Updated: December 3, 2024
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Auto-Owners is the top car insurance provider in Tennessee based on MoneyGeek score, making it ideal for overall coverage needs. Families with teen drivers will also find that find Auto-Owners best meets their requirements. For minimum coverage, Westfield leads.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee if cost is your primary consideration, regardless of service quality.
In Tennessee, Auto-Owners is the top car insurance provider with a MoneyGeek score of 90 and an annual premium of $728, while Erie serves as the runner-up.
In Tennessee, Westfield is the top provider for minimum coverage car insurance, offering an annual premium of $335.
In Tennessee, Cincinnati Insurance is the top car insurance provider for customer service with a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100, closely followed by Westfield with a score of 88 out of 100.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Tennessee based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Tennessee.
Auto-Owners stands out as the top car insurance provider in Tennessee, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 90. The scores range significantly among insurers, from a high of 90 to a low of 67. These figures are based on MoneyGeek's standard scoring criteria and may vary for different driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system prioritizes customer satisfaction and affordability while still giving substantial emphasis to claims handling and offered coverages. These factors play a significant role in shaping the MoneyGeek scores, which provide consumers with a clear insight into the quality of insurance offerings.
Tennessee Farm Bureau is an insurer that stands out for customer satisfaction, demonstrating excellence based on available data. However, this insurer did not receive a MoneyGeek score because it wasn't rated on all five critical scoring components due to missing data in claims handling and coverage options.
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 90 | $728 |
| Erie | 89 | $851 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | 87 | $992 |
| Westfield | 85 | $996 |
| Travelers | 83 | $865 |
| Chubb | 82 | $1,210 |
| Nationwide | 81 | $984 |
| Farmers | 79 | $906 |
| Grange Insurance | 78 | $926 |
| State Farm | 75 | $1,133 |
| Allstate | 74 | $1,171 |
| American National P&C | 73 | $1,340 |
| GEICO | 69 | $1,241 |
| Progressive | 67 | $1,564 |
| Tennessee Farm Bureau | No Data | $856 |
Auto-Owners is the best option in Tennessee for best full coverage car insurance. The top providers by MoneyGeek score are:
Auto-Owners** distinguishes itself with an exceptional balance between affordability and customer service, earning it the highest overall score among its peers. This balance makes it the leader for car insurance consumers seeking value in Tennessee.
Tennesee is home to a variety of companies offering different levels of cost and service experience. To assist those aiming to save, MoneyGeek also evaluated providers for the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Tennessee.
Ranks 1st for cost, with the lowest average annual premium of $728 for full coverage.
Offers rare coverages like Diminished Value and Deductible Modification.
Ranks 14th for general customer satisfaction.
Auto-Owners has an impressive MoneyGeek score due to high satisfaction and affordability. This provider includes common car insurance coverages such as Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance. It also offers Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Modification, bolstering its already strong portfolio.
Coverages like its Gap Insurance can bridge the depreciation gap if your car is totaled, providing crucial financial protection. Its Coverage Package, called the Personal Automobile Plus Package, consolidates several valuable protections, simplifying the insurance process.
Features like Accident Forgiveness reward safe driving by overlooking your first at-fault accident, underscoring Auto-Owners' commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its satisfaction score of 29 (out of 35), stellar affordability score of 30 (out of 30), claims handling score of 16 (out of 20) and perfect coverage score of 10 (out of 10) solidify Auto-Owners as an industry leader with comprehensive and customer-focused insurance options.
Cincinnati Insurance is the best car insurance option in Tennessee in terms of customer service. Here are the two top providers:
Cincinnati Insurance has a near-perfect MoneyGeek score, and its affordable annual premium ensures clients get exceptional service without the hefty price tag. This company stands out primarily due to its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, indicating that customers appreciate the service they receive and the company's efficiency in claims resolution.
In Tennessee, the competition among car insurance companies is fierce. Good customer service can significantly ease the stress involved in managing concerns and accidents, while efficient claims handling means quicker resolutions and less disruption to daily life. High-performing companies like Cincinnati Insurance excel in these areas, making it a preferred choice for Tennessee drivers seeking quality and value.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Offers rare coverages such as Glass Deductible Modification.
Offers common coverages like Gap Insurance.
Does not offer Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coverage.
