combine rate analysis, customer feedback, and coverage assessments across three weighted factors. MoneyGeek does not receive compensation tied to which companies rank highest. Rate data comes from Quadrant Information Services, which sources actual insurance filings across every ZIP code.
Affordability (60% of total score): Rate quotes were gathered for multiple driver profiles using a baseline 40-year-old male driver with good credit, a clean driving record, and no prior claims. Quotes covered full coverage at 100/300/100,000 limits with a $1,000 comprehensive and collision deductible, plus Tennessee-minimum coverage. Additional quotes covered young drivers and senior drivers. Driver profiles with violations were also tested, including DUI convictions, at-fault accidents, and speeding tickets, to measure how each carrier prices each category. Affordability scores reflect the carrier's performance across all of these driver profiles, with a baseline adult-driver clean-record rate weighted most heavily.
Customer experience (30% of total score): Customer satisfaction data was compiled from J.D. Power studies (including the 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and the 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study), AM Best financial strength ratings, and multi-platform review aggregation. NAIC complaint indexes also feed the composite score. J.D. Power scores shown in each carrier section are one input to the composite, not the full ranking.
Coverage options (10% of total score): Coverage scoring measures each provider's range of coverage types and Tennessee-specific add-on availability. Standard coverages (bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments / PIP, comprehensive, collision) are included in the baseline score. Add-on coverages weighted in the score include accident forgiveness, new car replacement, rideshare endorsements, gap insurance, custom parts coverage, mechanical breakdown insurance, and pay-per-mile or telematics-based programs. Coverages restricted or unavailable under Tennessee law are excluded from the score for all carriers.
*Rates and rankings on this page reflect a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean record. Full coverage rates use 100/300/100,000 liability limits with a $1,000 comprehensive and collision deductible. Minimum coverage rates use Tennessee's mandatory 25/50/15 liability limits per Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-102(12)(D), without UM/UIM, comprehensive, or collision. UM/UIM is offer-reject in Tennessee per Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-7-1201 (insurers must include UM and UIM at limits matching liability unless the insured rejects in writing); the baseline excludes UM/UIM. TN is a tort state with no PIP mandate; first-party medical is optional MedPay.
**USAA is excluded from all rankings because it is available only to military members and their families, which limits its accessibility for most readers.
Best Tennessee Car Insurance Company Ratings
Auto-Owners
#1 Best Overall in Tennessee
MoneyGeek Rating
4.8/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
3.4/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Full Coverage Rate
$77Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate
$28J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study Score
641/1,000
Travelers
#2 Best Overall — Best Balance of Price and Coverage
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
3.9/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Full Coverage Rate
$78Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate
$39J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study Score
606/1,000
Farm Bureau
#3 Best Overall — Cheapest Minimum Coverage
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
4/5Customer Experience
2.5/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Full Coverage Rate
$82Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate
$27J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study Score
696/1,000 (ranked 2nd in region)
Erie
#4 Best Overall — Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ 5
4.1/5Affordability
4.8/5Customer Experience
4.2/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Full Coverage Rate
$102Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate
$37J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study Score
718/1,000 (ranked 1st in region)
Progressive
#5 Best Overall — Best Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.0/ 5
3.9/5Affordability
4.1/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Full Coverage Rate
$108Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate
$68J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study Score
645/1,000
WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN TENNESSEE
Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country at 21.3%, meaning roughly one in five drivers on the road carries no insurance. That makes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage more consequential here than in most states. Every Tennessee policy includes it by default at limits matching your liability coverage, though you can reject it in writing.
The state minimum is $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $15,000 in property damage liability. That $15,000 property damage floor is among the lowest in the country, which matters if you cause an accident involving a newer vehicle — the minimum likely won't cover the full repair bill. Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning you can recover damages from another driver as long as you're less than 50% at fault, with your recovery reduced by your share of responsibility.
Rates at Tennessee's Best Car Insurance Companies
Tennessee's full coverage state average of $100/month is about 22% below the national average, but that figure masks wide variation within the state. Memphis carries the highest urban premiums driven by vehicle theft and crash exposure, while Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga also price above the state average. Rural East Tennessee along the Cumberland Plateau and rural West Tennessee counties come in below it. A carrier that prices best for a Memphis ZIP won't necessarily price best for a rural Hardeman County ZIP. For minimum coverage, Tennessee's $53/month state average actually exceeds the national average of $46/month, a product of the state's 21.3% uninsured rate and Memphis-Shelby County claim concentration.
All three of the top-ranked carriers by price come in well below the state average, with Auto-Owners at $77/month and Travelers at $78/month offering the strongest full coverage value. Erie and Progressive both price above the state average, with Progressive's $68/month minimum coverage rate more than double Farm Bureau's $27/month for the same profile. Use the Tennessee car insurance calculator to estimate where your profile and ZIP code land.
