How Much Is Tennessee Car Insurance?

Ever wonder how much drivers in Tennessee pay for car insurance? Check out the average price that most people pay and see if you can find a cheaper rate.

Get Quotes in Less Than 3 Minutes

Affordable Car Insurance in Tennessee

Tennessee is a land of diverse natural beauty, with the Mississippi River on its western border and the Appalachian Mountains running up its eastern side. And, of course, its two biggest cities—Memphis and Nashville—are known for great music and great southern food. All these attractions bring tourists into the state in droves, and that always increases the risks on the local roads.

Still, Tennessee’s typical car insurance rates are in the lower half of average state rates. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth shopping around and comparing quotes to make sure you’re paying as little as possible each month for optimal coverage. Our objective, carrier-neutral system analyzes various factors to connect you with the lowest premiums.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates in Tennessee

Carriers look at multiple variables when determining your insurance rate. Your age, location, driving history, and state requirements are all factors in determining the price you pay. We used our in-house reporting to determine the companies that offer the cheapest car insurance rates in Tennessee. Direct Auto came in with the lowest rate currently available in Tennessee at $58.46 per month. Followed by State Farm at $112.34 per month and USAA at $113.92 per month.

Lowest Rate

Direct Auto

$58.46
Highest Rate

Celina Insurance Group

$413.34
Average Rate

Tennessee

$97
RankCompanyAvg monthly rate
1 Direct Auto $58.46 / month
2 State Farm $112.34 / month
3 USAA $113.92 / month
4 Penn National $120.17 / month
5 Grange Mutual $155.67 / month
6 Tennessee Farmers $156.25 / month
7 National General $157.98 / month
8 National General Value $157.98 / month
9 Westfield $181.63 / month
10 Auto-Owners Insurance Co $194.46 / month
11 Chubb $198.92 / month
12 Safeco $200.80 / month
13 Dairyland Broadform $209.75 / month
14 Travelers $219.75 / month
15 Nationwide $221.96 / month
16 Erie $231.00 / month
17 Encompass $261.79 / month
18 Cincinnati Insurance $268.75 / month
19 Allied $272.04 / month
20 Metropolitan $279.75 / month
21 Allstate $280.38 / month
22 Safe Auto $300.34 / month
23 Dairyland Auto $309.78 / month
24 Farmers $335.59 / month
25 Celina Insurance Group $413.34 / month

Top 10 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance

If you are lucky enough to live in one of these cities you are likely paying some of the lowest car insurance rates available in Tennessee. According to our data, Mountain City comes in at the cheapest at only $70.42 per month. Other cities that made the top 10 list include Limestone at $71.49 per month, Johnson City at $71.82 per month, and White Pine at $73.55 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Mountain City, TN$70.42 / month
2 Limestone, TN$71.49 / month
3 Johnson City , TN$71.82 / month
4 White Pine, TN$73.55 / month
5 Elizabethton, TN$73.61 / month
6 Mc Minnville, TN$73.95 / month
7 Soddy Daisy, TN$75.50 / month
8 South Pittsburg, TN$75.61 / month
9 Jonesborough, TN$75.96 / month
10 Church Hill, TN$76.12 / month

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance

These top 10 cities ranked as the most expensive places in Tennessee for car insurance. Location is a big factor when determining the price you pay for car insurance and these cities came in at the top. Bartlett is the most expensive city in Tennessee at $155.49 per month. Second and third place goes to Mt. Juliet at $142.18 per month and Germantown at $134.22 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Bartlett , TN $155.49 / month
2 Mt. Juliet , TN $142.18 / month
3 Germantown , TN $134.22 / month
4 Memphis , TN $127.34 / month
5 Munford , TN $124.60 / month
6 Atoka , TN $121.73 / month
7 Cordova , TN $121.58 / month
8 Collierville , TN $117.04 / month
9 Arlington , TN $114.90 / month
10 Drummonds , TN $113.75 / month

Average Quotes by Top Companies

Rates can vary wildly from company to company. Here is a quick look at a few rates from some of the top car insurance companies in Tennessee.

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in Tennessee

SmartFinancial helps thousands of drivers every day find and compare the best car insurance rates available. Here is a list of some recent quotes that we recently found for drivers in Tennessee.

