Best Tennessee Auto Insurance in 2026 (Find the Top 10 Companies Here!)

State Farm, USAA, and Nationwide emerge as the top choices for best Tennessee auto insurance, offering up to 27% discounts.

State Farm particularly stands out for its competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options, making it the preferred pick for drivers seeking both affordability and reliability in their insurance plans.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Tennessee Auto Insurance

In Tennessee, the listed minimum coverage rates are $30 monthly with USAA, $34 with Geico, and $39 with Travelers. Explore how the best auto insurance companies compare by city, driving record, and coverage level to find an option that fits your budget.

If you’re just looking for coverage to drive legally, enter your ZIP code above to compare cheap auto insurance quotes near you.

Finding Affordable Tennessee Auto Insurance

A company that your friend recommends as being affordable for Tennessee car insurance may not actually be affordable for you, as rates vary drastically from driver to driver. While To help you get an idea of what companies may be a good fit for you price-wise, we’ve broken down company rates by different driver categories.

Tennessee Minimum and Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates

Minimum coverage may suit an older car if you can afford repairs yourself. Full coverage auto insurance adds collision and comprehensive protection, helping cover damage to your vehicle.

The table compares estimated monthly Tennessee rates for a 45-year-old male with a clean record. Minimum coverage ranges from $30 to $78, while full coverage ranges from $95 to $242 among the listed providers.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level

USAA has the lowest estimates for both coverage levels, though eligibility is limited to the military community. Travelers follows for full coverage at an estimated $111 monthly, compared with Progressive’s $124 and Geico’s $125.

Nationwide has the highest minimum-coverage estimate at $78 monthly, while Allstate has the highest full coverage estimate at $242. Compare quotes for the same protection to find ways to lower your auto insurance.

How Accidents Affect Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates

At-fault accidents can increase your Tennessee auto insurance costs, even with a lower-priced provider. The size of the increase varies, so comparing quotes may help you manage the added expense.

The table compares estimated monthly minimum coverage rates for a 45-year-old male with a clean record versus one with one at-fault accident. Every listed provider shows an increase, though some remain considerably cheaper than others.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: Clean Record vs. One Accident

USAA has the lowest post-accident estimate at $45 monthly, followed by Travelers at $58 and Geico at $65. USAA eligibility is limited to the military community, making Travelers the lowest-priced option here without that restriction.

State Farm shows the smallest dollar increase, rising from an estimated $65 to $76 monthly. Nationwide has the highest post-accident estimate at $128, compared with Allstate’s $122, highlighting the value of comparing providers.

How DUIs Affect Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates

A DUI can raise your Tennessee auto insurance costs, but the increase varies by company. In this comparison, Farmers’ estimated monthly rate rises from $141 with a clean record to $298 after one DUI.

The table compares estimated full coverage rates for a 45-year-old male with a clean record, one accident, one DUI, or one ticket. Comparing these columns shows how the lowest-priced provider changes with driving history.

Tennessee Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record

State Farm has the lowest estimate for auto insurance for drivers with a DUI at $146 monthly, followed by Progressive at $153. Farmers’ $298 estimate is the second-highest, below Allstate’s $333.

USAA has the lowest estimates for a clean record, one accident, and one ticket at $95, $144, and $114 monthly, respectively. Its DUI estimate rises to $184, showing why eligible drivers should compare quotes after a violation.

Insights Into the Cost of Auto Insurance in Your City

Discover how the cost of auto insurance varies across cities in Tennessee with our insightful comparison. From Chattanooga to Nashville, explore the rates in major cities like Memphis and Murfreesboro.
Tennessee Auto Insurance Cost by City

Get a clearer picture of insurance expenses based on your location.

Credit Score and Tennessee Auto Insurance

Credit history can affect your Tennessee auto insurance costs, even with a clean driving record. Insurers weigh credit differently, so a company that looks affordable with excellent credit may become more expensive with poor credit.

The table compares estimated monthly full coverage rates for a 45-year-old male with a clean record across four credit tiers. Each provider’s estimate increases as credit declines, but the size of that increase varies considerably.

Tennessee Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

Nationwide has the lowest poor-credit estimate at $200 monthly, followed by Geico at $241 and Farmers at $274. These are options to compare when exploring the best auto insurance companies for bad credit.

USAA has the lowest estimates for excellent, good, and fair credit, though military eligibility restrictions apply. Its poor-credit estimate reaches $303 monthly, while Allstate has the highest figure in that column at $433.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers

Young drivers are often charged the highest insurance rates due to their inexperience on the road. This leads to many people asking how to find cheap car insurance for young drivers.

