Best car insurance companies in Nashville
Before searching for the best auto insurance company in Nashville, TN, it helps to know your priorities, whether that’s customer service, claims processing, or affordability. Every provider has different strengths and weaknesses that make them the top (or bottom) choice of different drivers in Music City.
If affordability is your number one concern, know that your rates depend on your driver profile, not just your choice of car insurance provider. Your age, vehicle, driving record, and many other factors contribute to your insurance costs. Two given drivers would still get quoted different prices from The General car insurance in Nashville, TN, even if they had all three of the above factors in common!
The results of Jerry’s national insurance shopping survey illustrate both these truths. Some small auto insurance providers like Gainsco outperformed the larger ones in the categories of customer service and claims satisfaction. And big names—like Progressive car insurance in Nashville, TN—didn’t always get the highest ratings for policy costs.
While State Farm car insurance quotes in Nashville can’t be found using the Jerry app, drivers can still find reliable rates from other top providers in the city. The table below shows how much it costs to insure your car with the top companies in Tennessee:
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost | Cost rating | Overall Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $32 | $100 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Nationwide | $31 | $115 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Allstate | $46 | $142 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Safeco | $42 | $139 | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Gainsco | $87 | $296 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Progressive | $53 | $142 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| National General | $62 | $186 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
How’d we get these scores?
Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Nashville
Nicknamed the “Music City” and home to over 700,000 people, Nashville is booming in more ways than one. The city’s educational, historical, political, economic, and cultural vibrancy is a direct result of its growing population—but so are its car insurance rates.1
Drivers pay an average of $71 per month (or $856 per year) for minimum coverage in Nashville and $185 per month or $2,225 per year for full coverage. Compared to the average cost of Tennessee auto insurance, coverage in Nashville costs an average of 12% less.
| Coverage type | Nashville, TN | Tennessee | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $71 | $59 | $77 |
| Full coverage | $185 | $155 | $165 |
Keep in mind that these are just average rates, and your car insurance costs may differ. No single company offers the cheapest insurance rates for everyone, so it’s worthwhile for drivers to explore their options. Jerry simplifies this process for Nashville drivers with free quote comparisons and a team of licensed insurance agents ready to answer all your questions.
Best cheap auto insurance quotes in Nashville
To drive in Nashville, you need to follow Tennessee car insurance laws. The minimum coverage may be cost-effective, but it doesn’t provide much protection. As such, most drivers in Nashville will benefit from a full coverage policy with higher liability limits.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Nashville
To legally drive in Nashville, TN, you’ll have to meet the state’s minimum car insurance requirements by investing in liability coverage. Liability insurance pays for any bodily injuries or property damages you cause while driving.
The minimum liability limits required follow the 25/50/25 rule:
- $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident2
Insurers in Tennessee must offer uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), but you’re allowed to reject it in writing.
Although the state minimum coverage is relatively cheap in Nashville, drivers can still find lower than average rates with these providers:
| Insurance provider | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Annual minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $31 | $375 |
| Travelers | $32 | $389 |
| State Auto | $38 | $455 |
| Safeco | $42 | $501 |
| Allstate | $46 | $549 |
| National General | $62 | $741 |
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Nashville?
Most motorists in Tennessee prefer to carry more than the state minimum insurance coverage for complete peace of mind.
The Nashville metropolitan area suffered a total of 27,092 car accidents in 20233. Representing 66% of the total, the majority resulted only in property damages… but accidents with injuries and fatalities come with an average price tag of over $40,000.4
Don’t forget Tennessee’s car accident laws make you responsible for any damages that result from an at-fault car accident. Medical expenses and vehicle repair bills can easily exceed the minimum 25/50/25 liability coverage required in the state, especially if a severe injury or total loss vehicle is involved.
The bottom line: Expert insurance agents recommend raising your liability coverage limits to 100/300/100 to protect your current and future assets from an expensive accident.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Nashville
Remember, liability car insurance doesn’t cover repairs to or a replacement of your vehicle. It only benefits the other parties. This is why it’s worth looking into full-coverage auto insurance. This type of coverage often includes liability insurance, plus comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Collision coverage: Collision insurance repairs or replaces your car if it’s damaged in an impact with another vehicle or object, even if you’re the one at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance covers vandalism, extreme weather damages, and theft.