CompanyMonthly rateVehicle
General $562017 Chevrolet Cruze
Mercury $1872010 Nissan Armada
ClearCover $1952015 Chevrolet Tahoe
21st Century $522003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Everest $482003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Infinity $922003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Everest $792003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Infinity $682015 Infiniti Q50
Safeco $902001 Honda Civic
Metlife $1882011 Honda Cr V
Safe Auto $532019 Kia Sorento
21st Century $602017 Kia Sorento

Methodology

The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Tennessee

Every state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. Tennessee drivers are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages and injuries inflicted on someone else in an auto accident.

icon
$25,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person

icon
$50,000

Bodily injury coverage per accident

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to multiple people

icon
$15,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

The state requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident. You’re also required to have $15,000 of property damage liability insurance. These coverages protect you if you’re found at-fault in an accident.

Tennessee is a “fault” state, which means the at-fault driver in a car accident is responsible for paying for damages. This means you should carry as much liability insurance as you can afford to protect yourself should you be found at-fault in an accident.

Tennessee may set your minimum coverage requirements to drive legally, but the state isn’t the only party with a say in what you need. If you have or will be taking out an auto loan, the lender typically insists on a greater level of coverage to protect their financial interests. Remember to take this into account when figuring out your monthly car insurance expenses.

Optional Coverage in Tennessee

  • Uninsured Motorist
  • Medical Payments
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Accident Forgiveness
  • Loss of Use/Rental Car
  • Loan/Lease Gap
  • Customized Parts and Equipment
  • Travel Expenses

Optional coverages offer extra financial protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident. They are not required by law. Some exclusions will apply.

Tennessee Car Safety

Tennessee has a high number of traffic accidents and related deaths relative to its population size and density. While the urban/rural split isn’t greatly exaggerated, there are consistently more fatalities in rural areas of the state; higher speed limits, darker environments, and road fatigue all contribute to this. Also of note is that about 1 in 4 traffic deaths in the state involve a DUI.

Car Safety for Tennessee Kids

Any child under 1 year of age or weighing less than 20 lbs. must be in an appropriate rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle (provided there is a back seat). Kids age 1 to 3 and over 20 lbs. have to be in a forward-facing, properly rated car seat in the back seat of the vehicle (again, as long as there is a back seat). However, if your infant car seat is rated for rear-facing use up to a higher weight limit—usually 30 or 35 lbs.—you may continue to use it that way until your child reaches the limit.

Children 4 to 8 years old and all children less than 4′ 9″ in height must use a seat belt-positioning booster seat in the back seat, assuming there is one. Those age 9 to 12 and over this height have to be secured with the vehicle’s built-in restraint system. While it’s not the law, it’s still recommended that these children ride in the rear seats; they’re better protected in the event of an accident, including from injuries that can be caused by airbag deployment. The state drops this recommendation at age 13.

It is against the law in Tennessee for a person to knowingly leave a child younger than 7 years unsupervised in a vehicle on public property. It doesn’t matter if the child is unattended for 5 minutes or 50 minutes if conditions pose a risk to the child’s safety, the engine is running, or the keys are inside the motor vehicle. Public property can include shopping centers, apartment complexes, or any other location frequented by the public at large.

A child is considered supervised if left in the company of a person at least 13 years of age. Leaving a child unattended and at risk is a Class B misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of $200 or $500 dollars, depending on the number of violations.

Leaving a young child unattended not only puts them in danger of accidental injury and violence by a stranger, but it also increases the risk of heat-related death. Temperatures in a parked car can reach dangerous levels within minutes, potentially causing brain damage, injury, and death. Cracking the windows will not help. Please do not leave your child unattended in a vehicle, and report an unattended child by calling 911. Also, note that hot vehicle interiors pose the same threats to pets.

icon
1,036

Tennessee traffic accident fatalities in 2016

icon
101

Pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2016

icon
26

Percent of traffic deaths involving a drunk driver

Driving Green in Tennessee

When you’re surrounded by great rivers, majestic mountains, and beautiful farmland, it’s hard not to be thoughtful about the environment. Eco-minded drivers in Tennessee can do more than just help protect nature—they can also save some cash by making green decisions about their vehicles and driving habits.

