Average cost of car insurance in Tennessee for 2023

How much is car insurance in Tennessee?

Tennessee car insurance rates are based on a number of factors, including the insurance company you choose, the city you live in, your age and your driving record. For this reason, rates may vary greatly between drivers. 

Fortunately, average car insurance rates in Tennessee are lower than the national average. For comparison, the average cost of car insurance in the United States is $2,014 per year for a full coverage policy and $622 per year for a minimum coverage policy.

Compared to the national average rate, the average Tennessee driver pays $585 less for full coverage insurance and $251 less for minimum coverage insurance.

Tennessee car insurance rates by city

Most drivers know that car insurance rates vary by state, but the city you live in may also affect your premium. Car insurance may be more expensive in certain cities based on the number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, weather patterns and more. The table below highlights the average car insurance rates in five of Tennessee's largest cities.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Tennessee

Some states restrict car insurance companies from using your age and gender to determine your car insurance premium, but not Tennessee. The average car insurance cost in Tennessee is generally higher the younger you are. This is because younger drivers have less experience behind the wheel, and are seen as riskier to insure than older drivers. Additionally, men are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, like speeding, so they tend to pay more for car insurance than women.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Tennessee

Teens and young drivers pay some of the highest car insurance premiums, partly due to their tendency to exhibit risky driving behaviors. One strategy parents might employ to help bring these premiums down is to list their young driver on their policy. However, your car insurance company may require that your young adult child lives in your household for this to be an option. You may want to reach out to your insurance agent to discuss if this tactic could be right for you and your family.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Tennessee?

One of the biggest factors that will impact your car insurance premium is your driving record. Even a single speeding ticket or a minor accident might cause a major increase to your car insurance premium. See how certain traffic violations could impact your car insurance rate in Tennessee in the table below.

Car insurance rates in Tennessee by credit score

In Tennessee, car insurance companies may use your credit-based insurance score as a rating factor when calculating your rates. Those with poor and average credit usually pay more for insurance than drivers with good and excellent credit.

Tennessee car insurance rates by vehicle type

Your vehicle’s make and model may also impact your car insurance rates. Most of the time, luxury vehicles, sports cars and large trucks cost more to insure. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. For instance, some standard economy sedans may have relatively high rates because they are stolen more often, simply because there are more of them on the road. For this reason, if you're considering a new vehicle, it may be a good idea to request quotes for each type of vehicle you’re thinking about to find the cheapest car insurance.

How to save on car insurance in Tennessee

There are a number of ways you may be able to save money on car insurance in Tennessee. Here are some strategies you might consider: 

• Get multiple quotes: Before you settle on an insurance company, get a few quotes from different providers and compare them to see which carrier can offer the lowest rate for the type and amount of coverage you need.
• Look for discounts: When you are comparing insurance companies, look for providers that offer multiple discounts you can take advantage of. The more discounts you qualify for, the more money you might save.
• Pay in full: Most insurance companies will lower your car insurance rate if you pay the annual premium upfront and in full, rather than in 12 or 6 monthly installments.
• Maintain a clean driving record: As demonstrated by the tables above, a clean driving record may be one of the best strategies for keeping your rates low. Avoiding tickets and accidents could help keep your rates steady.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Tennessee

Frequently asked questions