+120 moreAt $97 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, Mile Auto, and State Farm offer some of the cheapest Tennessee car insurance rates, with liability coverage starting as low as $45.
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 $45 per month.
Basic liability car insurance in Tennessee runs about $66 per month, while drivers pay around $128 per month for full coverage.
Tennessee requires drivers to have at least 25/50/25 in liability car insurance.[2]
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 | $45 |
| Mile Auto | $47 |
| State Farm | $49 |
| Direct Auto | $56 |
| Progressive | $58 |
| USAA | $59 |
| GEICO | $65 |
| Auto-Owners | $68 |
| Travelers | $68 |
| The General | $70 |
| Erie | $72 |
| Safeco | $76 |
| Dairyland | $80 |
| GAINSCO | $81 |
| National General | $90 |
| Allstate | $91 |
| Farmers | $98 |
| Root | $99 |
| Foremost | $100 |
| Bristol West | $101 |
| Elephant | $105 |
| Liberty Mutual | $110 |
| Nationwide | $121 |
| Chubb | $141 |
| State Auto | $188 |
Sun Coast has the lowest rates in Tennessee, averaging $45 per month. Coming up, we’ll break down which companies offer the best premiums for different coverages and drivers.
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 | $45 |
| Full coverage | Mile Auto | $84 |
| Teens | Sun Coast | $92 |
| Seniors | Sun Coast | $39 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Sun Coast | $59 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Sun Coast | $63 |
| Drivers with a DUI | Sun Coast | $64 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Sun Coast | $40 |
| Drivers with poor credit | Sun Coast | $56 |
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.
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.†
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 $66 per month. If you need to stick with basic coverage for now, here are the five cheapest options, according to our research.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Sun Coast | $45 |
| Mile Auto | $47 |
| State Farm | $49 |
| Direct Auto | $56 |
| Progressive | $58 |
| USAA | $59 |
| GEICO | $65 |
| Auto-Owners | $68 |
| Travelers | $68 |
| The General | $70 |
| Erie | $72 |
| Safeco | $76 |
| Dairyland | $80 |
| GAINSCO | $81 |
| National General | $90 |
| Allstate | $91 |
| Farmers | $98 |
| Root | $99 |
| Foremost | $100 |
| Bristol West | $101 |
| Elephant | $105 |
| Liberty Mutual | $110 |
| Nationwide | $121 |
| Chubb | $141 |
| State Auto | $188 |
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 $66 per month. If you need to stick with basic coverage for now, here are the five cheapest options, according to our research.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $84 |
| Sun Coast | $84 |
| Progressive | $98 |
| State Farm | $99 |
| Direct Auto | $109 |
| USAA | $117 |
| GEICO | $129 |
| Auto-Owners | $135 |
| Travelers | $135 |
| Safeco | $136 |
| National General | $144 |
| Erie | $145 |
| The General | $156 |
| Elephant | $158 |
| Root | $165 |
| Allstate | $182 |
| Liberty Mutual | $190 |
| Farmers | $196 |
| GAINSCO | $200 |
| Bristol West | $221 |
| Foremost | $234 |
| Nationwide | $241 |
| Dairyland | $242 |
| Chubb | $282 |
| State Auto | $376 |
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 $198 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.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Sun Coast | $92 |
| State Farm | $101 |
| Mile Auto | $102 |
| Direct Auto | $114 |
| USAA | $116 |
| Progressive | $118 |
| GEICO | $123 |
| The General | $130 |
| Erie | $140 |
| Auto-Owners | $144 |
| Dairyland | $146 |
| Travelers | $149 |
| GAINSCO | $157 |
| Safeco | $162 |
| Root | $182 |
| Allstate | $190 |
| Bristol West | $192 |
| National General | $192 |
| Elephant | $197 |
| Liberty Mutual | $206 |
| Farmers | $206 |
| Nationwide | $250 |
| Chubb | $307 |
| State Auto | $479 |
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 $84 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.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $37 |
| State Farm | $39 |
| Sun Coast | $39 |
| Direct Auto | $45 |
| USAA | $48 |
| Progressive | $50 |
| GEICO | $52 |
| Auto-Owners | $54 |
| Travelers | $54 |
| Erie | $55 |
| The General | $59 |
| Safeco | $66 |
| Dairyland | $68 |
| GAINSCO | $69 |
| National General | $71 |
| Allstate | $74 |
| Farmers | $78 |
| Root | $83 |
| Bristol West | $84 |
| Elephant | $87 |
| Liberty Mutual | $92 |
| Nationwide | $93 |
| Chubb | $107 |
| State Auto | $143 |
