Looking for Cheap Car Insurance in Tennessee?
With the cost of car insurance premiums in Tennessee hovering above the national average, it's clear that more needs to be done to reduce the number of uninsured drivers. If you want to be sure your family is safe on the road, make sure to get enough coverage for them to make sure a ticket means paying out of pocket rather than risking going into debt.
Insurance companies consider many factors when setting rates, so choosing the right policy takes a little research. Carlay can help you find cheap car insurance from Memphis to Maryville and everywhere in between.
Life just got better, thanks to Carlay: an ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. Skip the back and forth of filing paperwork and dealing with paperwork. Simply answer a few questions, and Carlay will present you with a comprehensive list of quotes from top providers in the area.Carlay will switch you over to its phone company, where you can enjoy low prices with solid coverage.
Here are some quotes from Carlay customers in Tennessee:
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?
For an average yearly cost of $1,768, Tennessee drivers can get basic liability car insurance. For an average yearly cost of $1,589, Tennessee drivers can get full coverage.
In contrast, the national average is $1,783 per year to have basic liability car insurance and $2,485 per year for full-coverage car insurance.
What contributes to the insurance rates in Tennessee?
The following are some of the factors that influence the rates:
- Uninsured drivers
Tennessee drivers who want to shop for car insurance based on price alone may soon find themselves paying more for their coverage. The number of uninsured drivers has risen steadily across the nation due to the struggling economy and many people are finding it difficult to pay for the high cost of auto insurance in Tennessee.
- Auto thefts
Tennessee is one of the states where car theft has increased dramatically, and it is no surprise then that car insurance rates have increased, too. As a result, car owners in this state are looking for ways to save on their coverage.
- Inclement weather
Whether you are a Tennessee resident or a frequent Tennessee visitor, it's important to have comprehensive coverage in case the unexpected occurs.
The following is a breakdown of the average insurance rates in Tennessee according to national averages:
| All Coverage Before Carlay | All Coverage After Carlay | Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | Minimum Coverage After Carlay | Full Coverage Before Carlay | Full Coverage After Carlay | |
| TN | $2,168 | $1,467 | $2,094 | $995 | $2,047 | $1,629 |
| National Average | $2,489 | $1,671 | $2,360 | $1,390 | $2,761 | $1,963 |
| TN | National Average | |
| All Coverage Before Carlay | $2,168 | $2,489 |
| All Coverage After Carlay | $1,467 | $1,671 |
| Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | $2,094 | $2,360 |
| Minimum Coverage After Carlay | $995 | $1,390 |
| Full Coverage Before Carlay | $2,047 | $2,761 |
| Full Coverage After Carlay | $1,629 | $1,963 |
Top auto insurance providers in Tennessee
If you live in Tennessee, regardless of your area or driving experience, there is an insurance provider that can work for you. The most popular car insurance companies in Tennessee are Safeco, Progressive, and Allstate.
When you get quotes in Tennessee for the same auto insurance policy from multiple insurance companies, you will end up with a combination of rates. Also, carriers each have their own way of assessing the risks presented by your driving record.
Several factors are used to determine your insurance risk level—everything from your driving record and age to what type of car you drive. For example, you may find that a Mercedes-Benz will cost more to insure than a Kia Soul.
Many Carlay customers have been able to find affordable insurance with various companies in Tennessee.
What Car Insurance Do You Need in Tennessee?
Before you drive in Tennessee, you'll need to meet the state's minimum insurance requirements.
| Coverage | Amount | Description |
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with injuries you cause to others |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property |
To be sure you're financially responsible for injuries and damages resulting from a car accident, Tennessee requires all drivers to have car insurance. If you don't have insurance, you may be fined or have your driving privileges revoked, including:
- Fines up to $300
- Suspension of your license, registration, and plates
- Reinstatement fees
- Re-completion of the driver's license exam
If you can afford it, invest in plenty of insurance to protect yourself fully and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Some recommended coverage options are listed below for consideration:
Carlay is ready to help you find the right insurance policy, whenever you're ready. Carlay is your personal insurance broker, available wherever you go. Carlay provides an easy and comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, helping you make the most informed decision. Carlay will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don't have to.
Knowing about your insurance needs is the first step, so now let's talk about factors that affect costs.
How is Your Cost of Car Insurance Determined in Tennessee?
Several factors go into determining your insurance rate, but your age, driving record, location, and your vehicle type play the most important parts.
- Cost to insure your car in Tennessee by age
Young drivers, take heed: the older you get, the more you'll need to pay for car insurance. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors while driving, and that is why Tennessee risks are high. This risk is easily seen by the fact that insurance companies charge higher premiums when they realize that you are a teenager driver.
What young drivers in Tennessee need to know
- The state of Tennessee has graduated license laws that introduce teens to driving and help them develop their
confidence behind the wheel.
