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Which providers in the Volunteer State offer the cheapest rates?
Tennessee is one of the most affordable states, according to data from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis. Specifically, Tennessee’s average annual cost of living in 2021 was $42,469, compared to the national average of $47,915. The average cost of car insurance across the state is also lower compared to other states. However, many people may still need help finding protective policies at reasonable prices.
Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new driver in Tennessee, knowing which kind of auto insurance coverage you need and how much it will cost you is crucial. This page covers our top picks for affordable policies for all drivers. Keep reading to discover how you can save on your auto insurance.
Below, we’ve compiled average annual auto insurance costs from various companies depending on coverage level and demographic information. Keep in mind that auto insurance providers base their rates on various factors, including a person’s age, ZIP code, marital status, driving history and vehicle model.
Therefore, we suggest you compare online car insurance quotes from different companies to find the cheapest car insurance premiums for you and your circumstances. The cheapest car insurance company for someone with a clean driving record, for example, will be different for someone with a bad driving record. See the lowest average auto insurance rates for different demographics below.
Drivers in Tennessee with certain violations, including DUIs, must file SR-22 forms, which raise the cost of car insurance.
Car insurance rates are highest for young drivers ages 16 to 19. Take a look at the average rates you can expect according to each age range.
Age | Average annual cost |
---|---|
16 | $4,538 |
17 | $3,690 |
18 | $3,189 |
19 | $2,364 |
20s | $1,958 |
30s | $1,136 |
40s | $1,095 |
50s | $1,004 |
60s | $802 |
Auto insurance companies in Tennessee can consider your credit score when calculating your yearly premium. However, state law prohibits companies from denying or canceling insurance policies on the basis of credit solely.1
Our top picks for the best auto insurance in Tennessee include:
Tennessee’s minimum liability coverages are as follows:
Because these liability coverages cover the other party’s expenses if you cause an accident, many drivers invest in optional coverages to cover their own expenses. You should consider opting for the following coverages:
Although this alternative does not apply to most people, Tennessee has a self-insurance option for auto insurance. Residents who own 25 vehicles or more can apply for self-insurance by submitting an application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Car insurance in Tennessee is cheaper than in other states, with an average annual cost of $854 compared to the national average of $1,047, as of 2020.3 That said, certain factors, such as your credit and driving history, may lead to higher rates or lower if you have good credit and driving history.
If you want the most protection as possible at an affordable price, we suggest you compare quotes from different providers. Continue reading through our frequently asked questions to learn more about car insurance and driving laws in Tennessee.
If you drive without the minimum liability insurance requirements in Tennessee, expect to face the following penalties if you cannot provide proof of insurance to the Department of Revenue within 30 days.
Violation | Maximum fine | License suspension? | Registration suspension? | SR-22 requirement? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Driving without insurance | $300 | Yes, until you retake your driver’s examination | Yes, until you provide proof of insurance | Yes, 3 years |
As an at-fault state, Tennessee offers medical payments coverage as opposed to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, Tennessee does not require medical payments coverage, though you may choose to buy this optional policy to cover your own medical expenses in the event of an accident.
No, Tennessee does not require drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage. However, many Tennesseans find this coverage helpful. Tennessee is among the top three states with the highest percentage of uninsured and underinsured drivers, standing at 24 percent, according to a 2021 report from the Insurance Research Council.
No, Tennessee is an at-fault state, which means the at-fault party’s insurance pays for the other party’s medical expenses and property damage.
2021 Tennessee Code Title 56 Part 2 – Restrictions on Use of Credit Scores. JUSTIA US Law. (2021).
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-56/chapter-5/part-2/section-56-5-202/
Why You Should Have Auto Insurance. Tennessee Department of Revenue. (2023).
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration/drive-insured-tennessee/for-drivers/why-you-should-have-auto-insurance.html
2019/2020 Auto Insurance Database Report. National Association of Insurance. (2023, Jan).
https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-aut-pb-auto-insurance-database.pdf