How Much Does Car Insurance Cost on Average in Tennessee?
Tennessee car insurance averages $128 per month for full coverage in 2026 — below the national average — based on InsuranceQuotes.com’s analysis of market rate data. Tennessee Farm Bureau (TFB) offers the lowest rates in the state at approximately $27 per month for minimum coverage. Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the US — approximately 20 percent — making Uninsured Motorist coverage strongly recommended.
- State minimum liability on average in Tennessee costs $59 a month or $711 a year. Full coverage auto policies costs around $251 a month or $3,016 a year.
InsuranceQuotes cost rates are pulled from our real-time auto insurance database from recent quotes in TN – Rates are based on a used car driver who is single, middle aged & has a clean driving record. Read on to learn about the cheapest local rates filtered by insurance providers, new cars, vehicle types and age.
Who are the Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee the cheapest car insurance companies on average are Farm Bureau of Tennessee, State Farm and GEICO. State minimum liability car insurance starts at $30 a month or $358 a year with Farm Bureau of Tennessee. The cheapest full coverage car insurance starts at $156 a month or $1,869 a year.
Here are the average policy rates from the cheapest local and national insurance providers in TN from our cost database of used-car drivers who are single, middle aged and have a clean driving record:
| Insurance Company: | State Minimum Liability: | Monthly: | Full Coverage Policy: | Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Bureau of Tennessee | $358 | $30 | $1,869 | $156 |
| State Farm | $557 | $46 | $2,552 | $213 |
| GEICO | $567 | $47 | $2,688 | $224 |
| Progressive | $684 | $57 | $3,925 | $327 |
| Allstate | $708 | $59 | $3,257 | $271 |
TN State Minimum Liability Car Insurance Requirements
As with any state in the country, Tennessee has its share of vehicle-related risks. An accident can occur at any time, even when you’re simply backing out of your driveway.
The state of Tennessee doesn’t require drivers to maintain auto insurance. However, you must prove financial responsibility, and having liability insurance is one way to show this. You can also post a bond or qualify as a self-insurer if you choose not to have insurance. Minimum liability coverages limits are:
- $25,000 for an injury or death
- $50,000 for all injuries or deaths in one accident
- $15,000 for property damage for one accident
If you incur a traffic violation and you don’t have the minimum liability coverage, the violation remains on your record, making it impossible to renew your license or registration.
Average Auto Insurance Costs for Popular TN Cities
| Tennesse City: | State Minimum: | SM Monthly: | Full Coverage: | FC Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $633 | $53 | $2,751 | $229 |
| Clarksville | $662 | $55 | $2,892 | $241 |
| Franklin | $619 | $52 | $2,709 | $226 |
| Hendersonville | $655 | $55 | $2,714 | $226 |
| Jackson | $611 | $51 | $3,045 | $254 |
| Johnson City | $512 | $43 | $2,369 | $197 |
| Knoxville | $637 | $53 | $2,825 | $235 |
| Memphis | $857 | $71 | $3,785 | $315 |
| Murfreesboro | $646 | $54 | $2,751 | $229 |
| Nashville | $711 | $59 | $3,016 | $251 |
TN City Cost Guides:
Average Auto Insurance Cost in Tennessee by County
The average cost of car insurance varies by each driver. Here is a breakdown by county in TN for average prices for the state minimum policy:
| Auto Insurance Costs by County: | Sedan: | SUV: | Coupe: | Truck: | Hybrid: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $893 | $845 | $982 | $899 | $1,059 |
| Bedford | $878 | $740 | $880 | $786 | $974 |
| Benton | $932 | $796 | $940 | $840 | $1,039 |
| Bledsoe | $889 | $801 | $908 | $913 | $1,031 |
| Blount | $823 | $718 | $943 | $763 | $947 |
| Bradley | $831 | $698 | $874 | $741 | $919 |
| Campbell | $934 | $852 | $1,031 | $924 | $1,101 |
| Cannon | $878 | $763 | $943 | $809 | $1,015 |
| Carroll | $932 | $811 | $971 | $857 | $1,063 |
| Carter | $741 | $679 | $844 | $720 | $863 |
How to Save Money on Your Car Insurance in TN
Here are some tips to help you find affordable coverage:
- Shop Around: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies. Each insurer uses its own formula to calculate rates, so prices can vary significantly. Websites and tools that allow you to compare quotes from different insurers can be particularly helpful.
