Skip to Main Content

Best cheap car insurance in Memphis for 2024

Updated Dec 01, 2024
Geico and Travelers are among the best cheap auto insurers in Memphis, but comparing rates could help you find the best fit for your profile.
Location-Icon
Explore offers from trusted carriers
+ MORE

Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Advertising disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

The best car insurance companies in Memphis

Comparing car insurance companies is the best way to find auto coverage that works for your priorities and budget. To help drivers in Memphis start their comparison, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzed several of Tennessee’s best auto insurance companies. We looked at the latest premium data available from Quadrant Information Services to find affordable rate options, but we also considered customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, financial strength ratings and each company’s offerings for coverage and discounts.

Best for digital policy management

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Avg. min coverage premium

$368

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,715

Full coverage

Why Geico made our list: Geico tied for two Bankrate Awards for auto insurance in 2024: Best Auto Insurance Company Overall and Best Budget Auto Insurance Company. For drivers in Memphis, Geico offers some of the lowest average prices for both full and minimum coverage, with a strong lineup of discounts that could add extra savings for some drivers.

Why Geico may be best for digital policy management: For drivers who prefer to manage their car insurance from their phone, Geico’s suite of digital tools could be the ideal option. In J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Digital Insurance Experience Study, Geico ranked second in the industry for digital customer service. Geico’s mobile app offers 24/7 access to digital insurance cards, roadside assistance and virtual customer service along with photo estimates for claims and vehicle care services to help drivers manage their car’s maintenance and repairs.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.4
J.D. Power 651/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
Plus Icon Collapse Icon
Best for discounts

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Avg. min coverage premium

$784

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$4,047

Full coverage

Why Progressive made our list: Progressive’s high Bankrate Score reflects its track record for affordable rates, user-friendly policy management tools and excellent coverage offerings. In Memphis, Progressive’s average rates for full coverage are close to the citywide average, but minimum coverage costs significantly less than the Memphis average. Progressive also received a 2024 Bankrate Award for Best Auto Insurance Company for High-Risk Drivers, making it a strong option for Memphis drivers with a DUI conviction or other serious marks against their record.

Why Progressive may be best for discounts: Progressive offers drivers a wide range of ways to save on car insurance, from standard discounts like good student or multi-car discounts to the Name Your Price tool and the Snapshot telematics program. The carrier also offers discounted rates for teens, homeowners and anyone who’s been continuously insured prior to switching to Progressive.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.4
J.D. Power 637/1,000
AM Best Rating A+
Read full review
Plus Icon Collapse Icon
Best for military-focused coverage

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Avg. min coverage premium

$461

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,767

Full coverage

Why USAA made our list: Affordable rates, reliable customer service and excellent financial strength ratings helped to earn USAA its high Bankrate Score and its place on the list of Memphis’s best auto insurers. USAA ranked higher for customer satisfaction than any other carrier in the Southeast region in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and scored well above average in the 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. However, only military drivers and their families are eligible for coverage.

Why USAA may be best for military-focused coverage: Not many auto insurers offer unique perks and discounts for military members, but a policy from USAA is designed specifically to meet the needs of service members and veterans. Storage discounts during deployment, along with additional rate reductions for vehicles garaged on a military installation, could add unique value for active service members.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.2
J.D. Power 759/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
Plus Icon Collapse Icon
Best for customized coverage

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Avg. min coverage premium

$426

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$1,578

Full coverage

Why Travelers made our list: In our analysis of average premium data, Travelers had some of the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates for Memphis drivers with clean records. A solid slate of discounts and a wide network of Memphis-area agents could make Travelers an ideal choice for many local drivers. However, it’s worth noting that Travelers received below-average customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power.

Why Travelers may be best for customized coverage: In addition to standard coverage options like liability, collision and comprehensive coverage, Travelers gives drivers the option to add various endorsements to their policies, including gap insurance and new car replacement. Adjusting coverage limits, deductibles and add-ons may be easier with Travelers than other carriers, making it a good option for drivers who know exactly what they want in a policy.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.2
J.D. Power 642/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
Read full review
Plus Icon Collapse Icon
Best for bundled policies

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Avg. min coverage premium

$571

Min. coverage

Avg. full coverage premium

$2,228

Full coverage

Why Erie made our list: Erie offers below-average rates for both full and state minimum coverage in Memphis. Erie also consistently scores well above the industry average for customer service and claims satisfaction, coming in second nationwide in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and second in the Southeast in the 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Why Erie may be best for bundled policies: In addition to its strong Bankrate Score for auto insurance, Erie earned a 2024 Bankrate Score of 4.4 for its home insurance offerings, making it a potentially strong option for Memphis drivers who own a home and want to manage their auto and home policies in one place. Erie advertises discounts of 16 to 25 percent for customers who bundle home and auto insurance.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4
J.D. Power 676/1,000
AM Best Rating A+
Read full review
Plus Icon Collapse Icon
Bankrate logo

Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise

Read our full methodology

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team is made up of seasoned industry professionals, including licensed insurance agents with combined decades of experience. In order to provide the most accurate evaluation of Memphis auto insurance companies, we analyzed the latest rate data available from Quadrant Information Services along with expert third-party ratings.

46

years of industry experience

122

carriers reviewed

34.5K

ZIP codes examined

1.2M

quotes analyzed

The cheapest car insurance companies in Memphis

According to our average premium research, Geico, Travelers and USAA are the three cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in Memphis seeking state minimum coverage. Keep in mind, however, that rates vary significantly based on driver profile as well as coverage selections. Depending on your individual risk factors, you may find a cheaper rate with a company not listed here, including a smaller regional or local carrier.

