At $100 per month, Tennessee drivers pay less than the national average for car insurance. Tennessee’s lower rates may be partly due to its moderate population density and mostly rural land.[1]
Still, comparing insurance companies uncovers several options with premiums well below the statewide average. Sun Coast, State Farm, and Mile Auto offer some of the cheapest Tennessee car insurance rates, with liability coverage starting as low as $46.
We’ll cover the cheapest companies for different drivers, how to choose the right one, and smart ways to save.
Sun Coast typically offers the lowest rates in Tennessee, starting around $46 per month.
Basic liability car insurance in Tennessee runs about $64 per month, while drivers pay around $136 per month for full coverage.
Tennessee requires drivers to have at least 25/50/25 in liability car insurance.[2]
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Tennessee
Tennessee’s auto insurance market might have its quirks, but you can still find some serious savings if you look at car insurance comparison sites. Several of the best car insurance companies offer average rates below what most drivers pay across the state.
Here’s a look at the cheapest insurers in Tennessee, according to our Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Sun Coast | $46 |
| Mile Auto | $47 |
| State Farm | $47 |
| Certainly | $52 |
| Progressive | $52 |
| Direct Auto | $55 |
| USAA | $56 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $61 |
| GEICO | $62 |
| Freedom National | $63 |
| Travelers | $64 |
| Auto-Owners | $65 |
| The General | $65 |
| Trexis | $68 |
| Erie | $69 |
| Safeco | $75 |
| Trexis One | $77 |
| GAINSCO | $79 |
| Dairyland | $81 |
| Mendota | $82 |
| Allstate | $87 |
| First Acceptance | $87 |
| National General | $87 |
| Insurify Car | $91 |
| Farmers | $93 |
| Liberty Mutual | $98 |
| Bristol West | $100 |
| Foremost | $101 |
| Root | $101 |
| Elephant | $104 |
| Nationwide | $115 |
| Hugo | $124 |
| Chubb | $134 |
| State Auto | $179 |
Sun Coast has the lowest rates in Tennessee, averaging $46 per month. Coming up, we’ll break down which companies offer the best premiums for different coverages and drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tennessee by Driver and Coverage Type
While these companies give a good starting point, your age, driving profile, location, and coverage levels are a few of the factors that can affect what you’ll pay. The table below shows the most affordable companies for a variety of driver backgrounds and car insurance policy types, according to our data.
Driver/Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | Sun Coast | $46 |
| Full coverage | Mile Auto | $89 |
| Teens | Sun Coast | $92 |
| Seniors | Sun Coast | $41 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Sun Coast | $61 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Sun Coast | $64 |
| Drivers with a DUI | Sun Coast | $67 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Sun Coast | $41 |
| Drivers with poor credit | Sun Coast | $58 |
We have more detailed info for each driver and coverage type in the sections below, so you can zero in on the best company for your situation.
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You need to buy a minimum amount of liability insurance to drive legally in Tennessee, but most experts suggest buying more than that. Tennessee’s minimum requirements might not cover all the damage if you’re in a serious accident.[3]
The average cost for state-minimum coverage across Tennessee runs about $64 per month. If you need to stick with basic coverage for now, here are the five cheapest options, according to our research.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Liability Rates by Company
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumSun Coast $46 Mile Auto $47 State Farm $47 Certainly $52 Progressive $52 Direct Auto $55 USAA $56 AssuranceAmerica $61 GEICO $62 Freedom National $63 Travelers $64 Auto-Owners $65 The General $65 Trexis $68 Erie $69 Safeco $75 Trexis One $77 GAINSCO $79 Dairyland $81 Mendota $82 Allstate $87 First Acceptance $87 National General $87 Insurify Car $91 Farmers $93 Liberty Mutual $98 Bristol West $100 Foremost $101 Root $101 Elephant $104 Nationwide $115 Hugo $124 Chubb $134 State Auto $179 You need to buy a minimum amount of liability insurance to drive legally in Tennessee, but most experts suggest buying more than that. Tennessee’s minimum requirements might not cover all the damage if you’re in a serious accident.[3]