If you’re shopping🛒 for auto insurance for the first time, the options may seem overwhelming😮…and expensive. Before stressing, check out https://t.co/27f1xf131D, where you can find a simple explanation of coverages and companies. Here’s a guide👉: https://t.co/9zx25ZU4fU pic.twitter.com/BkD3lvaThA
— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) August 11, 2023

While the cheapest option is to join a parent’s policy, young drivers shopping for their own insurance policy will notice huge discrepancies in rates between companies.

Tennessee Teen Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age & Gender

Travelers has the lowest listed estimates for 16-year-olds, at $438 monthly for females and $537 for males. Its estimates are also the lowest for 18-year-olds, at $323 and $382, respectively. USAA follows closely in all four age and gender groups.

Allstate has the highest listed estimates, ranging from $768 to $1,276 monthly across these teen profiles. Each insurer lists lower rates at age 18 than at age 16. Teens with clean records can compare personalized quotes to find suitable coverage.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates by City

The area where your vehicle is parked every night has a huge impact on your rates. From crime to weather conditions, where you live affects your odds of filing a claim.

Memphis and Nashville have some of the most expensive insurance rates on average. If you live in one of Tennessee’s major cities, make sure to shop around to ensure you’re getting the best rates possible. For example, researching Memphis auto insurance from multiple local companies will let you see which one can save you the most money.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Laws

A state’s laws can affect how much you pay for auto insurance and make it harder to find the cheapest car insurance, as certain states may require you to carry more insurance coverage or have stricter financial penalties for DUIs. We’ve outlined some of the major laws that affect car insurance prices in Tennessee below.

Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements

All Tennessee drivers must purchase bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance to drive legally in Tennessee. The minimum limits they must purchase for each coverage are as follows:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 per accident

If you can afford to do so, we recommend carrying higher limits than what Tennessee requires. This is because if the damage costs exceed the limits, you will have to pay the rest, which can be financially impossible for some drivers.

For more on property damage liability insurance, check out the best property damage liability auto insurance companies.

Optional Tennessee Auto Insurance Coverage

Besides bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, Tennessee doesn’t legally require drivers to carry any other car insurance coverages. This means that the following coverages are optional for most drivers:

• Comprehensive auto insurance
• Collision auto insurance
• Gap insurance
• Modified car insurance
• Non-owner auto insurance 
• Rental car reimbursement insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Underinsured motorist coverage
• Umbrella insurance

If you have a lease or loan on your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to carry comprehensive and collision insurance on your vehicle in order to fully protect their asset.
Tennessee Auto Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers

DUI Penalties in Tennessee

No matter what state you live in, DUIs are a serious driving offense. DUIs in Tennessee can result in a number of penalties, such as:

• Fines
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
• Increased Insurance Rates
• Jail Time
• License Suspension
• Probation and Substance Abuse Treatment
• Sr-22 Certificate

Penalties will increase in severity for each subsequent DUI offense. For example, your vehicle might be seized after your second DUI, and you will have to pay multiple fines and fees to get it back.

Tennessee SR-22 Auto Insurance Certificates

SR-22 auto insurance is required in Tennessee. SR-22 certificates are a way to ensure that high-risk drivers are carrying the required insurance coverages in Tennessee. Your insurance company will submit the certificate to government authorities, so if you need an SR-22 certificate, let your insurance company know.

If your insurance company drops you for being a high-risk driver or you don’t have insurance, your new insurance company may charge a small fee for filing your SR-22 certificate.

Keep in mind that even if you don’t own a car, you will need to get an SR-22 certificate if requested. You can purchase non-owner car insurance in order to meet Tennessee’s insurance requirements.

Finding the Best Tennessee Auto Insurance Coverage

Tennessee drivers can find cheaper rates for car insurance by looking carefully at how a company’s rates change based on a driver’s records. A driver with a DUI won’t find the same cheap rates at the same company that a driver with a clean record signed up with. Read more about auto insurance for drivers with a DUI.

If you’re ready to start shopping, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find the best cheap car insurance in Tennessee based on your area and driving record.

#1 – Geico: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Affordable Rates: Known for low premiums, especially for minimum liability coverage.
• Good for Bad Credit: Offers competitive rates for drivers with poor credit scores.
• Strong Digital Tools: Excellent online and mobile app services for policy management.

Cons

• High Rates Post-DUI: As mentioned in our Geico auto insurance review, they tend to charge higher premiums for drivers with DUI records.
• Limited Agent Network: Fewer local agents available compared to some competitors.

