Looking for affordable car insurance in Tennessee? Tennessee law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, and finding the right coverage at the right price is important.
Let's explore everything you need to know about Tennessee car insurance, from the minimum state insurance requirements to car insurance discounts that can help you save money.
Well, that depends. According to Bankrate, the average cost of minimum coverage in Tennessee is $512/year and $2,026/year for a “full coverage” policy*, which is well below the national averages for car insurance. However, the cost of car insurance can fall within a wide range, based on many factors specific to you:
Age
Driving record and claims history
Type of vehicle you drive
Where you live in Tennessee
Insurance score
Coverage levels and deductibles you choose
Cheap car insurance often has low down payment options and flexible policy terms ranging from one month to one year. Requesting a quote is the best way to know what you'll pay.
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You'll just need to:
Have information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history on hand.
Be prepared to provide information on the other people diving the car.
See what discounts you could qualify for and select the coverages you want.
The state of Tennessee requires drivers to hold two types of liability auto insurance coverage:
Bodily injury liability insurance can help pay for the other party’s medical expenses and lost wages if you’re at fault in an accident that injures someone. In Tennessee, the minimum required coverage is:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
This means your policy will cover up to $25,000 for a single person's injuries and up to $50,000 total if multiple people are injured in the same accident.
Property damage liability insurance can help pay for damage you cause to other people's property in an accident. This typically includes their vehicle but can also cover things like fences or buildings.
The minimum required coverage in Tennessee is:
$25,000 per accident
Get a free car insurance quote today.
While meeting the above minimums can help keep you legal on the road, it's worth considering if additional auto insurance coverages might be right for you. Many drivers find that additional coverage provides valuable peace of mind along with the increased financial protection.
While “full coverage” insurance—a term that typically describes the combination of collision, comprehensive, and liability coverages—isn't needed to meet Tennessee state insurance requirements, lenders in Tennessee typically require drivers to carry those coverages when leasing or purchasing a car.
Here are some optional Tennessee auto coverages to consider:
Comprehensive insurance can help pay for repairs if your vehicle is damaged by events other than collisions. These events may include theft, vandalism, storm damage, or hitting an animal. If you're financing or leasing your car, your lender may require comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if you're in an accident, regardless of who's at fault. Like comprehensive coverage, this coverage is often required if you have a car loan or lease.
Tennessee law requires car insurance providers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance, but you can reject it in writing. That said, these coverages are smart additions to your policy. UM/UIM can help pay for damages if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't carry enough coverage. If you choose UM/UIM, it cannot be greater than your policy's liability limits.
Medical payments coverage can help pay for medical expenses if you and/or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of who's at fault.
If your car is getting repaired due to a covered claim, rental car reimbursement coverage can help pay for a rental car so you can stay on the road while your vehicle gets repaired.
Non-owner car insurance is for individuals who occasionally borrow cars, are between vehicles but want to keep an active policy, or who need to show proof of insurance. Whether you rent a car or borrow a vehicle, non-owner coverage can help you meet state-required liability insurance minimums, helping pay for bodily injury liability and property damage liability in the event you're at-fault in an accident when driving someone else’s car.
An SR22 form is a certificate that proves you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage for your state. It's typically required for drivers who have had serious traffic violations, such as a DUI, have had their license suspended/revoked, or have had other infractions.
In Tennessee, there's no additional fee to file an SR22 form. We understand the importance of getting you back on the road safely, legally, and quickly. We send SR22 forms to the state every night, ensuring speedy processing.
Dairyland offers several ways to save on your auto insurance and help you meet Tennessee state insurance requirements. Some popular car insurance discounts include:
Multi-car
Prior insurance
Homeowners
Paid in full
Advanced quote
Defensive driver course
It's natural to look for the lowest price but remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. It's important to compare coverage levels, customer service, and other factors that impact your coverage. Take time to get quotes from multiple providers and compare customer ratings and reviews.
Making sure you meet Tennessee state insurance requirements is important, but it's just one aspect of navigating life on Tennessee's roads. If you have a brand-new teenage driver or you've just relocated to the Volunteer State, you might discover you need just a little more information.
Driving on Tennessee's roads offers some of the best vistas in the nation, but it's a privilege that requires knowing and respecting the state's road laws and driver requirements.
For a comprehensive review of Tennessee driver regulations, you can download the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) maintains state highways, provides information on road conditions, and more. If you need to contact the Tennessee DOT, you can use the handy chat feature located at the bottom of the department's homepage or call 615-741-2848.
The Tennessee Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and other motor vehicle services for Tennesseans. To find a branch near you, call 615-741-3954 or take care of simple tasks, use the DMV's self-service options.
The Tennessee Office of Insurance Commissioner regulates all state insurance companies and can help with insurance-related questions or complaints. Call 615-741-2218 for more information.
We're here to help you navigate the Tennessee auto insurance market landscape. Whether you're looking for minimum coverage or want to explore additional protections, we can help you find a policy that fits your unique needs and budget.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.