Cincinnati Insurance excels in customer satisfaction and claims handling, key to its MoneyGeek score of 90. This company offers both Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance, ensuring that it covers the most common car insurance needs. However, the lack of some reasonably common coverages might be seen as a slight drawback by potential customers.
Among the rare coverages offered by Cincinnati Insurance, the Glass Deductible Modification stands out. This beneficial coverage waives the deductible for glass repairs, providing clear value to the policyholder. For those with antique automobiles, Antique/Classic Car Insurance tailors protection to unique vehicles, preserving their legacy without the usual depreciation concerns. Finally, the Child Safety Seat Replacement offers peace of mind by covering the cost of a new safety seat in the event of an accident.
These offerings, alongside a satisfaction score of 42 (out of 45) and claims handling score of 23 (out of 30), make Cincinnati Insurance a robust choice for savvy insurance consumers seeking wide-ranging protection and reliable service.
Westfield is the best minimum coverage car insurance option in Tennessee. Here are the top two providers:
Westfield stands out with its high marks in customer satisfaction and claims handling. Despite not being the cheapest, Westfield offers a compelling balance of cost and quality, with the annual cost of minimum coverage policy being $335. Its coverage adheres to the minimum insurance required by law in Tennessee.
While many companies in Tennessee can provide cheap minimum coverage car insurance, opting for such coverage may not be the best choice for everyone. Minimum coverage may not fully protect you financially in the event of an accident, potentially leaving you with substantial out-of-pocket expenses for damages or injuries exceeding your coverage limits. Balance affordability with adequate protection to ensure you're appropriately covered.
Ranks 3rd for cost, with an average annual premium of $335 for minimum coverage.
Ranks 3rd for customer service.
Lacks common discounts like Bundling, Multiple Car and Safe Driving.
Westfield shines with top marks in coverage (10 out of 10) and a robust affordability score (34 out of 40), driving its high MoneyGeek Score. The average driver pays just $335 per year for minimum coverage insurance.
Westfield also has high ratings in the core areas of satisfaction (21 out of 25), claims handling (15 out of 20) and stability (4 out of 5), a testament to its well-rounded services that balances cost with quality assurance for its clients.
Driver age significantly impacts car insurance rates in Tennessee, reflecting distinct cost considerations and tailored coverage and discount opportunities. Auto-Owners Insurance Co is the best option for teens with an annual premium of $1,661, for young adults at $1,041 and for seniors at $684, scoring 89, 88 and 90, respectively. These ratings indicate consistent top performance across different age categories.
Best for teens: Auto-Owners
Best for seniors: Auto-Owners
Best for young adults: Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners is the best option for car insurance for teens in Tennessee. These providers come out on top:
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself through excellent claims handling and customer satisfaction scores, which are key contributors to its high MoneyGeek score. To get cheap car insurance for a teen in Tennessee it's significantly more cost-effective to include them in a family plan rather than obtaining an individual policy for them.
Adding a teen driver to a car insurance policy can cause premiums to surge in Tennessee and other states due to the increased risk teens pose. Statistics show that younger, less experienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, which insurers mitigate by raising rates for these high-risk policyholders.
Offers Good Student and Distant Student discounts.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 5th for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1.661.
Lacks a Driver's Education discount.
Auto-Owners excels for teens with a MoneyGeek Score of 89, thanks to outstanding satisfaction and coverage scores of 33 (out of 35) and 10 (out of 10), respectively, offering customers peace of mind and extensive protection options. This company offers key young driver discounts such as Good Student and Distant Student, but not Driver's Education.
When it comes to coverages, Auto-Owners features several beneficial options. Diminished Value Coverage, a rare offering, provides additional protection in the event your vehicle's value decreases after an accident, even with full repairs. For those unexpected emergencies, Roadside Assistance offers essential support services like towing and tire changes. This combination coverages delivers tailored and reliable protection for various needs and circumstances.
Auto-Owners is the best option for car insurance for seniors in Tennessee, providing excellent value and coverage.
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with the highest scores in satisfaction and affordability among its peers, establishing itself as the premier choice for senior drivers. With an annual cost of just $684, it offers a competitive option for those seeking to balance comprehensive coverage with economical pricing. To get cheap car insurance for a senior in Tennessee, expect to pay slightly more than younger demographics. But Auto-Owners still presents an attractive rate well-suited for cost-conscious seniors.
