The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2026

Sun Coast offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Memphis, but your rates will likely vary based on several personal factors.

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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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Mark Friedlander is Senior Director, Media Relations, at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), where he serves as a national spokesperson, handling a wide array of insurance industry media issues. His responsibilities also include spearheading the association’s hurricane season communications strategy and its member company support and media outreach.

Throughout his 30+ years in the insurance industry, Mark has held leadership positions across multiple trade groups, including serving as Board Chair and President of the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). He has also advised editorial teams at organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Insurify, Bankrate, and more.

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Finding affordable car insurance in Memphis can feel overwhelming, especially since rates are higher than statewide average. Our data shows that the average driver in Memphis pays $150 per month for car insurance.

Local factors like population density and crime rates likely contribute to the city’s higher prices — Memphis ranks as Tennessee’s second most populated city.[1] Still, many companies offer policies well below the citywide average.

For example, Sun Coast, State Farm, and Mile Auto offer the lowest average rates, with Sun Coast offering the cheapest of any area insurer.

In this article, we’ll break down the cheapest insurers for different driver types, how to pick the right company, and tips for saving on car insurance in Memphis.

Key Takeaways
  • Sun Coast offers Memphis’ lowest average rate, at $70 per month.

  • Memphis drivers pay an average of $100 per month for liability coverage and $200 for full coverage.

  • Tennessee requires drivers to have at least 25/50/15 in liability insurance.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Memphis, Tennessee

Regardless of average rates in Memphis, you can still find ways to save on your car insurance. Several companies offer rates well below the citywide average.

The table below shows the cheapest insurers in Memphis, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$70
Sun Coast$70
Mile Auto$73
Progressive$77
Certainly$80
Direct Auto$80
Freedom National$80
USAA$83
Allstate$89
AssuranceAmerica$91
GEICO$95
The General$95
Travelers$95
Auto-Owners$97
Erie$102
Trexis$102
Safeco$111
GAINSCO$114
Trexis One$116
Dairyland$125
First Acceptance$125
Mendota$125
National General$125
Farmers$138
Insurify Car$140
Liberty Mutual$140
Bristol West$144
Root$149
Elephant$150
Foremost$156
Hugo$183
Chubb$199
State Auto$266
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.

Sun Coast offers the cheapest average car insurance rate, at $70 per month.

But these broad averages are just that — averages. In the following sections, we’ll break down the cheapest companies by various rating factors, including coverages and driver types.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Memphis by Driver and Coverage Type

While the above companies are a good starting point, your personal rates can vary widely based on factors like your age, driving record, address, and more. That’s why it’s so important to compare rates for drivers with a similar profile.

The table below shows the cheapest companies for different driver profiles and coverages, according to our data.

Driver/Coverage Type
Cheapest Insurer
Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
State-minimum coverageSun Coast$70
Full coverageProgressive$138
TeensSun Coast$138
SeniorsSun Coast$60
Drivers with a speeding ticketSun Coast$93
Drivers with an at-fault accidentSun Coast$100
Drivers with a DUISun Coast$105
Drivers with excellent creditSun Coast$63
Drivers with poor creditSun Coast$86
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

We’ve included further breakdowns for each driver type in the subsections below.

Find the Best Company for You

Policies in Memphis start as low as $70 per month.

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Cheapest state-minimum coverage: Sun Coast

Tennessee requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage (we’ll cover this in more detail later). State-minimum coverage pays for repair costs and medical expenses for the other driver when you cause an accident.

The average rate for minimum coverage in Memphis is $100 per month, according to Compare.com data. But most experts recommend purchasing more coverage than the state requires to protect your assets in case of a serious at-fault accident.[2]

But if you need only bare-bones coverage that meets Tennessee’s minimum requirement, the chart below highlights the five cheapest companies in the city, according to our data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Liability Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$70
Sun Coast$70
Mile Auto$73
Progressive$77
Certainly$80
Direct Auto$80
Freedom National$80
USAA$83
Allstate$89
AssuranceAmerica$91
GEICO$95
The General$95
Travelers$95
Auto-Owners$97
Erie$102
Trexis$102
Safeco$111
GAINSCO$114
Trexis One$116
Dairyland$125
First Acceptance$125
Mendota$125
National General$125
Farmers$138
Insurify Car$140
Liberty Mutual$140
Bristol West$144
Root$149
Elephant$150
Foremost$156
Hugo$183
Chubb$199
State Auto$266

Cheapest full coverage: Progressive

Most drivers should consider full coverage for more robust protection. It typically includes comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to the state’s minimum requirements.

Plus, if you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will most likely require you to purchase full coverage.[3]

The average rate for full coverage in Memphis is $200 per month. But even with higher rates, several insurers tend to offer full coverage for close to the average liability price in Memphis.

