(800) 253-1482How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need in Tennessee?
Summary: If you drive in Tennessee, you’re required by law to carry minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage. But that’s just the starting point. While a basic policy keeps you legal, it won’t always cover expensive repairs, medical bills, or a stolen vehicle—potentially leaving you with significant costs. The key is finding the right balance between affordability and protection. By evaluating your risks and budget, you can secure coverage that fits your needs without overspending. Explore your options to stay protected without unnecessary financial stress. Estimated Read Time: 4 mins
Table of Contents:
- Recommended Auto Insurance Coverage for Tennessee Drivers
- How Much Auto Liability Insurance Do I Need in Tennessee?
- How Much Property Damage Car Insurance Do I Need in Tennessee?
- Do I Need Comprehensive and Collision in Tennessee?
- How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need in Tennessee?
- How Much Medical Payments Coverage Do I Need in Tennessee?
- How Much Personal Injury Protection Do I Need in Tennessee?
- Need Auto Insurance? Compare Coverage Recommendations in Tennessee
Every Tennessee driver needs minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage, but that’s just the starting point if you’re going to protect against all the risks on and off the road you might face.
Sure, a minimum policy keeps you legal and might save you some cash upfront, but it won’t always cover expensive repairs, medical bills, or a stolen car, costing you more down the road.
The key is finding the right balance between protection and affordability. By assessing your risks and budget, you can get the coverage you need without overspending. Let’s break down how to protect yourself without breaking the bank.
Recommended Auto Insurance Coverage for Tennessee Drivers
There were 178,154 car accidents in 2023 alone in the Volunteer State, highlighting the importance of having enough car insurance in Tennessee.
The right level of protection is key, and drivers can customize policies to fit their specific needs and budget, providing sufficient coverage with financial comfort.
Everyone’s ideal limits depend on their risks and budget, so it's important to look at things on an individual basis.
While cheaper coverage might save you in the short term, it's important to avoid overpaying in the long term by enrolling in a policy with adequate protection for costly repairs, medical bills, and property damage later.
How Much Auto Liability Insurance Do I Need in Tennessee?
Liability coverage helps with injuries and property damage if you're at fault, but the minimum might not cut it.
If your limits run out, you could be stuck paying the rest on your own, often equating to thousands of dollars.
Boosting your bodily injury limits is a smart choice, especially if you drive a lot or live in high-risk areas like Shelby, Davidson, or Hamilton counties.
With healthcare costs rising, you don’t want to risk huge medical bills or legal trouble, which is why drivers need to protect themselves against these risks by enrolling in the right policy.
How Much Property Damage Car Insurance Do I Need in Tennessee?
As healthcare costs rise, so does property damage coverage. It’s important to have enough liability protection to cover your assets.
For example, if your coverage limit is $20,000 and the damages exceed that, you’ll be responsible for the difference.
What is the reason drivers need enough coverage to protect their assets?
If the other party suffering a loss sues and wins, they could garnish your wages, seize savings, or even place a lien on your property to recover the remaining costs—proper liability coverage levels are critical to protect yourself if you’re held liable.
Do I Need Comprehensive and Collision in Tennessee?
Comprehensive insurance and collision coverage offer more protection than just liability, making them great choices for many drivers.
These coverages help pay for repairs or replacements after accidents, theft, or other incidents, which is why they’re especially valuable for newer or high-value cars. If you have a loan or lease, your lender might require both.
Even if your car is paid off, these coverages can be essential if you live in a high-risk area.
Bundling both with liability gives you what most people refer to as full coverage, offering broader protection and discounts.
Younger drivers, especially those aged 16-25, are involved in the most accidents. In 2023, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported 61,699 accidents in that age group, making these coverages particularly important for less experienced drivers.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are essential, as nearly 24% of drivers are on the road uninsured—the third-highest rate in the United States.
Without the right coverage, you risk costly legal battles and difficulty recovering damages, particularly in hit-and-run cases.
Assess your risks and consider rising medical costs, lost wages, and your vehicle’s value when choosing UM/UIM limits to protect yourself from major out-of-pocket expenses.
How Much Medical Payments Coverage Do I Need in Tennessee?
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) helps cover hospital visits, surgeries, and other medical costs, regardless of fault.
With rising healthcare expenses, even small accidents can result in big bills. MedPay also covers passengers in your vehicle, so if you often drive others, ensure your policy limits are sufficient.
Policies typically offer $1,000 per person, but higher limits, up to $10,000 or more, are available for added protection.
How Much Personal Injury Protection Do I Need in Tennessee?
MedPay covers medical expenses, but personal injury protection (PIP) offers broader benefits, including lost wages and funeral costs.
If an accident could strain your finances, increasing your PIP limits is wise, especially for those in high-income areas where injury claims may be higher.
It's also crucial for anyone who may struggle to cover significant costs out of pocket.
Need Auto Insurance? Compare Coverage Recommendations in Tennessee
Getting auto insurance is simple, but ensuring you're fully protected when unexpected events happen takes more effort.
In Tennessee, drivers deserve affordable coverage that’s reliable when needed most, and our team is here to assist.
We partner with top-rated insurers to help you assess your risks, find the right coverage, and compare options to secure the best rates.
Use our tool below for a free quote, or call Freedom Insurance Group at the number at the top of the page to find the auto insurance you need to stay protected for less.