The average cost for state-minimum coverage across Tennessee runs about $64 per month. If you need to stick with basic coverage for now, here are the five cheapest options, according to our research.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $89 Sun Coast $89 Progressive $97 State Farm $103 Direct Auto $119 USAA $122 GEICO $135 Safeco $135 Auto-Owners $141 National General $141 Travelers $141 Certainly $146 AssuranceAmerica $147 Erie $151 Trexis $161 Elephant $162 Root $169 Trexis One $184 The General $187 Liberty Mutual $188 Allstate $189 GAINSCO $197 Mendota $197 Farmers $205 Freedom National $218 Bristol West $220 First Acceptance $230 Foremost $230 Dairyland $245 Nationwide $251 Chubb $294 State Auto $392 Teens can expect to pay more for car insurance than most other drivers. Data shows that drivers ages 16–19 have the most car accidents, which means insurance companies see them as a bigger risk than adult drivers.[4]
Young drivers in Tennessee pay around $199 per month, on average, according to our data. But if you shop around, you can still find solid rates. We pulled the numbers, and these five companies offer the lowest car insurance for teen drivers in Tennessee.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates for Teens
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumSun Coast $92 State Farm $95 Mile Auto $101 Certainly $103 Progressive $103 USAA $109 Direct Auto $112 GEICO $118 The General $122 Freedom National $125 AssuranceAmerica $131 Erie $134 Trexis $135 Auto-Owners $138 Travelers $139 Dairyland $148 GAINSCO $149 Trexis One $153 Safeco $159 Mendota $163 First Acceptance $173 National General $173 Allstate $180 Liberty Mutual $180 Insurify Car $181 Root $185 Bristol West $186 Elephant $194 Farmers $194 Nationwide $235 Hugo $239 Chubb $288 State Auto $451 Drivers in their golden years typically have the lowest car insurance premiums. Insurance companies reward their decades of driving history and tendency to be more careful behind the wheel as seniors are generally considered the safest drivers of any age demographic.
Tennessee senior drivers pay an average of $88 per month, according to our data. Even with these already low car insurance quotes, you can probably find an even better deal. The chart below shows the five cheapest options for seniors in Tennessee, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates for Seniors
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumState Farm $37 Mile Auto $38 Sun Coast $41 Direct Auto $46 Certainly $46 Progressive $46 USAA $46 AssuranceAmerica $48 GEICO $50 Travelers $52 Auto-Owners $52 Erie $54 Freedom National $56 The General $56 Trexis $60 Safeco $66 Trexis One $68 GAINSCO $68 Dairyland $69 Allstate $71 Mendota $72 Farmers $75 First Acceptance $77 National General $77 Insurify Car $80 Liberty Mutual $83 Bristol West $84 Root $86 Elephant $86 Nationwide $89 Chubb $103 Hugo $109 State Auto $137 If an officer catches you speeding on Interstate 40 or running a red light in downtown Chattanooga, for example, your wallet will likely take a hit. Our research shows that even one speeding ticket causes average prices to jump by 37% nationwide.
In Tennessee, drivers pay around $132 per month, according to our data. But don’t panic. Several companies offer competitive prices if you’ve got a recent ding on your record.
Here are the five insurers offering the best rates for Tennessee drivers with a recent speeding ticket, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With a Ticket
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $59 Sun Coast $61 State Farm $61 Certainly $69 Progressive $69 Direct Auto $71 USAA $74 AssuranceAmerica $80 GEICO $83 Freedom National $83 Travelers $85 Auto-Owners $87 The General $89 Trexis $90 Erie $94 GAINSCO $97 Safeco $101 Trexis One $102 Dairyland $104 Mendota $109 First Acceptance $115 National General $115 Allstate $116 Insurify Car $121 Farmers $123 Liberty Mutual $128 Elephant $128 Bristol West $130 Root $138 Nationwide $153 Hugo $162 Chubb $176 State Auto $244 Car accidents, like rear-ending someone during Nashville rush-hour traffic or sliding into another car on an icy Memphis morning, can lead to insurance rate increases for several years. Accidents are expensive for insurance companies to handle, which means they’ll become expensive for you, too. A single at-fault accident causes premiums to spike by 41% nationwide, according to our research.
Tennessee drivers with a recent accident on their record pay an average of $140 per month. To save on car insurance, we recommend checking out these five insurers below.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With an Accident
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumState Farm $64 Sun Coast $64 Mile Auto $65 Certainly $73 Progressive $73 Direct Auto $77 USAA $77 AssuranceAmerica $83 GEICO $84 Freedom National $88 Auto-Owners $89 Travelers $89 The General $92 Erie $95 Trexis $95 GAINSCO $104 Safeco $108 Trexis One $108 Dairyland $110 Mendota $115 Allstate $120 First Acceptance $122 National General $122 Insurify Car $127 Farmers $128 Liberty Mutual $134 Bristol West $136 Root $140 Elephant $140 Nationwide $160 Hugo $170 Chubb $184 State Auto $252 A DUI hits your car insurance harder than any other driving mistake you make. Our research found that rates increase by an average of 61% nationwide after a DUI conviction — a massive jump that can hurt your budget.