The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Memphis for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Progressive$138
Sun Coast$140
Mile Auto$143
State Farm$147
USAA$174
Direct Auto$177
Allstate$198
GEICO$198
National General$199
Auto-Owners$200
Travelers$200
Safeco$202
Erie$215
AssuranceAmerica$217
Certainly$223
Trexis$233
Root$247
Elephant$261
The General$275
Liberty Mutual$276
Trexis One$276
GAINSCO$282
Mendota$282
Farmers$291
Freedom National$304
Bristol West$309
First Acceptance$333
Dairyland$370
Foremost$377
Chubb$417
State Auto$557

Cheapest for teens: Sun Coast

Teens have some of the most expensive rates of any age group, largely due to their lack of driving experience and higher likelihood of causing accidents. In fact, they’re nearly three times as likely to be in a fatal crash as drivers age 20 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[4]

Nationwide, the average teen pays nearly double that of someone 20 or older, according to our data. The average rate for teens in Memphis is $296 per month, but it’s still possible for teen drivers to find a good deal.

Here are the five cheapest insurers in Memphis for teens, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates for Teens

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Sun Coast$138
State Farm$140
Progressive$152
Mile Auto$155
USAA$158
Certainly$158
Direct Auto$161
Allstate$175
The General$178
GEICO$179
Erie$193
AssuranceAmerica$194
Trexis$201
Auto-Owners$202
Travelers$203
GAINSCO$208
Dairyland$225
Trexis One$229
Safeco$234
Root$235
First Acceptance$246
Mendota$246
Liberty Mutual$255
National General$256
Bristol West$264
Insurify Car$276
Elephant$283
Farmers$284
Hugo$361
Chubb$419
State Auto$651

Cheapest for seniors: Sun Coast

Seniors tend to have the cheapest rates of any age group. That’s because older drivers typically have more experience, drive fewer miles, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[5]

Memphis seniors pay a monthly average rate of $129. Even though rates are already low, you can likely find a better deal from several companies.

The chart below shows the five cheapest companies in Memphis for seniors, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates for Seniors

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$55
Mile Auto$57
Sun Coast$60
Direct Auto$65
Progressive$66
USAA$67
Certainly$69
AssuranceAmerica$71
GEICO$75
Travelers$76
Auto-Owners$76
Allstate$77
Erie$78
The General$81
Trexis$88
Safeco$96
GAINSCO$98
National General$98
Trexis One$100
Dairyland$106
First Acceptance$108
Mendota$108
Farmers$109
Liberty Mutual$116
Bristol West$120
Insurify Car$120
Elephant$121
Root$137
Chubb$150
Hugo$157
State Auto$200

Cheapest after a ticket: Sun Coast

If a cop writes you a speeding ticket, expect your rates to go up the next time your policy renews. Tickets signal risky driving behavior, which indicates a higher likelihood of future claims.[6]

Our research shows just one speeding ticket causes average rates to increase by 28% nationwide.

In Memphis, drivers with a recent ticket pay an average rate of $199 per month, but several insurers offer lower rates.

Check out the five cheapest car insurance companies in Memphis for people with a recent ticket, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With a Ticket

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Mile Auto$91
State Farm$91
Sun Coast$93
Progressive$102
Direct Auto$104
Certainly$106
USAA$110
Allstate$118
AssuranceAmerica$119
Travelers$127
GEICO$128
Auto-Owners$129
The General$131
Trexis$136
Erie$138
GAINSCO$141
Safeco$150
Trexis One$154
Dairyland$159
National General$161
First Acceptance$166
Mendota$166
Farmers$182
Root$183
Liberty Mutual$184
Insurify Car$186
Bristol West$187
Elephant$189
Hugo$243
Chubb$261
State Auto$362

Cheapest after an accident: Sun Coast

Worse than a ticket, causing an accident can lead to a substantial multi-year increase since it also indicates to insurers that you’re more likely to file a claim later.

Our research shows that a single at-fault accident causes average rates to increase by 33% nationwide.

The average rate for people with a recent accident in Memphis is $214 per month, but you can often find a better deal with one of the five companies in the chart below.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With an Accident

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$97
Sun Coast$100
Mile Auto$102
Progressive$110
Direct Auto$113
Certainly$114
USAA$116
AssuranceAmerica$126
Allstate$127
GEICO$131
Travelers$134
Auto-Owners$134
The General$136
Erie$143
Trexis$145
GAINSCO$152
Safeco$160
Trexis One$165
Dairyland$171
National General$173
First Acceptance$178
Mendota$178
Farmers$193
Liberty Mutual$194
Root$195
Bristol West$199
Insurify Car$200
Elephant$205
Hugo$261
Chubb$277
State Auto$379

Cheapest after a DUI: Sun Coast

A DUI conviction can skyrocket your premium more than a ticket or a car accident. Insurance companies view DUIs as extremely high-risk behaviors and will raise your rates for at least three years to offset that risk.