- The sooner young drivers complete their approved defensive driving course, the more likely they will be to
obtain lower rates on their car insurance.
- A good student discount can be reached through the art of maintaining a good average.
But for younger drivers, there's hope. While you won't get the same low rates as your parents, as long as you shop around and keep a clean driving record, you can still find cheap car insurance quotes.
While a new driver isn't likely to qualify for the same low rates as his or her parents, there are ways to find affordable insurance. Shopping around and maintaining a clean driving record are both great ways to unlock lower premiums.
Carlay offers drivers of all ages low prices on car insurance. Here are Carlay's latest discounts by age:
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| 18-20 | $2,712 | $948 |
| 21-24 | $2,534 | $945 |
| 25-34 | $2,496 | $928 |
| 35-44 | $2,288 | $813 |
| 45-54 | $2,347 | $808 |
| 55-64 | $2,344 | $904 |
| 65+ | $2,149 | $726 |
- Cost to insure your car in Tennessee with a poor driving record
If you are like most people, you probably don't consider your insurance provider to be your favorite person. Rates will fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including number of tickets, accidents, or serious offenses such as DUIs.
In Tennessee, the points from a moving violation remain on your record for two years. This makes you look like a riskier driver to insurance companies, which can affect your rates and even your credit rating.
Carlay—the ultimate cheapskate insurance company—will still get you cheap car insurance no matter what's on your record. Here are a few examples of prices that Carlay customers with poor driving records have saved:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Clean Record | $2,412 | $766 |
| Passing School Bus | $3,864 | $1,808 |
| Speeding over 15 | $3,852 | $1,707 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $2,883 | $1,558 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $2,496 | $1,162 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,598 | $1,090 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,230 | $1,085 |
| Defective Equipment | $2,494 | $844 |
| Careless Driving | $2,826 | $834 |
| DUI | $2,820 | $824 |
- Cost to insure your car in Tennessee based on where you live
Tennessee has a little more than six and one-half million residents, but its low population density can help keep insurance premiums more affordable.
That is not to say that where you live doesn't matter. Your location may directly affect your insurance premiums. For example, drivers in Nashville will typically pay more than those in rural areas, because the latter typically see fewer accidents, thefts, and claims.
The following are the cheapest Tennessee cities for car insurance:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Antioch | $2,522 | $957 |
| Chattanooga | $2,341 | $868 |
| Clarksville | $2,426 | $865 |
| Cleveland | $2,173 | $813 |
| Franklin | $2,002 | $756 |
| Johnson City | $2,133 | $896 |
| Knoxville | $2,229 | $824 |
| Memphis | $2,586 | $840 |
| Murfreesboro | $2,557 | $1,011 |
| Nashville | $2,631 | $940 |
- Cost to insure your car in Tennessee based on the type of car you drive
Generally, it's wise to insure the inexpensive cars because they're less expensive to repair in the event of an accident. While Tennessee is home to country music and pickup trucks, insurance companies report that the most affordable cars to insure are actually standard cars, like Honda Civic. If your car costs a lot, as in the case of BMW 3-series, you will pay more for your car's maintenance.
Here's what it adds up to when you add Carlay to the insurance costs of some popular car makes and models:
How to Save Money On Car Insurance in Tennessee?
No matter if you live in downtown Nashville or rural Tennessee, there are ways for you to save money on your insurance. Here are a few easy-to-implement tips that will lower your premiums:
- Shop around for quotes
When seeking good insurance premiums, it's smart to compare several different offers. All thanks to Carlay, the process is simple.
Carlay, a free app from a licensed broker, takes the headache out of searching for cheap car insurance quotes. The app finds the cheapest rates from name-brand insurance companies for new or used cars and trucks, and it helps you cancel your old policy.
And the best part? Carlay users save an average of $879 on insurance annually.
- Look for discounts
Discounts are a handy way of saving money on your car insurance. In Tennessee, most insurers offer them, and there are some discounts that can help you save even more.
| Discount type | Who is eligible? |
| Driver education discount | Tennessee law requires insurance companies to provide drivers 50 and over a discounted premium if they complete an approved driver education course. |
| Bundling discount | Insuring more than one product with the same company can net you savings—typically up to 12%—on each policy. Popular bundles include auto insurance with home, renter's condo, or life insurance. |
| Good student discount | Full-time students who maintain an average of at least a B may be eligible for reduced premiums. |
| Accident-free discount | If your record is free of accidents (typically for the last 3–5 years), you could net savings on your car insurance policy. |
- Increase your deductible
Registering Your Car in Tennessee
To register a car in Tennessee, you need to have the following paperwork ready.
- 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.
Once you've gathered the necessary paperwork, visit your county clerk's office and make an appointment. Tennessee drivers must renew their vehicle registration annually, which can be done online or by mail.
Tennessee drivers must renew their vehicle registrations annually.