Car Insurance in Tennessee
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- Cost
- Best Carriers
- Insurance by Driver Profile
- Save Money
- How much does car insurance cost in your city?
- Insuring your vehicle in Tennessee
- Registering your car in Tennessee
- Methodology
- FAQ and Related Articles
The price of car insurance premiums in Tennessee is about on par with the national average, but more than most rural states. The high proportion of uninsured drivers in the Volunteer State tends to drive up the cost of insurance—and makes it all the more important that you have enough coverage out on the road.
Car insurance providers all use their own formulas to calculate your insurance rates. Location is just one of many factors they consider—which means shopping around is the best way to save. From Mephis to Maryville and everywhere in between, Jerry will help you ditch the legwork and find cheap car insurance fast.
Jerry is a personal insurance broker that lives in your pocket. Forget filling out endless online forms, dealing with paperwork, or making phone calls—Jerry takes care of everything so that you don’t have to. Just answer a few questions and Jerry will set you up with a comprehensive list of quotes from top providers in the area. Once you make your choice, Jerry switches you over to enjoy the best prices and coverage with none of the hassle.
Here are some real quotes from customers in Tennessee who saved money with Jerry:
| Quote Date | Make/model | city | Age | Carrier | Coverage Type | Before Jerry | After Jerry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2021 | Hyundai Sonata GLS | Nashville | 47 | Electric | Standard | $175/mo. | $61/mo. |
| July 22, 2021 | Volkswagen Jetta S | Knoxville | 29 | Dairyland | Basic | $120/mo. | $74/mo. |
| May 31, 2021 | Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited | Clarksville | 21 | State Auto | Current | $130/mo. | $102/mo. |
| July 21, 2021 | Chevrolet Cobalt LT | Maryville | 22 | Bristol West | Custom | $274/mo. | $106/mo. |
| August 16, 2021 | Volvo S60 Premier | Nashville | 22 | Progressive | Predicted | $200/mo. | $173/mo. |
How much does car insurance cost in Tennessee?
How does the annual cost in Tennessee compare to the rest of the country?
The average cost of liability-only car insurance in Tennessee is $1,750 per year. If you prefer to buy full-coverage car insurance in Tennessee, you can expect to pay an average cost of $1,656 per year.
When comparing these figures to the nationwide averages, it costs $1,689 per year to buy liability-only car insurance and $2,460 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Here’s how Tennessee’s insurance savings stack up against nationwide averages:
Minimum coverage versus full coverage
Liability insurance helps cover the cost of any medical bills and/or property damage for others when you’re at-fault in an accident. It’s the minimum amount of car insurance you should have.
In Tennessee, the minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
- Property damage liability coverage: $15,000
Tennessee requires drivers to have car insurance so they can assume financial responsibility for injuries and damages in the event of a collision.
If you let your coverage lapse, or if you fail to buy car insurance altogether, and you get caught, potential consequences include:
- An expensive ticket
- A driver’s license suspension
- A towed and impounded car
- A lack of financial protection if you get into an accident
Full-coverage insurance generally comprises collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, on top of liability insurance. It provides greater protection for a higher price.
Collision coverage protects you financially if you get into a collision with someone else’s vehicle or another object.
Comprehensive coverage kicks in when your car is damaged by something other than collision or rollover. It covers damage caused by things like contact with animals, natural disasters, fire, vandalism, theft, and fallen objects.
While you may think having the minimum required liability coverage in Tennessee is sufficient, there’s no guarantee that it will cover all the expenses associated with an accident. If you can afford to buy more coverage, then you should.
You should consider buying full-coverage insurance if you can’t afford to replace your car in the event of a total loss. If you lease or finance your car, then you’ll likely be expected to get full-coverage insurance.
No matter what kind of coverage you’re looking for, Jerry can help you save money on your auto insurance.
Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even cancel your old policy for you.
And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal.
If you don’t live in Tennessee, no worries—Jerry can compare and buy car insurance for you across the US. Here are the rates for nearby states:
What are the best car insurance carriers in Tennessee?
Carrier pricing and reviews
If you get quotes in Tennessee for the same car from multiple carriers, you’ll end up with a mix-match of rates . That’s because each carrier uses their own formula to determine the risk presented by drivers.
There are many factors that are used to determine your risk profile. Some of the most common include your age, your driving record, and yes, your location.
For example, in Tennessee, one carrier may see a lot of claims from drivers who insure a specific model of car. If you drive this model as well, you can expect this carrier to hike up your premium.
Maybe another carrier sees a lot of claims for car theft and vandalism in your specific geographic area and factors that into your quote.
Some of the most popular carriers in Tennessee include the following:
Progressive
Progressive is known for its financial strength, diversity of coverage options, and multiple discounts and features. It can be a good choice for drivers who are higher-risk or tech-savvy. Progressive gets a solid 4.6/5 rating from Jerry.
Nationwide
Nationwide can be a great choice for safe drivers and those who are technologically inclined. This carrier boasts a robust online platform with a mobile app and a website. Jerry rates Nationwide a 4.6/5.
