Car Insurance in Tennessee

Here's what you need to know when driving in Tennessee

The average car insurance rate in Tennessee is $1,262 per year — 17% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Tennessee car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Tennessee based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Tennessee

The cheapest car insurance companies in Tennessee

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Tennessee auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Tennessee. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Tennessee, expect to pay an average of $373 annually. This premium is less expensive than the nationwide average by 31%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Tennessee, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

• $25,000 in bodily injury per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Tennessee, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,093, 193% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay around $1,327.

Tennessee car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Tennessee.

Cheap auto insurance in Tennessee for minimum coverage

Getting the bare minimum coverage required by the state of Tennessee is certainly one of the best ways to stay legal for the minimum price. Be warned, however, that minimum coverage rarely provides enough coverage to suitably protect you and your vehicle. For that reason, it's highly recommended that you take the minimum coverage rates listed below as a starting from which to consider expanding limits or adding coverage options.

Cheap auto insurance in Tennessee with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Tennessee drivers with poor credit pay 162% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Tennessee

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Tennessee, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4.351 per year — 245% more than a typical Tennessee driver.

Tennessee auto insurance rate by violation

In Tennessee, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 103% after a DUI and as much as 39% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in Tennessee after a few common citations.

Tennessee DUI laws

In Tennessee, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,565. That’s 7% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Tennessee

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Tennessee, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Tennessee, State Farm, averages around 57% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Tennessee is Farmers, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices just above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Tennessee SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Tennessee to ensure that you remain insured.

Car insurance with an SR-22 in Tennessee is often expensive. This isn't a direct result of the SR-22 — filing fees usually total $15 to $35 — but thanks to the insurance rate increases caused by the violation that prompted the SR-22 requirement.

How to get an SR-22 in Tennessee

Currently insured?

If you currently have auto insurance, obtaining an SR-22 certificate is relatively simple. Contact your auto insurance company and request that the company file a SR-22 request for you. If your insurance company isn’t willing to request a certificate, you should shop around for a new insurance company.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for car insurance, you'll be billed extra to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification may disqualify you from buying insurance from some companies, while others may happily sell you a policy.

For non-vehicle owners

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

If you don't own your car, it's more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you'll need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a car, you should get a non-owners auto insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it won’t provide protection for material damages sustained by your automobile.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Walnut Hill, Tennessee, and the most expensive in Memphis, Tennessee.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Tennessee's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Tennessee

In Tennessee, average annual auto insurance costs increased by only $4 in the past year. A typical Tennessee driver pays an average of $1,262 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Tennessee leans toward cheaper car insurance costs. From 2018 to 2021, average annual rates in Tennessee dropped from $1,506 to $1,262. In spite of this significant drop, rates are likely to rise due to a number of economic factors. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Tennessee car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Tennessee auto insurance.