Tennessee drivers with a DUI pay an average of $146 per month for coverage. The chart below breaks down the five most affordable options for Tennessee drivers after a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With a DUI
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumSun Coast $67 Mile Auto $68 State Farm $68 Certainly $76 Progressive $76 Direct Auto $80 USAA $81 AssuranceAmerica $88 GEICO $89 The General $91 Freedom National $92 Travelers $93 Auto-Owners $94 Trexis $99 Erie $100 Trexis One $112 GAINSCO $115 Safeco $115 Dairyland $117 Mendota $120 Allstate $126 First Acceptance $127 National General $127 Insurify Car $133 Farmers $135 Liberty Mutual $142 Bristol West $145 Root $148 Elephant $151 Nationwide $167 Hugo $180 Chubb $194 State Auto $249 Many insurance companies peek at your credit history when calculating your cost. Insurance companies view drivers with poor credit as a higher risk to insure, so they charge more to offset the higher risk.[5] In fact, drivers with poor credit end up paying about 20% more than drivers with excellent credit, according to our research.
If your credit needs some work, your Tennessee car insurance bill can average $125 per month. But not every company uses credit to set your car insurance rates. We found these five companies with the best prices on car insurance if you’re a driver in Tennessee with less-than-perfect credit.
The below rates in Tennessee are estimated rates current as of: Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With Bad Credit
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumSun Coast $58 Mile Auto $58 Certainly $65 Progressive $65 State Farm $68 Direct Auto $68 USAA $69 AssuranceAmerica $75 GEICO $76 Freedom National $79 Travelers $79 The General $80 Trexis $85 Safeco $92 Trexis One $96 Auto-Owners $97 GAINSCO $97 Dairyland $100 Erie $101 Mendota $103 Allstate $107 First Acceptance $109 National General $109 Insurify Car $114 Farmers $115 Liberty Mutual $117 Bristol West $123 Root $125 Elephant $128 Nationwide $142 Hugo $153 Chubb $214 State Auto $222
Our Picks for the Best Auto Insurance in Tennessee
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The concept of a single best option doesn’t apply to car insurance. What’s perfect for someone in Knoxville could be a bust in Chattanooga.
We picked the companies below based on what matters most to Tennessee drivers: typical rates across the state, available car insurance discount programs, customer satisfaction, and coverage options available in Tennessee.
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $47/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm has a huge network of local agents. Whether you’re in Clarksville, Oak Ridge, or rural Tennessee, you can probably find one within a few miles of your house. The company is also good at keeping customers happy, especially when it comes to handling claims.[6]
Be sure to take advantage of savings like Drive Safe & Save, Steer Clear, and bundling discounts to help keep costs down.
Exclusive agents in 75 Tennessee cities
High customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power 2025 study[7]
Flexible bundling discounts
Gap insurance only available to customers who have a loan through State Farm Bank
Accident forgiveness not available
Must purchase policy through an agent, no online options
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $56/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $122/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 0.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 0.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 0.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 0.0 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
USAA is one of the best car insurance companies if you’re military, a veteran, or part of a military family in Tennessee. You can get discounts for storing your car during deployment, and signing up for the SafePilot program can help you save based on how you drive. Plus, shopping discounts at popular retailers can help you save on everyday purchases.
Top-notch customer care
Specific discounts for veterans
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)[8]
Available only to military members, veterans, and their families
No local offices in Tennessee
Limited customer service hours
| User Reviews | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.2 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $98/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $188/mo |
Liberty Mutual's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.0 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the excellent customer service and efficient claim processing but are frustrated with the high and consistently increasing premiums. Some also found the website difficult to navigate.
Liberty Mutual has flexible auto insurance policy offerings for Tennessee drivers. Customizable options include new car replacement coverage, gap insurance, diminishing deductible, and policies specific to teachers. Discounts for homeowners, military, good students, safe drivers, and signing up for the RightTrack program can help keep your prices in check.
