How Much Is Car Insurance in Tennessee? (November 2024)

Tennessee drivers can expect to pay about $1,129 per year for full coverage car insurance. If you're looking for a more affordable option, minimum coverage car insurance costs around $455 per year.

Car insurance costs are influenced by several factors, such as your age, the level of coverage you choose, where you live, your driving record and your credit history. Insurers consider these elements to gauge how risky it is to insure you. Remember, drivers with a clean driving record and good credit often pay less for car insurance.

The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance in Tennessee is $1,129. Knowing the average car insurance cost is crucial to understand if you're getting a good deal from your insurer. You can also enhance your options by comparing car insurance quotes.

Here's what you might pay for minimum coverage and full coverage auto insurance in Tennessee. These numbers give you an idea of your monthly and annual insurance costs.

Car insurance in Tennessee is generally affordable compared to the national average. The average annual premium in Tennessee for state minimum liability only is $455 ($38 per month), while the national average cost of car insurance for the same coverage is $628 ($52 per month). A full coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible in Tennessee is $1,107 annually ($92 monthly), compared to the national average of $1,337 ($111 per month).

Tennessee's affordability is partly due to factors such as lower population density and often lower vehicle repair costs. However, individual rates are influenced by additional factors such as your driving record and the type of car you have.

Car insurance premiums vary from one company to another, even within the same state. In Tennessee, Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance at $835 per year, while Progressive has the most expensive average premium at $1,448 per year.

Comparing car insurance quotes is important when searching for the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee. Doing so ensures you find an affordable plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.

Car insurance costs in Tennessee are also impacted by the coverage level you select. Monthly premiums for minimum coverage average at $38, while a full coverage insurance with a $1,000 deductible averages $94. Opting for full coverage ensures more extensive financial protection despite the higher expense.

Enhancing your policy with comprehensive and collision coverage undoubtedly ups your premium. Yet, selecting higher deductibles, for example, $1,000, is a strategic way to alleviate some of that additional cost. Bear in mind that your deductible applies to each type of coverage – comprehensive and collision – individually.

In Tennessee, the minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required.

Your location in Tennessee significantly affects car insurance costs. For instance, Knoxville has the cheapest full coverage at about $838 per year, and Memphis has the most expensive at around $1,105 per year.

Tennessee car insurance rates are influenced by factors such as driving history, type of car, credit score, age and even marital status.

Age significantly influences car insurance costs in Tennessee. Younger drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 typically face higher rates, with premiums generally decreasing as drivers age and gain more experience. Drivers under 30 can expect to pay an average annual premium of $1,440 for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible. In contrast, drivers aged 30 to 59 and 60 and over will find more affordable rates at around $1,129 and $1,064 per year, respectively.

Age and gender affect car insurance rates in Tennessee. For instance, a 16-year-old male driver added to a family policy incurs an average annual premium of $2,301, the highest among other ages.

Teen drivers under 18 in Tennessee typically require a parent or guardian to co-sign for car insurance. If opting for an individual policy, the premium for a 16-year-old male jumps to $5,255.

The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance for a 2012 model is $852. In contrast, insuring a 2022 model with the same full coverage can cost around $1,177 per year. This rate increase is because newer models generally have higher actual cash values, more expensive repair costs and a higher risk of theft. Drivers with newer car models are advised to consider comprehensive and collision coverage for protection against a broader range of potential losses, including accidents, theft, natural disasters and other non-collision events.

The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee can vary depending on a driver's record. Here's how driving violations can impact your insurance premiums:

• With a ticket: $1,364 per year; $114 per month
• With an at-fault accident: $1,687 per year; $141 per month
• With a DUI: $2,097 per year; $175 per month

More serious violations usually mean you'll pay more for car insurance. Your rates can continue to be higher as long as the violation stays on your record. In Tennessee, a DUI can remain on your driving record for up to five years.

You can review the table below and sort by coverage and age group to find the average cost of car insurance in Tennessee for different driving records. This will help you understand how violations like tickets, accidents, or DUIs might affect your premiums.

In Tennessee, the average annual cost of car insurance varies with credit scores, ranging from $647 for drivers with excellent credit to $1,367 for poor credit.

A good credit score falls between 670 and 739. Above that is considered very good (740 to 799) or excellent (800 and higher), which usually means more affordable rates. Scores below 670 can mean higher premiums, reflecting the risk insurers associate with lower credit scores.

The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee depends on key elements such as:

• Driving Record: Maintaining a clean record is crucial, as traffic violations, accidents and DUI/DWI offenses can significantly elevate your insurance premiums.
• Credit Score: In Tennessee, drivers with strong credit may access more favorable rates, whereas a low credit score can result in higher premium costs.
• Age and Gender: Younger drivers, especially males, often face higher rates due to a perceived higher risk. Older, more experienced drivers tend to enjoy lower premiums.
• Vehicle Type: The make, model and age of your car impact your rates. High-value or high-performance cars might command higher insurance costs.
• Location: Urban areas with higher traffic density and theft rates typically see increased insurance premiums compared to rural, less congested areas.
• Coverage Level: Opting for collision insurance and comprehensive insurance will affect costs, with more coverage leading to higher rates.
• State Minimum Requirements: Meeting Tennessee's state minimum coverage can affect how affordable your plan is — all drivers must be protected against liabilities.
• Annual Mileage: The distance you drive annually can influence your rates. Less mileage might reduce the risk of accidents and, consequently, the insurance cost.
• Marital Status: Married individuals often receive lower insurance quotes, as they are statistically seen to be less risky compared to single drivers.

To get affordable car insurance in Tennessee, compare prices, raise your deductible and take advantage of all available discounts to save on premiums.

Review our answers to frequently asked questions about the average costs of car insurance in the Volunteer State, which can help you make an informed decision.