Most dealerships and lenders ask lease and finance customers to carry full coverage car insurance for the duration of their contract. While a full coverage policy is often more expensive than the state minimum, there are providers who typically offer cheaper rates for better protection:
| Insurance provider | Monthly full coverage cost | Annual full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $94 | $1,127 |
| Travelers | $100 | $1,204 |
| Nationwide | $115 | $1,385 |
| State Auto | $149 | $1,784 |
| Clearcover | $157 | $1,888 |
| National General | $176 | $2,113 |
Average cost of car insurance in Nashville
Car insurance in Nashville costs an average of $128 per month and $1,540 per year. Minimum coverage costs about $71 per month (or $856 per year), while full coverage costs about $185 per month or $2,225 per year. That’s about 39% more than the national average!
Here are a few reasons why Nashville car insurance is so expensive:
- Bad driving habits: Nashville’s drivers performed poorly in a nationwide survey of bad driving habits, taking the 59th place out of every major city in the US.5
- Deadly driving: There were 19 motor vehicle crash-related deaths per 100,000 people in Tennessee in 2021—47% higher than the national average.6
- Growing population: The city’s population has grown by over 24% in as many years, resulting in more drivers and car accidents on the road.7
- Motor vehicle thefts: Tennessee’s motor vehicle theft rate jumped about 22% between 2021-2022. The Nashville police department handled almost 3,000 cases of stolen vehicles, only a small percentage of which were ever cleared.8
- Natural disasters: Nashville experiences more tornado and earthquake activity than the rest of the country, which pushes up the cost of comprehensive insurance.9
Average cost of car insurance in Nashville by ZIP code
Insurance companies factor various things into your premiums, including your ZIP code.
Your insurance costs will change depending on how many people live in your neighborhood, how often people get into car accidents, the local crime rates, and the frequency of extreme weather. An insurance provider could give you and your friend from across town completely different quotes, even if you select the same coverage!
The table below shows how the average insurance rates in Nashville change depending on your ZIP code.
| ZIP code | Average monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 37215 | $53 |
| 3712 | $57 |
| 37201 | $60 |
| 37138 | $137 |
| 37228 | $145 |
| 37213 | $158 |
Car insurance quotes in Nashville by rating factors
Providers require a range of personal rating factors to calculate your car insurance premiums, including:
- Your credit score: Your credit score doesn’t necessarily reflect your driving skills, but it presents you as more reliable. Good credit drivers generally pay less for the same coverage as poor credit drivers.
- Your demographics: Your age, gender, and marital status can all influence the cost of your insurance rates.
- Your driving record and claims history: At-fault accidents, traffic citations, and serious driving convictions are bad news for your insurance rates.
- Your location: Urban drivers pay more than rural ones, and even different ZIP codes within the same city will get different auto insurance quotes.
- Your mileage: Using your car for occasional leisure is generally safer than for regular, traffic-heavy commutes, and insurance companies charge accordingly.
- Your vehicle: You’ll pay more for collision and comprehensive coverage if you drive a luxury, high-performance, or sports car.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Nashville after driving violations
Your past driving behavior greatly influences your annual premiums. High-risk drivers usually have a driving history of traffic tickets, moving violations, and at-fault accidents. Insurance providers will charge you more if you have any of the following on your Tennessee driving record:
- At-fault accidents
- Careless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving without insurance
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
Cheap car insurance in Nashville after a speeding ticket
A Tennessee speeding ticket will increase your rates, however the total amount will depend on how fast you’re driving and how many times you’ve been ticketed. If you receive a reckless driving conviction, you can expect your auto insurance rates to climb to approximately the following average amount:
| MPH over limit | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | $190 | 77% |
To lower your rates after a speeding ticket, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course. The state of Tennessee allows drivers with a certain amount of points to take a driver’s education program to stop points from going onto their record.