#2 – Allstate: Best for Discount Variety

Pros

• Strong Financial Health: Excellent financial stability rating from A.M. Best. Learn more about their ratings in our Allstate auto insurance review.
• Good Customer Service: Generally positive reviews for customer support and claims processing.
• Wide Range of Discounts: Offers numerous discounts, including safe driver and multi-policy discounts.

Cons

• High Rates for Bad Credit: Charges significantly higher premiums for drivers with poor credit scores.
• Expensive for Young Drivers: Often has higher rates for young and inexperienced drivers.

#3 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Flexible Policies

Pros

• Comprehensive Coverage Options: Offers a wide range of insurance products and coverage options.
• Good for Bundling: As mentioned in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review, they offer discounts available for bundling multiple policies.
• Strong Financial Stability: Holds a solid financial rating, ensuring reliability.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Full Coverage: Typically charges higher premiums for comprehensive and collision insurance.
• Mixed Customer Reviews: Inconsistent feedback on customer service and claims handling.

#4 – Nationwide: Best for Bundling Discount

Pros

• Variety of Coverage Options: Offers a broad range of insurance products and coverage options.
• Strong Financial Rating: Holds a high financial stability rating, ensuring reliability.
• Good Discounts: Offers numerous discounts, including multi-policy and safe driver discounts.

Cons

• Average Rates: Not the cheapest option available; rates are typically average compared to competitors.
• Customer Service: Mixed reviews on customer service and claims handling. For more information, read our Nationwide auto insurance review.

#5 – Farmers: Best for Customizable Coverage

Pros

• Good for High-Risk Drivers: Offers competitive rates for drivers with DUIs or at-fault accidents.
• Excellent Customer Service: Generally high ratings for customer support and claims handling.
• Variety of Coverage Options: Provides a broad range of insurance products and coverage options.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Basic Coverage: Charges more for minimum liability insurance compared to some competitors.
• Average Financial Stability: While stable, its financial rating is not as high as some top competitors. Check out this page Farmers auto insurance review to know more details.

#6 – State Farm: Best for Local Presence

Pros

• Wide Network: State Farm has an extensive network of agents, making it easy for customers to find local, personalized service.
• Competitive Rates for Full Coverage: Offers some of the lowest rates for comprehensive and collision insurance in Tennessee.
• Discount Variety: Offers a variety of discounts, including for safe driving and bundling policies, which can help customers save significantly on their premiums. Check out our State Farm auto insurance review for more information.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Minimum Liability: Generally has higher premiums for minimum coverage compared to competitors.
• Limited Discounts: Fewer discount options available compared to some other major insurers.

#7 – American Family: Best for Member Benefits

Pros

• Strong Customer Service: Positive reviews for customer support and claims processing.
• Good Discounts: Offers a variety of discounts, including multi-policy and safe driver discounts.
• Customizable Policies: Provides options for tailoring coverage to meet individual needs.

Cons

• Limited Availability: As mentioned in our American Family auto insurance review, they are not available in all states, restricting its accessibility.
• Higher Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Charges more for drivers with poor records, such as DUIs.

#8 – Travelers: Best for Broad Coverage

Pros

• Good for High-Risk Drivers: Competitive rates for high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs.
• Wide Range of Discounts: As outlined in our Travelers auto insurance review, they offer multiple discounts, such as multi-policy and safe driver discounts.
• Strong Financial Rating: High financial stability rating, ensuring reliability.

Cons

• Average Customer Satisfaction: Mixed reviews on customer service and claims handling.
• Higher Rates for Full Coverage: Typically charges more for comprehensive and collision insurance.

#9 – USAA: Best for Military Focus

Pros

• Best for Military Families: Exclusive to military members and their families, offering tailored services and discounts.
• Excellent Customer Service: Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
• Affordable Rates for Young Drivers: As outlined in USAA auto insurance review, they offer competitive premiums for young and inexperienced drivers.

Cons

• Restricted Eligibility: Only available to military personnel and their families, excluding the general public.
• High Rates Post-DUI: Tends to have higher premiums for drivers with DUI records.

#10 – Progressive: Best for Competitive Rates

Pros

• Comprehensive Coverage Options: Progressive auto insurance review highlights the wide variety of coverage choices, including unique options like pet injury coverage.
• Competitive Rates for Full Coverage: Often offers competitive pricing for comprehensive and collision insurance.
• Strong Online Presence: User-friendly website and mobile app for managing policies and claims.

Cons

• High Rates for Young Drivers: Typically charges higher premiums for young and inexperienced drivers.
• Customer Satisfaction: Mixed reviews on customer service and claims resolution.