Average rates increase by an average of 59% nationwide after a DUI conviction, according to our data.

A DUI conviction can make it difficult to find coverage at all, as some insurers may refuse to cover drivers with DUI convictions. Fortunately, some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers, like people with DUIs.

The average rate for Memphis drivers with a DUI is $225 per month, but you’re not necessarily stuck with sky-high rates.

The chart below highlights the five cheapest insurers in Memphis for people with DUIs, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With a DUI

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$103
Sun Coast$105
Mile Auto$107
Progressive$116
Direct Auto$117
Certainly$120
USAA$122
AssuranceAmerica$133
Allstate$134
The General$136
Auto-Owners$136
Travelers$139
GEICO$140
Erie$149
Trexis$153
GAINSCO$167
Trexis One$174
Safeco$178
Dairyland$183
National General$183
First Acceptance$188
Mendota$188
Farmers$202
Liberty Mutual$205
Insurify Car$210
Bristol West$211
Root$218
Elephant$220
Hugo$275
Chubb$292
State Auto$377

Cheapest for bad credit: Sun Coast

Some insurance companies look at your credit history when calculating your rates. Insurers use something called a credit-based insurance score to assess your risk of filing a claim in the future.[7]

Drivers with poor credit pay 40% more than people with excellent credit scores, according to our data. The average rate for people with poor credit in Memphis is $184 per month. But not all companies use credit — some actually offer extremely affordable rates, regardless of your credit history. The following chart shows the five cheapest insurers in Memphis for drivers with bad credit.

The below rates in Memphis, TN, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With Bad Credit

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Sun Coast$86
Mile Auto$90
Progressive$95
Certainly$98
Direct Auto$98
State Farm$101
USAA$102
Allstate$109
Travelers$111
AssuranceAmerica$112
GEICO$117
The General$117
Trexis$125
Safeco$137
GAINSCO$140
Trexis One$142
Auto-Owners$145
Erie$148
First Acceptance$153
Mendota$153
Dairyland$154
National General$154
Liberty Mutual$166
Farmers$170
Insurify Car$172
Bristol West$177
Root$183
Elephant$185
Hugo$225
Chubb$315
State Auto$330

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Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements

Aerial view of a cityscape at sunset, featuring a pyramid-shaped building by a river, with a bridge and skyline in the background.

Tennessee, like nearly every U.S. state, requires all drivers to have car insurance to be roadworthy. Here’s what you need to meet the state’s requirements:[8]

The state doesn’t require drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage, but you should consider it to protect yourself against hit-and-runs and drivers who don’t have enough coverage.

Is minimum coverage enough in Memphis?

Most experts recommend buying coverage above the state’s minimum limits. Insurance professionals suggest drivers purchase 100/300/100 levels of liability coverage for greater financial protection from at-fault accidents. After all, minimum liability limits might not be enough to cover all damages in a serious accident, potentially leaving you financially exposed to costs beyond your policy limits.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue suggests that drivers consider higher liability limits to better protect their assets. If you finance or lease your car, your lender will most likely require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Memphis Auto Insurance FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about car insurance in Memphis.

How much is car insurance in Memphis?

Memphis drivers pay an average monthly rate of $150 for car insurance, according to our data. Liability-only car insurance costs $100 per month, while full coverage averages $200 per month.

Is car insurance in Memphis expensive?

Yes, car insurance costs more in Memphis. The average rate in Memphis is $150 per month, compared to the national average of $142 per month. Still, many factors affect how much you pay, including your address, driving history, age, and more. Always shop around and compare rates for the best deal.

What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Memphis?

Sun Coast offers the lowest average rate in Memphis, at $70 per month, according to Compare.com data.

Disclaimer

Our editorial team used highly trained generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with the first draft of this article before multiple insurance experts — including at least one licensed agent — rigorously reviewed, fact-checked, and edited every word and data point you see here.

We research, write, edit, and review all content on Compare.com in accordance with our strict editorial standards to ensure accuracy, clarity, and helpfulness. Learn more about our editorial process here.

Sources

  1. World Population Review. "Tennessee Cities by Population 2025."
  2. III. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
  3. Naic.org. "What You Should Know About Auto Insurance Coverage."
  4. Teen Drivers. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
  5. Iihs.org. "Older drivers."
  6. III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
  7. Naic.org. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores Aren’t the Same as a Credit Score. Understand How Credit and Other Factors Determine Your Premiums."
  8. Tennessee Department of Revenue. "DIFD-1 - Insurance Verification Overview."

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.

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