Car insurance premiums for seniors in Tennessee are not intrinsically higher than for middle-aged drivers, as demonstrated by the rates used by MoneyGeek for people in their 60s. But being in one's 70s or 80s may bring about higher rates due to increased risk factors associated with age.
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Ranks 1st for cost; average premium $684 for full coverage.
Ranks 14th for customer satisfaction.
Auto-Owners stands out for seniors with an impeccable affordability score and full marks in coverage, pivotal to its MoneyGeek score of 90. Although it offers coverages such as Roadside Assistance and Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement, it doesn't offer discounts for seniors, which would have provided additional savings for that demographic.
With a satisfaction score of 29 (out of 35) and a claims handling score of 16 (out of 20), policyholders can anticipate a satisfying experience and reliable claims support, showing the company's commitment to excellence and customer confidence.
Auto-Owners is the best option in Tennessee for car insurance for young adults due to its comprehensive coverage options and competitive annual premium.
Auto-Owners achieves its high MoneyGeek score with exceptional ratings in satisfaction and affordability, useful factors for drivers in their 20s. Its annual cost for a young adult's policy is also one of the lowest. But to get cheap car insurance for a young adult in Tennessee, expect to pay slightly more than older drivers, typically due to the higher risk profile associated with younger drivers.
Young adults often pay more for car insurance in Tennessee and other states mainly because they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than more experienced drivers. Insurers hedge against this risk by charging higher premiums.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
Offers Good Student and Distant Student discounts.
Lacks Driver's Education discount.
Auto-Owners has exceptional affordability (30 out of 30) and satisfaction (29 out of 35). Although it offers discounts specifically for young drivers, such as Good Student and Distant Student, it does not offer one for Driver’s Education.
Auto-Owners. stands out for young adults with its high claims (16 out of 20) and perfect coverage (10 out of 10) scores, indicating its reliability. Customers may particularly value the stability and comprehensive protection ensured by the company's substantial history and robust financial strength, reflected in its stability score (5 out of 5). Moreover, the affordable annual premium of $1,041 further underlines the company's commitment to value, as it achieves a delicate balance between cost-efficiency and comprehensive service.
Erie is the best option in Tennessee for drivers with offenses seeking valuable and affordable car insurance.
Erie stands out due to its exceptional balance of satisfaction, affordability, claims handling and coverage options, underscoring the insurer's commitment to serving a diverse clientele of drivers, including those with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. To get cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver in Tennessee, one should anticipate somewhat higher costs compared with average rates for other types of drivers, due to the increased risk associated with driving violations.
Insurance rates in Tennessee, much like in other states, may rise following a ticket, at-fault accident or DUI because these incidents statistically indicate a higher likelihood of future claims. Insurers adjust premiums to reflect the increased risk, ensuring that their financial exposure remains balanced with the potential for loss.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
Offers Roadside Assistance, Rental Car Reimbursement and Accident Forgiveness.
Ranks 2nd for cost, with a $1,111 annual premium for full coverage.
Ranks 5th in customer service.
Erie’s MoneyGeek Score of 91 (out of 100) is largely attributed to exceptional marks in satisfaction (32 out of 35) and affordability (29 out of 30). Offering key coverages such as Better Car Replacement and Accident Forgiveness, Erie caters to drivers with a poor record, providing a safety net for unexpected events. With an average annual premium of $1,111, this is an affordable option for those with driving offenses who generally face higher rates.
Erie’s Better Car Replacement, known as Auto Security, offers peace of mind to those with a history of accidents — providing a newer car than the one totaled. After three claims-free years, the Accident Forgiveness feature ensures that your rates won't skyrocket after your first at-fault accident. With Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, Erie ensures you're never stranded, covering the costs of a rental when your car is out of commission. Glass Deductible Modification and Personal Property Insurance are also available.
Erie caters to customer needs, going beyond common coverages to offer more comprehensive protection and service. Their commitment to satisfaction, budget-friendly rates, comprehensive claims handling and solid financial stability rounds out the overall security and value it brings to consumers.
Travelers is the best option in Tennessee for drivers of new cars looking for auto insurance.
Travelers stands out in Tennessee for providing excellent car insurance to drivers of new cars, due to its top-notch satisfaction, affordability, claims handling and coverage. MoneyGeek has carefully evaluated these factors, prioritizing insurers that offer New Car Replacement and/or Better Car Replacement coverages. These coverages compensate for a new vehicle without the deduction for depreciation, ultimately saving money compared with standard policies that only pay the current depreciated value of the car.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 1st for affordability, with the lowest average annual premium of $961.