- Consider Different Coverage Levels: Evaluate your insurance needs and consider adjusting your coverage levels accordingly. While it’s important to meet the state’s minimum requirements, you may find that certain coverages are unnecessary for your situation. For example, if you have an older vehicle, you might opt out of comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Bundle Policies: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you purchase multiple policies from them, such as combining your auto and home insurance. Bundling can result in significant savings.
- Maintain a Good Driving Record: Insurance companies often offer lower rates to drivers with clean driving records. Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your premiums low.
- Increase Deductibles: Choosing a higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, but it can lower your premiums. Just make sure you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
- Ask About Discounts: Inquire about any discounts you may qualify for, such as good student discounts, discounts for completing a defensive driving course, or discounts for installing safety features in your vehicle.
- Check for State-Specific Programs: Some states offer insurance programs specifically designed to help lower-income residents obtain affordable coverage. See if Tennessee has any programs or resources available for this purpose.
- Review and Update Your Policy Regularly: As your circumstances change, such as getting married, moving, or buying a new car, review your policy to ensure you’re still getting the best rate. You might be eligible for additional discounts or different coverage options.
By following these tips and taking the time to compare quotes and coverage options, you can find the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee that meets your needs without sacrificing quality coverage.
Moving to Tennessee: Important Information
You can register your vehicle in Tennessee by submitting an application through the office of your local county clerk. Depending on the county, you may have to get an emission test. You’ll also need your current registration, the title or the information for your lien holder, and proof of identification and residency. Acceptable items for proof of identification include:
- Driver’s license or photo ID
- Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
- Military identification card
- Immigration documentation
To get a Tennessee driver’s license, you must show proof of residency with at least two pieces of acceptable information that includes your name and address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. You also need to show proof that you legally live in the United States.
Understanding Driving Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee enforces many driving laws to keep its residents safe on the roadways, including:
- It is illegal to text while driving
- You must move over or slow down when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts
- Children younger than 8 who meet height restrictions must be in a child restraint device, and infants must be in a rear-facing child restraint device
- Speeding through construction zones carries a hefty fine
If you’re convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Tennessee, you are subject to a fine and jail time. You face greater penalties if children are in the car. You’ll also have to pay to have your car towed and stored while you sort through your legal issues.
Tennessee Farm Bureau: The State’s Cheapest Car Insurance Most Drivers Never Find
Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance is the single best-kept car insurance secret in the state — and the one most systematically overlooked because it cannot be purchased online or through national comparison websites. Tennessee Farm Bureau requires membership in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and must be purchased through a local licensed agent. For most Tennessee driver profiles, Farm Bureau offers minimum coverage from approximately $27 per month — a savings of $10 to $20 per month versus Travelers and $30 to $40 per month versus the cheapest national direct carriers for identical coverage. Farm Bureau also earns strong customer satisfaction scores and has deep expertise in Tennessee’s specific risks, from Nashville urban accident claims to rural Appalachian weather events. Every Tennessee driver who has compared only national online carriers without getting a Farm Bureau quote should contact a local Tennessee Farm Bureau agent before finalizing any coverage decision.
Tennessee’s 20% Uninsured Driver Rate: Why UM/UIM Coverage Is Non-Negotiable
Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the United States at approximately 20 percent — meaning roughly 1 in 5 vehicles on Tennessee roads has no insurance. Tennessee does not mandate uninsured motorist coverage, so the majority of Tennessee drivers are exposed to this risk without protection. If an uninsured driver hits you on I-40, I-24, or any Tennessee highway without UM coverage, you pay your own medical bills, your vehicle repair costs, and any other losses entirely out of pocket. A civil lawsuit against an uninsured driver with no assets produces no meaningful financial recovery. Uninsured motorist coverage adds approximately $10 to $20 per month to a Tennessee policy — one of the most cost-effective coverage decisions available to any driver in the state. Given the documented 20 percent uninsured rate, any Tennessee driver who has rejected UM/UIM to save a small monthly amount is taking a disproportionate financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Car Insurance
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Michael Giusti is a senior insurance analyst, business journalist, and university professor with over 20 years of experience. He serves as department chair at Loyola University New Orleans and contributes to Insurance Thought Leadership, U.S. News, and other leading financial outlets.