$426
$1,578
$368
$1,715
$461
$1,767
$680
$2,049
$571
$2,228

How much is car insurance in Memphis, Tennessee?

The average cost of car insurance in Memphis, Tennessee is $2,541 per year for full coverage and $676 per year for minimum coverage. For drivers who need full coverage, that’s roughly 25 percent more than the Tennessee state average and 3 percent more than the national average. However, individual risk factors — including age and driving record — can impact what you pay for auto insurance coverage in Memphis.

Memphis rates for teens

Teen drivers in Memphis pay well above the citywide average. On average, an 18-year-old driver on their own policy pays $7,724 per year for full coverage and $2,427 per year for state minimum coverage. Teens who stay on their parents' policy after they turn 18 pay considerably less for insurance — as seen in the tables below — but their high risk of accidents and violations still makes coverage more expensive.

Coverage type
$992
$734
$1,026
$1,059
$1,341
$1,163
$1,491
$892
$1,552
$1,290
*Annual rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
$3,381
$2,617
$3,787
$3,787
$4,415
$4,128
$4,447
$3,921
$4,484
$3,698
*Annual rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.

Memphis rates for young drivers

Once you hit your early 20s, it may be necessary to get a standalone auto insurance policy if you own your own car and don’t live with your parents. While going solo can come with higher rates for a while, prices typically go down around age 25.

Coverage type
$807
$477
$897
$442
$1,039
$584
$1,059
$759
Tennessee Farmers Mutual
$1,221
$663
$3,214
$1,863
$3,793
$1,965
$3,837
$2,190
$3,992
$2,908
$4,114
$2,280

Memphis rates for adults

Car insurance rates tend to stabilize in adulthood, making it easier to find affordable coverage in Memphis for drivers aged 30 to 50. However, factors like your driving record, credit history and ZIP code also impact rates, so you may continue to see high rates if you have an imperfect driving record or other risk signals.

Coverage type
$368
$368
$322
$465
$426
$429
$518
$461
$430
Tennessee Farmers Mutual
$541
$498
$464
$635
$571
$524
$1,715
$1,715
$1,508
$1,790
$1,578
$1,486
$1,991
$1,767
$1,610
$2,106
$2,049
$1,975
$2,368
$2,368
$2,091

Memphis rates for senior drivers

Car insurance for seniors typically comes at a lower cost, thanks to a lifetime of experience behind the wheel. However, rates may climb as you enter your mid-70s, since increased vulnerability to injury, vision problems and slower reaction times could raise your risk factors in the eyes of insurance companies.

Coverage type
$322
$655
$408
$500
$432
$511
Tennessee Farmers Mutual
$450
$513
$488
$577
$408
$1,645
$322
$2,984
$432
$1,775
$619
$2,101
$488
$2,249
Bankrate and Coverage Logo

Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Advertising disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Compare auto insurance rates

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers
Location-Icon
Your information is kept secure

Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Advertising disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

The cheapest car insurance in Memphis by driving record

Memphis’s high crime rates and treacherous traffic can result in high auto insurance premiums for drivers with tickets or accidents on their driving record. Your driving history is one of the most significant rating factors that insurers consider when setting your premium, but not every carrier treats each mark on your record the same — making rate comparison an essential step in shopping.

Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Memphis

A speeding ticket conviction could cause your auto insurance rates to go up at your next renewal. On average, Memphis drivers with a single speeding ticket conviction pay $3,067 per year for full coverage — 21 percent more than the Memphis average.

Tennessee Farmers Mutual
$498
$2,595
$555
$2,172
$565
$2,130
$572
$2,602
$600
$2,309

Car insurance after an accident in Memphis

If you’re found at fault in a car accident, you could see your insurance premium go up when you renew your policy. A Memphis driver with a single at-fault accident on their driving record pays 40 percent more for full coverage, on average, than a driver with a clean record, for an annual total of $3,562.

Tennessee Farmers Mutual
$498
$2,595
$598
$2,270
$667
$3,032
$733
$2,678
$741
$2,706

Car insurance after a DUI in Memphis

Most insurance companies take a DUI conviction seriously as a signal of driver risk. In our analysis, we found that Memphis drivers with a single DUI on their record pay an average of $5,409 per year for full coverage and $1,546 per year just for state minimum coverage. For drivers with minimum coverage policies, that’s an increase of 129 percent more compared to the Memphis average. If you’re struggling to find affordable rates with a DUI on your record, you may need to shop around and consider a nonstandard provider.

$644
$2,440
Tennessee Farmers Mutual
$787
$4,142
$856
$4,408
$921
$3,499
$990
$3,476
Lightbulb Icon

Minimum coverage requirements in Memphis

By law, all drivers in Memphis must carry at least the following limits on their auto insurance policy:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident

In most cases, insurance professionals recommend carrying more than the minimum coverage required by Tennessee insurance laws. Higher liability limits typically only cost a few dollars more each month in exchange for greater protection against out-of-pocket expenses and potential lawsuits in the event of an accident that causes injuries or property damage. In addition, if you lease or finance your car, your lender likely requires you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze December 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 20-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.

Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.

Bankrate Scores

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Cost & ratings 50%
  • Coverage & savings 30%
  • Support 20%
  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Written by
R.E. Hawley
Senior writer, Insurance
R.E. Hawley is a senior writer for Bankrate. Prior to joining Bankrate’s insurance editorial team in 2024, they worked as senior writer for a popular car ownership and insurance comparison app, leading a team of over a dozen writers in creating customer-focused financial advice content on topics ranging from insurance to vehicle reliability and auto loan refinance. R.E. holds a personal lines insurance license.
Edited by Editor, Insurance