Offers New Car Replacement coverage.
Travelers excels with top-notch satisfaction and affordability scores, leading to an impressive MoneyGeek Score of 96. Among various benefits, Travelers offers New Car Replacement, a valued option for those with new vehicles. The company's average annual premium stands at $961.
With Travelers' New Car Replacement coverage, in the event of a total loss, you won't just receive the depreciated value — instead, you can replace your vehicle with a brand new one of the same make and model. This coverage mitigates the financial loss from depreciation, which can be significant in the initial years of car ownership. Along with common coverages like Roadside Assistance and Rental Reimbursement, Travelers also provides options like Accident Forgiveness and Gap Insurance. These offerings enhance the insurance safety net, promoting peace of mind for the driver knowing they are well-protected against a range of potential issues on the road.
Auto-Owners is the best option in Tennessee for car insurance tailored to military personnel. Based on a balanced assessment of service quality and cost, here are the top two providers:
USAA is also a good option for individuals with a military background in Tennessee, securing a score of 87 out of 100 and an annual premium of $694.
Auto-Owners stands out particularly for its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are significant contributors to its overall MoneyGeek score. The combination of quality service, a variety of coverage options and stability, paired with an affordable annual premium of $728, positions it as a leading choice. Military drivers in Tennessee who are want to find the most budget-friendly options may want to explore the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee for military drivers.
Ranks 2nd for cost, with a $728 average annual premium for full coverage.
Offers Roadside Assistance and Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement.
Auto-Owners achieves its MoneyGeek score of 90 primarily thanks to its exceptional satisfaction (29 out of 35) and affordability (29 out of 30), alongside a perfect coverage score (10 out of 10). With an average annual premium of $728, this company is a leading choice for cost-effective and reliable insurance.
Auto-Owners offers comprehensive insurance solutions to meet various needs. Customers benefit from Collision Coverage, essential for protecting against expenses from vehicle damage due to an accident with another car or object. For non-collision incidents like theft or weather damage, Comprehensive Coverage is invaluable. Liability Insurance covers costs related to bodily injury and property damage to others where the insured is at fault. These coverages are not only foundational but also widely applicable, making them crucial for a broad range of drivers seeking financial protection on the road.
In Tennessee, the finest car insurance providers are characterized by their blend of budget-friendly options, strong financial foundations and a consistent reputation for excellent service. MoneyGeek has streamlined the selection process for you by analyzing these criteria, but should you choose to delve deeper, be prepared to follow these steps to ensure you pick the best policy to meet your needs.
Exceptional customer service is important for car insurers in Tennessee, as it ensures reliable support in times of need. Drivers should utilize independent data sources like JD Power and the NAIC to investigate insurers' service records. According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Cincinnati Insurance stands out in Tennessee with a customer satisfaction score of 42/45 and a claims handling score of 23/30, reflecting its commitment to excellent service.
Comparing quotes is a way for Tennessee drivers to economize while maintaining high-quality service. Personal factors significantly influence insurance costs, so conduct individual research. MoneyGeek identified Westfield as the top choice for minimum coverage in Tennessee, with an annual premium of $335, demonstrating that quality is not necessarily compromised by affordability.
The right coverage is a pivotal aspect of car insurance, tailored to a driver's specific needs. In Tennessee, it's important for drivers to examine which insurers offer the essential coverages. Grange Insurance, Allstate, Farmers, American National P&C, Westfield, Auto-Owners and Travelers each received a perfect coverage score of 10 from MoneyGeek, indicating they provide all four key coverages: Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Gap Insurance and Original Equipment Manufacturer coverage.
Choosing an insurer with robust financial stability mitigates the risk of claim denial due to financial incapacity. It's advisable for drivers to research insurers' financial strength. Auto-Owners, Travelers, State Farm, Chubb and GEICO have all been awarded a stability score of 5 by MoneyGeek, the highest possible, reflecting an A++ financial strength rating from A.M. Best and ensuring reliability in fulfilling claims.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Westfield is recognized as the best for cheap car insurance in Tennessee, with an annual premium for a minimum coverage policy at $335. Its overall MoneyGeek score is 84. While minimum coverage policies are the most affordable, they offer limited protection. You can find cheap full coverage policies that offer more comprehensive protection by comparing quotes from different insurers.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