Some incentives available to environmentally conscious Tennessee residents include:

icon

Vehicle Registration Emissions Testing Exemptions

While only certain Tennessee counties require emissions testing at registration, the requirement is waived for electric vehicles. The exemption doesn’t apply to hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) that can run on gasoline, though. Learn more about emissions testing requirements on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation website.

icon

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Smart Pass for Hybrid Vehicles

Some (but not all) low-emission and energy-efficient hybrids qualify for a Smart Pass that allows you to drive in HOV lanes at any time of day, regardless of whether you have passengers. All you need to do is apply for the Smart Pass decal, which is provided free of charge if your vehicle qualifies, and affix it to the outside of your rear window on the passenger side. The application is available online at the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.

icon

Green Auto Insurance Discounts

Drivers in Tennessee may be eligible for discounts on their car insurance for green driving habits and vehicles. Many carriers extend these offers if you have a small, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle, or if you keep your mileage low. This is something to discuss with your representative.

Tennessee Car Insurance FAQ

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Tennessee?

Auto insurance companies in Tennessee use your credit score and other financial information to determine your potential risk before calculating your insurance premiums. Your credit history and score can have a significant impact on how much you pay each month for car insurance.

Does Tennessee offer a good-driver discount?

Many auto insurance providers offer discounts on coverage to Tennessee drivers with good records. Inquire about this when getting a quote or when talking to your current representative. Ask about other relevant potential discounts too, such as:

  • Accident-Free
  • Anti-Lock Brake
  • Anti-Theft Device
  • Driver Education Course
  • Good Student
  • Home Ownership
  • Multi-Car
  • Multiple Lines
  • Passive Restraint
  • Vehicle Safety

Does Tennessee allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Since mid-2013, drivers in Tennessee have been able to show proof of coverage on their smartphones, tablets, or other electronic mobile devices. Ask your carrier to provide an official digital card; most, but not all, do. A digital picture of your printed card does not have to be accepted.

What happens if my coverage lapses?

You must always maintain at least the minimum coverage required by Tennessee law. Penalties for violations became steeper in 2017. If you drive without car insurance, including with a lapsed policy, you can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, face fines of up to $300, have your vehicle towed, and have your license and vehicle registration suspended.

What are Tennessee’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It’s illegal to operate a vehicle in Tennessee with the following BAC percentages:

.08%+ for 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ for under 21 years old

Tennessee has a no-tolerance policy regarding underage drinking and driving. If you’re under the age of 21 and register 0.02% or higher BAC, regardless of impairment, you can be convicted of a DUI and have your license revoked for 1 year, plus be fined up to $250 and sentenced to community service.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Tennessee?

Like many states, Tennessee has an implied consent law that says all drivers have consented to a breath, blood, or urine chemical test; the type is at the law enforcement officer’s choosing. The first refusal is an automatic revocation of your driver’s license for 1 year and a second refusal is the same, but for 2 years. Penalties are higher with subsequent infractions or if you’ve previously been in a DUI-related crash that has caused injury or death.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

Many variables affect punishment in the event of a DUI conviction, such as how many prior offenses you have, whether you’ve injured or killed someone, whether you had a minor in the vehicle while driving under the influence, and whether your BAC is at 0.20% or higher.

Even without any of these other circumstances, first-time offenders receive stiff penalties in Tennessee. They face mandatory jail time of at least 48 hours and up to 1 year, license revocation for 1 year, $350 to $1,500 in fines, mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program, up to several thousand dollars in related fees, and possible installation of an ignition interlock device at their own expense (which can run to $1,000 in a year).

For more comprehensive explanations of DUI penalties, including mitigating circumstances and for repeat offenders, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Does Tennessee offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

Tennessee drivers may be compelled to complete driver improvement programs once they accumulate 12 or more points on their driving record in a 1-year period (or 6 points if they’re under 18 years old), and they may take these courses to lower penalties in the event of some motor vehicle infractions. These courses can also be completed to qualify for car insurance discounts from many carriers in the state. Learn more about these programs and find state-approved providers at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Tennessee car insurance?

The first step to reducing your premium is determining the type and amount of coverage you have. Then, you can shop around, adjust your coverages, compare rates, and ask for discounts. Paying upfront, improving your credit score, and maintaining a clean driving record also help.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires that all insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage in an amount equal to the limits for BIL and PDL. However, drivers in Tennessee can reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing or choose lower uninsured motorist limits. It’s a recommended type of coverage, though, protecting against costs incurred in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run crash.

Compare Car Insurance Rates in Tennessee for Free

Answer a few questions and let Penny find the best rates in your area.