Great digital tools
Accident forgiveness available
Plenty of coverage add-ons and discounts
Below-average customer service ratings from J.D. Power
RightTrack telematics program could lead to higher rates if app detects poor driving habits
Average rates may be higher than some competitors
Find the Best Company for You
Local rates start as low as $46 per month.
Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements
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Like most states across the country, Tennessee requires you to have car insurance to drive legally. You can’t just hop in your car and cruise down Main Street in Franklin or take a scenic drive through the Smokies without proper auto insurance coverage.
Here’s exactly what Tennessee state insurance requirements say you need to have for bodily injury and property damage liability coverage:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident
Your coverage automatically includes uninsured motorist coverage, unless you specifically reject it in writing.[9] If you’re not sure what coverage you have, you can check your car insurance policy through Tennessee’s online verification system or contact your insurance agent or carrier.
Experts usually recommend going beyond the lowest coverage level, since those insurance limits often won’t cover a serious accident. Think about it this way: If you rear-end a brand new pickup truck on I-65, damages could easily be more than the $25,000 Tennessee requires for property damage.
That leaves you on the hook to pay the remaining amount out of your own pocket. Keep in mind that if you lease your car or have a car loan, your lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage.
Insurance experts typically recommend 100/300/100 liability coverage for a greater level of financial protection from at-fault accidents.
Tennessee Auto Insurance FAQs
Here are answers to the questions we get all the time about car insurance in Tennessee.
How much is car insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee drivers pay an average monthly premium of $100, according to Compare.com data. Liability insurance costs around $64 per month, while full coverage averages $136 per month.
What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Tennessee?
Our data shows that drivers typically find the cheapest car insurance with Sun Coast. It offers the lowest average rates in Tennessee, with premiums averaging $46 per month.
Is car insurance in Tennessee expensive?
No. Your car insurance bill depends on several factors, including where you live, your driving history, age, and more. For context, the average Tennessee car insurance price is $100 per month, compared to the national average rate of $140, according to our data.
What are the Tennessee state laws for car insurance?
Tennessee law says you need to have liability insurance with limits of $25,000 for each injury or death per person, $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. The state also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage unless you opt out in writing.
How much is full-coverage car insurance in Tennessee?
Full-coverage car insurance in Tennessee costs an average of $136 per month, according to Compare.com data. But your actual rate depends on individual rating factors like your age, driving record, and credit history. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price for you.
Is it normal to pay $200 for car insurance in Tennessee?
Paying $200 per month for car insurance in Tennessee could be normal depending on your situation. Tennessee drivers pay an overall average of $100 per month for coverage, according to Compare.com data. If you’re paying significantly more, factors like poor credit, recent accidents or speeding tickets, or choosing full coverage can drive up your premium.
Does my credit score affect insurance rates in Tennessee?
Not exactly. Insurers in Tennessee don’t actually use your credit score. Instead, they review your credit history and create a credit-based insurance score, which is different from the credit score used for loans. Tennessee law allows insurers to use this insurance score as one factor in setting rates, but it’s never the only factor used.[10]
How do I get the best deal on car insurance in Tennessee?
To get the best deal on car insurance in Tennessee, start by comparing quotes from at least three different insurers. Then, you can lower your rates by maintaining a clean driving record, improving your credit if needed, and asking about available discounts. You can also consider raising your collision and comprehensive deductible to reduce your monthly premium.
Which is the best car insurance company in Tennessee?
State Farm is the best car insurance company overall, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 score based on Compare.com’s comprehensive ratings system. That said, the right company for you depends on your specific needs, including your budget, driving history, and what features matter most to you, like mobile app convenience or customer service availability.
Sources
- Tennessee State Data Center. "U.S. States: Decennial Census, 2024 Population Estimates and Change."
- Tennessee Department of Revenue. "Financial Responsibility Law."
- III. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
- Teen Drivers. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
- American Property Casualty Insurance Association. "Behavioral Validation of Auto Insurance Rating Variables."
- Jdpower.com. "2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Ambest.com. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of United Services Automobile Association, Its Subsidiaries and USAA Capital Corporation."
- Tennessee General Assembly. "SENATE BILL 427."
- Justia. "2024 Tennessee Code Title 56 - INSURANCE (§§ 56-1-101 — 56-61-125) Chapter 5 - RATES AND RATING ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 56-5-101 — 56-5-302) Part 2 - RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF CREDIT SCORES (§§ 56-5-201 — 56-5-207) Section 56-5-202 - Restrictions on use of credit scores."
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
- All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
- None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
- Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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