Auto Insurance
Best & CheapestAuto InsuranceHigh-RiskBest Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Tennessee
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Insurers charge drivers with a history of serious violations and inexperienced teenage drivers higher car insurance premiums due to their likelihood of filing a claim. Tennessee drivers with violations and young drivers should compare quotes from various insurance companies to secure the best insurance rates.
State Farm is the best insurer in Tennessee for high-risk drivers and one that offers quality service and affordable car insurance rates. Based on our findings, it provides the cheapest high-risk auto insurance in the state. The average high-risk policyholder pays $843 per year, though your specific driver's profile will determine your rate.
Best & CheapestAuto InsuranceHigh-RiskBest Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023
Cheapest for High-Risk Drivers - State Farm
Best for High-Risk Drivers - State Farm
Cheapest After a DUI - State Farm
Cheapest for Teen Drivers - State Farm
Cheapest for Bad Credit - GEICO
High-risk drivers, such as those with tickets, DUI convictions, at-fault accidents, lapses in coverage or young drivers with little experience behind the wheel, may find it more challenging to obtain affordable car insurance.
Insurance for high-risk drivers tends to be costlier than for safe drivers because car insurance companies calculate your rate based on your risk level. The higher your chances of filing a claim, the higher your insurance premium. For example, if you are a high-risk driver in Tennessee, your auto insurance will cost 25% more than insurance for the average driver.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?
Insurance companies don’t just look at traffic violations when categorizing drivers as high-risk, and a clean driving record may not necessarily mean a lower rate. Factors such as your credit score or the type of vehicle you drive may significantly affect your premiums. A past violation can also result in higher costs despite driving a safe vehicle and having good credit.
The following groups typically pay higher car insurance premiums:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tennessee for High-Risk Drivers
MoneyGeek found State Farm to be Tennessee’s cheapest insurer for high-risk drivers. The average cost of a State Farm policy for high-risk drivers is $843 per year. By reading MoneyGeek's comprehensive review of State Farm's car insurance, you can learn more about its coverage, costs and benefits.
SR-22 INSURANCE
Some states require that motorists convicted of serious traffic offenses or found driving without a license or insurance carry SR-22 insurance. This document certifies that your insurance meets the required minimum in your state.
In Tennessee, SR-22 insurance is not mandatory, but a Tennessee-registered driver may have to file an SR-22 if convicted of DUI in a state that requires one.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for High-Risk Drivers
MoneyGeek ranks State Farm as the top high-risk auto insurance provider in Tennessee, with a score of 92 out of 100. Learn more about State Farm's average rates, customer service and coverage in our State Farm review.
Second in the state is Erie, which scored 84 out of 100. Compared to State Farm, its average annual premium is a bit higher. Check out MoneyGeek's review of Erie to learn more about the insurer's features.
1
State FarmBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:93
A high-risk driver in Tennessee can get auto insurance from State Farm for $843 a year, on average. This rate is 11% higher than that for drivers with clean records.
More About State Farm
State Farm is available in 50 states, including Washington, D.C., and has affordable rates for most drivers. Customers can take advantage of various discounts, such as student and good driver discounts. State Farm also offers rideshare insurance to policyholders who work for ridesharing companies.
However, the insurer does not offer coverage for OEM, accident forgiveness, better replacement cars and gap insurance.
2
Erie
Score:84
In Tennessee, Erie offers the second-best high-risk car insurance at an average annual price of $994, 22% higher than the average price for clean drivers.
More About Erie
Erie offers discounts when you install airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems in your vehicle. It also provides rental car and/or travel reimbursement, new car replacement, better car replacement and accident forgiveness. Young drivers who complete accredited driver training courses are also eligible for discounts. Erie has affordable policies for all types of drivers.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
HIgh-risk Tennessee drivers who want quality coverage may have to pay more for their policies. The state does not offer a government program for Tennessee families and individuals with low incomes. Drivers with limited funds can consider a minimum coverage policy. Those who don’t drive often can also consider pay-per-mile policies.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tennessee for Drivers With a DUI
Based on MoneyGeek's study, State Farm provides Tennessee’s cheapest car insurance for people with DUI convictions. The average annual cost of coverage is $820. We summarize the benefits and coverage options of State Farm auto insurance in our review.
USAA also offers high-risk car insurance to military members with DUIs in the state at affordable rates.
LOOK-BACK PERIODS
A look-back period is the length of time a DUI remains on your driving record. DUIs in Tennessee typically carry a ten-year look-back period. If you commit another DUI offense during this time, the courts consider past convictions when sentencing.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tennessee for Teenage Drivers
According to MoneyGeek, State Farm is the cheapest high-risk insurer for teenage drivers in Tennessee. The average annual cost for teen drivers is $3,405, but actual rates may vary based on their specific age. Our review of State Farm provides more information about the insurer.
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The cost of auto insurance is higher for teens and student drivers. Even so, MoneyGeek recommends purchasing a full coverage policy over the state minimum to ensure your finances are protected in the likely case of an accident. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the most affordable auto insurance for students.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tennessee for Drivers With Bad Credit
MoneyGeek’s study found that GEICO offers high-risk drivers with bad credit the lowest car insurance rates. The average cost of coverage for those with poor credit is $1,196, 37% higher than the $754 for drivers with good credit pay. MoneyGeek’s GEICO review provides further insight into the company.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Your credit score impacts your auto insurance rate in Tennessee. The lower your credit score, the higher your rate. Nevertheless, you can still acquire affordable auto insurance if you have bad credit. By comparing quotes from different insurers and shopping around, finding one within your budget is possible.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Tennessee?
Insurance providers consider several factors when calculating car insurance rates, such as driving history and profile. For example, you will pay a higher premium if you are classified as a high-risk driver.
High-risk drivers typically pay $1,207 per year for auto insurance, while drivers with clean records pay $888, a difference of $318 per year.
Annual Car Insurance Cost in TN for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers
Annual Premium
Low-Risk Driver
$888Annual Premium
High-Risk Driver
$1,207In Tennessee, high-risk drivers pay:$319 more
This is 36% more expensive.
With our auto insurance calculator, high-risk drivers in Tennessee can customize quotes using variables such as their age, driving record and coverage level. Additionally, you can use our tool to identify the factors that influence your rates.
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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Tennessee if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?
Insurers are privately owned and can refuse to insure high-risk drivers for numerous reasons. A residual automobile market policy is your best alternative if you cannot get standard automobile insurance. The Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) has offered state-specific residual plans to high-risk drivers for 48 years.
Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan
AIPSO's plans differ by state, and Tennessee’s plan is the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan. Insurance seekers with difficulty getting coverage are matched with insurers willing to offer coverage. Auto insurers in Tennessee share the risks associated with the Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CT
Email
southeast@aipso.com
Phone
(800) 301-6477
Fax
(800) 677-7247
Mailing Address
Southeastern Region, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530
Auto Insurance
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Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a high-risk auto insurance company in Tennessee, you should consider several factors. MoneyGeek answered several questions about high-risk auto insurance in the state to help you find a policy that suits your needs.
Methodology
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.
To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- AIPSO. "AIPSO’s Value to the Insurance Industry." Accessed September 15, 2022.
- Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office. "Plan Sites." Accessed September 15, 2022.
- AIPSO. "Tennessee Automobile Insurance Plan." Accessed September 15, 2022.
- Responsibility.org. "State Law: DUI Look-Back Periods." Accessed September 15, 2022.