Allstate
As one of the biggest names in the industry, Allstate has a large network of agents and repair shops. It also offers a variety of digital features, including a rate calculator, a mobile app, online bill payment, and online claim reporting. Jerry rates Allstate a 4.5/5.
Kemper
Kemper is best known for providing coverage to high-risk drivers who might struggle to find insurance elsewhere. It offers to file SR22 forms for drivers who need to provide proof of coverage to the state, and it even sells insurance for salvage-title cars that were rebuilt after being totaled. Jerry rates Kemper a 4.3/5.
Travelers
Travelers offers several attractive add-on packages and discount options. Add-ons include roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, new car coverage, and gap coverage, while discount options include savings for being a safe driver and a good student. Jerry rates Travelers a stellar 4.7/5.
National General
National General is a nonstandard carrier that caters to high-risk drivers. In most of the states where it operates, it offers a claims satisfaction guarantee that will waive your deductible up to $250 if you’re unhappy with your claims experience. Jerry gives National General a rating of 4.1/5.
Clearcover
Clearcover stands out for its tech-based business model. Its award-winning app enables you to file claims instantly, pay bills easily, and view proof of insurance, all while keeping communication online. Jerry rates Clearcover a 4.1/5.
Safeco
Safeco is known for offering affordable premiums, especially to younger drivers. It also offers a claims-free cashback program, which will give you a small refund for every six months that you stay claims-free. With these kinds of perks, Safeco gets a 4.5/5 rating from Jerry.
State Auto
State Auto may be a good pick for safe, experienced drivers who want to get the most bang for their buck. This carrier offers a full range of car insurance options and drivers can conveniently file claims online. State Auto gets a 4.1/5 rating from Jerry.
Dairyland
Dairyland is yet another carrier that specializes in auto insurance for high-risk drivers. It offers flexible payment plans and 24/7 live claims support in almost 40 states. These benefits are among the reasons why Jerry rates Dairyland a 4.6/5.
Here’s how much you could save by using comparison shopping app Jerry:
| Insurance Company | Before Jerry | After Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,360 | $1,561 |
| National General | $2,462 | $1,694 |
| Nationwide | $2,305 | $1,701 |
| Safeco | $2,785 | $1,704 |
| Travelers | $2,584 | $1,856 |
| State Auto | $2,388 | $1,872 |
| Dairyland | $2,847 | $1,904 |
How to compare prices to find the most affordable coverage
Because of the pricing differences among carriers, if you want affordable car insurance in Tennessee, you have to shop around and compare rates.
Maybe in the past, you contacted several carriers, filled out many long forms, and evaluated coverage levels and prices across multiple quotes, but you don’t have to put in all that hard work now—not when Jerry can shop and buy for you!
The Jerry app is a personal insurance broker that lives in your pocket. Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan.
Jerry customers save an average of $879 a year. Oh, and we should mention … Jerry is free.
Car Insurance in Tennessee By Driver Profile
Best car insurance based on your age in Tennessee
Age is a major factor in determining your car insurance costs.
Younger drivers are perceived to be riskier to insure because they’re less experienced and statistically more likely to get into an accident and file a claim.
The average car insurance cost for an 18-year-old in Tennessee is $2,131. Compare that to the average annual car insurance cost for a 35-year-old in Tennessee, which comes to $1,489. That’s a difference of 43.06%.
Car insurance costs tend to fall as you get older and acquire more driving experience, especially once you pass the age of 25.
Here’s how much money drivers in different age groups in Tennessee saved when they switched their car insurance through Jerry:
| Driving Violation | Before Jerry | After Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $2,388 | $1,643 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $2,496 | $1,334 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $3,412 | $1,394 |
| Improper Passing | $1,794 | $1,512 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,656 | $1,595 |
| Defective Equipment | $1,952 | $1,641 |
| Cell Phone | $2,400 | $1,806 |
| DUI | $2,820 | $1,996 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,145 | $2,180 |
| Passing School Bus | $3,864 | $2,561 |
Best car insurance in Tennessee for young drivers with a record
Carriers love rewarding good drivers with better insurance rates and discounts because they’re less likely to get into accidents, file claims, and receive expensive payouts for vehicle repairs or replacement.
But if you commit a moving violation, you may lose out on the lowest rates and certain discounts. Even relatively minor infractions like speeding can cause your car insurance rates to climb, especially if you’re a younger driver.
The moving violations that can cause the largest changes in premiums are:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)/driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
The increase in your premium will depend on the type of violation you commit and how your carrier penalizes violations.
If you have a moving violation on your record, you can still find reasonably priced car insurance. Jerry gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and even cancels your old policy for you.
Just look at how much Jerry users in Tennessee saved on their coverage after committing an infraction:
| Driving Violation | Before Jerry | After Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $2,388 | $1,643 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $2,496 | $1,334 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $3,412 | $1,394 |
| Improper Passing | $1,794 | $1,512 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,656 | $1,595 |
| Defective Equipment | $1,952 | $1,641 |
| Cell Phone | $2,400 | $1,806 |
| DUI | $2,820 | $1,996 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,145 | $2,180 |
| Passing School Bus | $3,864 | $2,561 |
How can you save money on car insurance in Tennessee ?
How to save on required coverages
If you can afford more than the minimum amount of insurance, it’s advisable to do so. There are many types of insurance on the market in Tennessee.At the very least, you should have liability insurance to pay for others’ injuries and property damage.
NOTE: depending on the state, some drivers will also need to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, and/or PIP. If you’re leasing or financing your car, you’ll typically be expected to have collision and comprehensive coverage as well to protect your vehicle. If you want to save money on car insurance in Tennessee, consider the following tips: Shop around: The same driver with the same vehicle can get significantly different prices from various carriers. To get the best rate possible, you have to comparison-shop. Ask about discounts: Carriers offer a wide range of discounts, including ones for customer loyalty, driving history, vehicle equipment, and payment. Ask which ones you qualify for to land a better deal. Hike your deductible: Car insurance premiums and deductibles have an inverse relationship, meaning that if one goes down, the other goes up. So if you want to pay a lower rate, consider raising your deductible. This can be an especially good idea if you don’t file many claims. Raise your credit score: Drivers with better credit tend to get better rates because they’re considered less risky to insure. To improve your credit, it’s recommended that you pay your bills on time, pay off your debt, keep your credit balances low, and avoid multiple hard inquiries on your report.
###: What additional coverages might a Tennessee driver want?
Beyond liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, there are add-on options that you may want to buy for greater protection and peace of mind as a driver in Tennessee. They include:
| State-specific factor | Useful coverage |
| — | ———– |
| Flooding | Inland flooding is a common occurrence in Tennessee, and comprehensive insurance provides protection from extreme weather events. |
| Severe weather | Driving in severe weather is stressful, and collision insurance will help cover your car if you get in an accident. |
| Lots of roads to cover | Towing and labor coverage will provide you with access to roadside assistance if you get stranded on one of Tennessee’s 1,400 miles of state roadway. |
| Uninsured driver | Up to 20% of drivers in Tennessee don’t carry car insurance. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will protect you if you get in an accident with one of them. |
- Gap insurance
- New car replacement coverage
- Towing and labor cost coverage
- Rental reimbursement coverage
- Sound system coverage
MORE: [insert link to cheap state page]
###: Can you drive without insurance?
It’s illegal to drive without car insurance in Tennessee. If you’re caught, these are the penalties you may have to deal with:
- Expensive fines
- A suspended driver’s license
- A suspended vehicle registration
- Vehicle impoundment
- Jail time
- Mandatory community service
Instead of skipping out on car insurance, keep your coverage and find savings Jerry. It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with three competitive rates from up to 40 top providers.
How much does car insurance cost in your city?
Factors that affect cost in your city
Even within Tennessee, car insurance rates can vary from city to city because each location comes with its own set of potential risk factors.
Traffic is a major factor. So if you live in a bustling city, then you’ll likely be charged a higher rate.
Same goes if you have a long daily commute. The longer you’re on the road, the more risk you’re exposed to, which can lead to higher premiums.
Another major factor that carriers weigh is crime. If your city sees a lot of car break-ins, thefts, or vandalism, you’ll be charged more for insurance compared to someone who lives in a more secure location.
Here’s how much money Jerry users in various cities saved after switching policies:
| City | Before Jerry | After Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $2,702 | $1,804 |
| Memphis | $2,833 | $1,932 |
| Knoxville | $2,150 | $1,591 |
| Clarksville | $2,941 | $2,005 |
| Murfreesboro | $2,607 | $1,661 |
| Maryville | $2,365 | $1,371 |
If you want to know how much you can save on your car insurance, enter your zip code below to get real quotes in seconds!
Insuring your vehicle in Tennessee
No matter where you live in Tennessee or what kind of car you drive, Jerry can offer big savings. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, Jerry finds affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and cancels your old policy.
And the savings keep coming even after Jerry finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with three new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price.
If you want to learn more about car insurance costs for various popular makes, check out the links below.
Registering your car in Tennessee
If you want to register a car in Tennessee, you need to have the following paperwork prepared:
- A driver’s license or ID card
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of sales tax payment
- A car title or signed lease agreement
- Proof of a safety inspection
- Proof of a smog test, depending on the age of the vehicle [NOTE: this isn’t required in all states]
DMV Information
Once you have the paperwork, head to the DMV. It’s usually best to make an appointment first.
At the DMV, you’ll have to fill out a registration form that asks for some personal details as well as information about your vehicle.
If you’re hesitant to switch plans or insurance providers because you’re worried about the work involved, don’t be. Jerry does all the paperwork for you. You’ll never have to print out anything, go to the post office, or get on the phone. Jerry handles it all. Really!
Methodology
Unless otherwise specified, these estimates are based on drivers older than 25 who have good driving records. These are real people who have signed up with Jerry in the last 12 months.
FAQ and Related Articles
Does Tennessee have a reduced rate program for low-income drivers?
No, Tennessee doesn’t offer a state-funded reduced rate program. But if you’re a low-income driver, you can get cheaper car insurance by comparing quotes. You may also want to consider raising your deductible or reducing your coverage to pay a lower premium.
Does Tennessee require car owners to purchase insurance?
Yes, you’re legally required to buy car insurance in Tennessee.
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