Cheapest car insurance in Nashville after a DUI
According to a recent Forbes Advisor report, Tennessee was ranked the 12th worst state in the world for DUI violations, with approximately 26.75% of traffic fatalities caused by drunk driving10. As a result, a DUI conviction in Tennessee will lead to hefty fines—and increase your rates.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | $235 | 84% |
With a DUI on record, the auto insurance quotes you receive will differ substantially between providers. Often, finding the cheapest option for high-risk drivers means requesting and comparing multiple quotes.
Cheapest car insurance in Nashville after an at-fault accident
Your car insurance rates draw significantly on your driving and insurance claim history. Providers want to know how much you could cost them as a driver before they take you on as a policyholder. If you have an at-fault accident on your Nashville record, here’s how much your rates could be impacted:
| Driving record | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $183 | 43% |
For lower premiums after an at-fault accident, start by shopping around for new car insurance quotes. Drivers can also shop for car insurance discounts, such as paid in full and other loyalty savings options.
Cheapest car insurance in Nashville after other driving violations
Unfortunately, even if you don’t spot your specific driving violation in this list—whether for reckless driving or driving uninsured—it doesn’t mean your car insurance rates will escape unscathed.
Below is a list of where Nashville drivers found cheap insurance rates with Jerry after various violations.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Annual coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to obey signal | $93 | $1,123 |
| Driving on suspended license | $153 | $1,841 |
| Other minor | $170 | $2,050 |
| Careless driving | $334 | $4,017 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Nashville by age
On average, car insurance for new Nashville drivers starts high, drops after the age of 25, decreases into middle age, and rises again as drivers near their mid-70s. However, you can find tips on saving in every age group in the sections below.
Cheap car insurance in Nashville for young drivers
It’s hard to find affordable car insurance for teen drivers. Most providers calculate teen car insurance rates based on their lack of experience and increased accident risk. As such, most young drivers pay the following average premium costs:
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | $190 | $424 |
| 22-25 | $118 | $244 |
If you’ve got a teen driver between 16 and 19, consider adding them to your policy for additional savings. Teen drivers can also shop for student car insurance discounts—most providers offer savings for students who live away from home, or who maintain a strong GPA.
Cheap car insurance in Nashville for middle-aged drivers
As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. Drivers 25-64 see some of the cheapest rates for all age demographics, with rates rising again after motorists turn 65+.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 26-34 | $87 | $174 |
| 35-44 | $74 | $151 |
| 45-54 | $70 | $134 |
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.
Cheap car insurance in Nashville for senior drivers
As Tennessee drivers age, their chances of being involved in accidents and sustaining severe injuries increase. As a result, car insurance for seniors in their mid-70s and beyond increases in price.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | $60 | $146 |
| 65+ | $69 | $134 |
Similar to middle-aged drivers, seniors seeking to lower their policy can shop for discounts, or shop for car insurance using the Jerry app. With live chat support, agents are available to help guide you through the process of finding the best car insurance for you.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Nashville based on insurance history
time during which you didn’t have auto insurance coverage, you’ll probably pay higher rates, even if it wasn’t your fault.11 Here’s a look at the average rate most Nashville drivers with a poor insurance history pay for coverage:
| Insurance history | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| With coverage lapses | $172 | 34% |
By providing free quotes, Jerry helps Nashville drivers without insurance or with insurance gaps save money. And to help them make a fresh start, the app also offers automatic reminders for upcoming or missed payments.
Finding cheap car insurance in Nashville: Hear from real drivers
Sometimes, it can be challenging finding the right company—and coverage—for you. Luckily, real Jerry customers have shared their experiences with their current providers to help you get started. Here’s what they had to say:
Cheap car insurance quotes in Nashville for drivers with bad credit
Unfortunately, Tennessee doesn’t prohibit car insurance companies from using your credit history to determine the cost of your car insurance. You may pay higher premiums if you have a poor credit score because, statistically speaking, people with lower credit scores tend to file more insurance claims.