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 $128 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.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $59 |
| Sun Coast | $59 |
| State Farm | $64 |
| Direct Auto | $72 |
| Progressive | $77 |
| USAA | $78 |
| GEICO | $87 |
| Travelers | $91 |
| Auto-Owners | $91 |
| The General | $96 |
| Erie | $98 |
| GAINSCO | $99 |
| Safeco | $103 |
| Dairyland | $103 |
| National General | $115 |
| Allstate | $122 |
| Farmers | $129 |
| Elephant | $129 |
| Bristol West | $131 |
| Root | $135 |
| Liberty Mutual | $144 |
| Nationwide | $161 |
| Chubb | $184 |
| State Auto | $257 |
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 $136 per month. To save on car insurance, we recommend checking out these five insurers below.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Sun Coast | $63 |
| Mile Auto | $65 |
| State Farm | $67 |
| Direct Auto | $78 |
| Progressive | $81 |
| USAA | $81 |
| GEICO | $87 |
| Auto-Owners | $92 |
| Travelers | $94 |
| Erie | $98 |
| The General | $99 |
| GAINSCO | $107 |
| Dairyland | $109 |
| Safeco | $109 |
| National General | $123 |
| Allstate | $125 |
| Farmers | $134 |
| Root | $136 |
| Bristol West | $137 |
| Elephant | $141 |
| Liberty Mutual | $150 |
| Nationwide | $167 |
| Chubb | $192 |
| State Auto | $264 |
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 $139 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.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Sun Coast | $64 |
| Mile Auto | $69 |
| State Farm | $71 |
| Direct Auto | $82 |
| Progressive | $83 |
| USAA | $86 |
| GEICO | $94 |
| Auto-Owners | $99 |
| Travelers | $99 |
| The General | $102 |
| Erie | $104 |
| Dairyland | $117 |
| Safeco | $118 |
| GAINSCO | $118 |
| National General | $131 |
| Allstate | $133 |
| Farmers | $143 |
| Root | $145 |
| Bristol West | $147 |
| Elephant | $153 |
| Liberty Mutual | $160 |
| Nationwide | $177 |
| Chubb | $206 |
| State Auto | $257 |
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 $121 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.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Sun Coast | $56 |
| Mile Auto | $58 |
| Direct Auto | $69 |
| State Farm | $71 |
| USAA | $72 |
| Progressive | $73 |
| GEICO | $80 |
| Travelers | $84 |
| The General | $86 |
| Safeco | $94 |
| Dairyland | $99 |
| GAINSCO | $100 |
| Auto-Owners | $101 |
| Erie | $105 |
| National General | $111 |
| Allstate | $112 |
| Farmers | $121 |
| Root | $122 |
| Bristol West | $124 |
| Elephant | $129 |
| Liberty Mutual | $132 |
| Nationwide | $149 |
| Chubb | $226 |
| State Auto | $233 |
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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. | $49/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. | $99/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. | $59/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. | $117/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. | 3.9 /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. | $110/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. | $190/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
Local rates start as low as $45 per month.
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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.
Here are answers to the questions we get all the time about car insurance in Tennessee.
Tennessee drivers pay an average monthly premium of $97, according to Compare.com data. Liability insurance costs around $66 per month, while full coverage averages $128 per month.
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 $45 per month.
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 $97 per month, compared to the national average rate of $136, according to our data.
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.
Full-coverage car insurance in Tennessee costs an average of $128 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.
Paying $200 per month for car insurance in Tennessee could be normal depending on your situation. Tennessee drivers pay an overall average of $97 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.
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]
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.
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.
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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Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations