Tennessee Car Insurance
Summary: Tennessee car insurance rates are lower than the national average, but drivers can still save even more by comparing multiple carriers, bundles, and discounts. State minimums are required as all drivers must carry at least liability coverage, but additional coverages are available for a more complete form of protection. Get quotes online to find affordable auto insurance rates near you. Estimated Read Time: 3 mins
Car insurance in Tennessee is required for all drivers and saving on premiums comes down to finding the right coverage at the lowest cost. If you want to maximize your savings, you’ll need to compare multiple carriers. Here at Freedom Insurance Group, we work with many top-rated carriers who can help you stay legal for less, prepare for more with full coverage, and everything in between. Get quotes from auto insurance companies in Tennessee or ask an agent how we help drivers save 40% on premiums with personalized coverage.
Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements
Every driver is required to maintain car insurance in Tennessee, having at least liability coverage to fulfill the state’s financial responsibility laws:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
Although liability is required by law, if you finance or lease your vehicle, other coverages may also be required by your contract’s terms and conditions.
Most commonly, drivers are required by lenders to have full coverage car insurance by lenders but not state law.
Tennessee Auto Insurance Coverage Types
- Liability Coverage: Restores losses to others after an accident you’ve caused.
- Collision Insurance: Protection for your vehicle after an accident, even if you’re at fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage that happens outside of accidents, such as flooding, trees falling on your vehicle, etc.
- Full Coverage: A combination of coverages. Most frequently this means liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages all in one.
- Gap Insurance: Helps you pay off your vehicle if you owe a note but it’s totaled.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: If you need to rent a vehicle while yours is in the shop after an accident, there are endorsements that can help you pay for the cost.
- Roadside Assistance: From getting a jump, fixing a flat, or needing a tow, this coverage is there for you when you need a little help on the road.
- Medical Payments: Coverage for the medical expenses you and your passengers might have after a wreck.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UI/UM): Protection for when you’re in an accident and the other driver either doesn’t have enough coverage or an auto insurance policy at all. UI/UM also protects against hit-and-runs.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Tennessee?
On average, Tennessee auto insurance quotes cost drivers $748 per year for liability-only coverage and $2,000 per year for full coverage.
While premiums continue to rise across the board, from a national standpoint, drivers in the Volunteer State pay lower premiums than many parts of the United States.
How much you pay for car insurance will vary depending on many different factors, including the following:
- Age
- Deductibles
- Discounts/bundles
- Driving record
- Gender
- Location
- Marital status
- Your credit score
Finding the Best Car Insurance
Because everyone has different factors and needs, the best coverage is going to look different for everyone.
From finding cheap rates to protecting yourself from the risks affecting your vehicle, comparing multiple carriers is important.
Always shop among multiple brands to find the best quotes, bundles, discounts, and coverage.
Car Insurance Discounts in Tennessee
If you want the cheapest car insurance available, it’s important to shop for different discounts available. Not everyone qualifies for every discount but these are common ways many drivers can save on coverage:
Bundle Your Policies
Bundling your car insurance with a home or renters policy helps you cut rates while staying protected against more. Be sure to compare bundles to save money on premiums in Tennessee.
Pay in Full or Online
If you pay all of your premiums upfront, you may save money in the long run.
Many auto insurance carriers offer the option to pay everything when you sign up or at the time of renewal, covering your costs for six or twelve months, depending on the company.
Furthermore, for drivers choosing paperless billing and paying online, some carriers provide discounts.
Practice Safe Driving
Safe driving doesn't just help you avoid accidents in the first place but many carriers also provide discounts for drivers who go a certain period of time without filing a claim.
Multi-Car Discounts
Depending on your carrier, you may be able to combine coverages for multiple vehicles. This is a great option for families and can lead to discounted premiums.
However, if drivers have poor driving records, they may not receive a discount and may even pay more as a result.
Good Student Discount
High school and college students with good grades may be eligible for auto insurance discounts.
Since younger drivers are riskier to insure, companies often reward responsible students who maintain strong academic performance with lower rates.
Is Tennessee a No-Fault Auto Insurance State?
Using a tort system, Tennessee is a fault state and drivers who cause accidents must accept the responsibility of restoring losses in the aftermath.
Affected parties can go through car insurance by filing a claim with the at-fault party's carrier, or their own policy, or taking legal action for compensation.