For example, research shows that drivers with low credit scores pay 44% more than drivers with fair credit, and up to 115% more than drivers with excellent credit.12 Here’s what you can expect to pay, on average, with poor, fair, and great credit scores in Nashville:
| Credit rating | Average coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 600 | $138 |
| 601-699 | $97 |
| 700+ | $64 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Nashville for popular cars
Next time you buy a new car, don’t forget to consider how its safety ratings and driver assistance technology could affect your monthly and annual premiums. Insurers weigh how likely you are to make a claim based on your car’s purchase price, repair costs, anti-theft measures, and more.
Take a look at how much drivers in Nashville with the most popular cars pay on average for coverage:
| Popular vehicle | Average coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic EXL | $67 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $92 |
| Ford F-150 | $124 |
| Nissan Altima S | $181 |
| RAM 1500 TRX | $209 |
How to lower car insurance costs in Nashville
1. Shop around and compare quotes
Experts recommend car insurance shopping between at least three different providers every six months. It’ll ensure that you’re getting the lowest rates for coverage options in Nashville
Jerry makes checking local insurance deals quick and hassle-free. The app automatically compares quotes from top providers and presents the five to seven lowest rates in Nashville so you can see if you’re missing out.
2. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Car insurance discounts can help you rack up savings over years and years. Call up your insurance provider to ask if they offer programs like:
- Auto and home insurance bundles: Bundle your auto and homeowners insurance, and you could save money on both policies. Large insurance companies offer a range of other products—like life insurance, business insurance, motorcycle insurance, roadside assistance, and renters insurance—that are also eligible for bundling.
- Good driver discounts: Keep a clean driving record for at least three years, and you may be eligible for savings.
- Good student discounts: Maintain a B average or better in high school or college, and you could save money on your car insurance.
- Telematics discounts: Install a telematics device in your car, and you could save money by driving calmly and safely rather than braking hard or speeding.
3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
If you want to save on car insurance without losing valuable coverage, consider raising your deductible for collision and comprehensive insurance. However, keep in mind that it’s a last resort and you should first make sure you can reasonably afford the increase.
FAQ
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How much is car insurance in Nashville, TN?
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What’s the basic car insurance in Tennessee?
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What’s the best and cheapest insurance for a car?
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Is car insurance more expensive in Tennessee or Georgia?
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Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Tennessee?
Sources:
- https://www.iii.org/article/what-determines-price-my-auto-insurance-policy ↩︎
- https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=c797fc95-bae0-4e3f-8f57-5413f4b890a0&nodeid=ACCAAMAABAAC&nodepath=%2FROOT%2FACC%2FACCAAM%2FACCAAMAAB%2FACCAAMAABAAC&level=4&haschildren=&populated=false&title=55-12-102.+Part+definitions.&config=025054JABlOTJjNmIyNi0wYjI0LTRjZGEtYWE5ZC0zNGFhOWNhMjFlNDgKAFBvZENhdGFsb2cDFQ14bX2GfyBTaI9WcPX5&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A4X8K-TFT0-R03N-44H7-00008-00&ecomp=bgf5kkk&prid=a85ca61d-31c3-4a29-a6de-6a1849e60f3a ↩︎
- https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/data-dashboard/vehicle-crashes-map ↩︎
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/all-injuries/costs/guide-to-calculating-costs/data-details/ ↩︎
- https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/worst-drivers-in-america.html ↩︎
- https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state ↩︎
- https://www.city-data.com/city/Nashville-Davidson-Tennessee.html ↩︎
- https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/12/01/new-tennessee-laws-in-2024-include-harsher-distracted-driving-penalties/71754169007/ ↩︎
- https://www.city-data.com/city/Nashville-Davidson-Tennessee.html ↩︎
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/worst-states-for-drunk-driving/ ↩︎
- https://www.iii.org/article/what-if-i-cant-find-auto-coverage ↩︎
- https://consumerfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Official-CFA-Credit-Score_2023-FINAL-REPORT.pdf ↩︎
Jasmine Kanter is a non-fiction writer specializing in comprehensive content that\\\’s accessible to beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Since joining the Jerry team, Jasmine has penned over 300 articles on car insurance requirements, driving tips, and car maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry, Jasmine worked as a graphic designer, storyboard artist, and French customer service representative. She enjoys collecting hobbies and babysitting ducks in her spare time.
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