$77 | $28 | 23% below | |
$78 | $39 | 22% below | |
$82 | $27 | 18% below | |
$102 | $37 | 1% above | |
$108 | $68 | 7% above |
Coverage Options at Tennessee's Best Car Insurance Companies
Travelers and Progressive both cover all 13 tracked coverages, the only carriers in the group with a complete lineup. Erie follows at 12, Auto-Owners at 11 and Farm Bureau at 8. The most consequential gap is gap insurance, available only through Travelers and Progressive, making both the stronger fit for drivers financing a vehicle. Rideshare coverage is available through Travelers, Erie and Progressive but not Auto-Owners or Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau is the only carrier without accident forgiveness, new car replacement or custom parts coverage.
Bodily injury liability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Property damage liability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Comprehensive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Collision | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Medical payments / PIP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Roadside assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Rental reimbursement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Accident forgiveness | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
New car replacement | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Rideshare coverage | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Gap insurance | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Custom parts coverage | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Coverage total | 11/13 | 13/13 | 8/13 | 12/13 | 13/13 |
How to Use These Rankings to Find Your Best Tennessee Carrier
Your best Tennessee carrier depends on which of the following profiles fits your situation.
If price is your top priorityAuto-Owners offers the lowest full coverage rate among Tennessee's top five at $77/month, 23% below the state average, with minimum coverage at $28/month. For a full rate breakdown by carrier and ZIP, see cheapest Tennessee car insurance.
- If you want the best Tennessee claims experience
Erie Insurance scored 718 in J.D. Power's 2025 Southeast region study, the highest score in the region and the strongest third-party satisfaction signal among Tennessee's top five. Its MoneyGeek customer experience score of 4.76/5 ranks second behind Auto-Owners. Full coverage averages $102/month for that service edge.
- If you want the best balance of price and coverage
Auto-Owners leads our Tennessee rankings at 4.84/5 with full coverage at $77/month. Travelers scores 4.74/5 at $78/month but offers a broader add-on selection, with a coverage score of 3.93/5 versus Auto-Owners' 3.39/5. For $1/month more, Travelers delivers more coverage flexibility.
If you have a young driver in your householdAuto-Owners prices full coverage for a 20-year-old at approximately $152/month, the most competitive young driver rate among the top five. Bundling auto and home sharpens the savings further. The best home and auto bundle in Tennessee covers which carriers offer the deepest combined discounts.
If you have a DUI or violationFarm Bureau offers the lowest rates after a DUI among Tennessee's top five for drivers who qualify for membership. Tennessee requires an SR-22 filing with TDOSHS for the duration of your license suspension or revocation. Tennessee SR-22 insurance covers the filing process and carrier options in detail.
If you live in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville or ChattanoogaAll four metros carry premiums above the state average. For city-specific rate breakdowns, see our guides for Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Best Tennessee Car Insurance: FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $15,000 in property damage liability. That $15,000 property damage floor is among the lowest in the country and may not cover repairs on a newer vehicle if you cause an accident. Every policy also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at matching limits by default, though you can reject it in writing. Tennessee doesn't require PIP, but MedPay is available as an optional add-on.
What happens if I drive without insurance in Tennessee?
Driving without insurance is a Class C misdemeanor, but if an uninsured driver causes an accident resulting in injury or death, the charge elevates to a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to $2,500 in fines and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Tennessee monitors coverage electronically through its Vehicle Insurance Verification Program, so a lapse triggers consequences quickly, including license and registration suspension, reinstatement fees and an SR-22 filing requirement.
How does Tennessee's modified comparative negligence rule affect car insurance claims?
Tennessee follows a 50% bar rule, meaning you can recover damages from another driver as long as you're less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced proportionally by your share of responsibility. If you're found 50% or more at fault, you're barred from recovery entirely. That threshold is the same as Georgia and South Carolina, and stricter than the 51% bar used in states like Indiana and Ohio.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee?
Technically no, because you can reject it in writing. But with 21.3% of Tennessee drivers uninsured, the fifth highest rate in the country, and a $15,000 property damage floor that may not cover a newer vehicle, declining UM/UIM creates compounded financial exposure. Most drivers are better served keeping it at limits that match their liability coverage. See Tennessee SR-22 insurance for related post-violation coverage requirements.
What is the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 in Tennessee?
Tennessee uses SR-22 only. It's filed by your insurer with TDOSHS following a DUI, reckless driving conviction, at-fault uninsured accident or driving on a suspended license, and stays in place for the duration of your license suspension or revocation. A coverage lapse extends the requirement. Tennessee doesn't use FR-44, which is a Virginia-specific filing that requires higher liability limits than the state minimum.
What is Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance?
Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance is a home-state mutual carrier available exclusively to Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation members. It scored 696 in J.D. Power's 2025 Southeast region study, second behind Erie Insurance at 718 and above the 667 regional average. Membership is required to purchase a policy, which not every Tennessee driver will qualify for. The Tennessee Farm Bureau review covers coverage details, rate examples and service ratings.
Sources
- J.D. Power. “2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.”
- Insurance Information Institute (III). “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists.”
- Tennessee Department of Revenue. “Financial Responsibility Law.”
- Justia. “Tennessee Code Title 56: Insurance (§§ 56-1-101—56-61-125).”
- AM Best. “Ratings Services.”
For the complete breakdown of MoneyGeek's scoring weights and rate baseline construction, see our full auto insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he produces original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). His career began in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.