Tennessee Car Insurance

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Tennessee

Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordered by eight other states. Its name comes from the Tennessee River that runs through it. The state capital is Nashville, with a lively music scene and historical sites. Other major cities include Memphis, housing Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and Knoxville, offering cultural events and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Tourists can explore a variety of attractions in Tennessee, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the east, known for hiking, camping, and mountain views. Music lovers can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville or Beale Street in Memphis, notable for its musical heritage. Additionally, Tennessee has sites like Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville and the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, providing insights into the state’s past.

For the best auto insurance coverage at affordable rates in Tennessee, look no further than InsureOne’s highly skilled agents.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, drivers pay an average of $1,429/year for full coverage and $371 for minimum coverage. Compared to the national average of $2,014/year for full coverage and $622 for minimum, this makes Tennessee an attractive state for those seeking more budget-friendly car insurance options.

Reasons Why Insurance Is So Cheap in Tennessee

Tennessee’s car insurance cost is noticeably lower compared to the national average. This is primarily because Tennessee drivers tend to file fewer damage claims than drivers in other states, and they are also less likely to dispute claim settlements in court, which saves insurers significant legal fees.

However, it’s important to note that the availability and cost of car insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, some of which we will discuss later

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Tennessee

Here is a comparison table of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different cities across Tennessee. It is important to note that the price of auto insurance can vary from city to city based on various factors such as the rate of thefts, accidents, and other specific factors in each area. These factors contribute to the overall risk assessment made by insurance companies when determining your costs.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Nashville	$123	$35
Memphis	$162	$46
Knoxville	$116	$32
Chattanooga	$109	$31
Clarksville	$113	$31
Murfreesboro	$113	$31
Franklin	$111	$31
Jackson	$124	$30
Johnson City	$97	$26

We arrive at our average auto insurance costs by using a male driver, aged 30 with a clean driving record. Minimum liability is the state-required minimum. Full coverage is a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will be different and based on your individual factors.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Tennessee?

Insurers typically offer a range of driving discounts, with one of the most prevalent being the good driver discount. This discount allows drivers to save money by maintaining a clean driving record without any traffic ticket violations over a specified period of time.

Other discounts that can reduce rates include:

• Multi-car
• Anti-theft
• Paperless billing
• Low mileage
• Good student
• Loyalty

Tennessee Car Insurance Laws

In Tennessee, car insurance laws mandate that drivers carry a mandatory 25/50/25 insurance policy.

It is important to note that these are minimum coverage requirements set by the state. Drivers can opt for higher coverage limits to provide additional protection in case of severe accidents or to meet the requirements of their loan or leasing agreements on their vehicles.

Here’s a closer look at mandatory insurance requirements this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Tennessee?

The state mandates a minimum amount of coverage, which includes:

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

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Tennessee?

Driving without insurance in Tennessee is illegal and can result in serious consequences. While you cannot go to jail for driving without insurance, you may face other penalties such as license and registration suspension. If caught driving without insurance, your license will be suspended until you provide proof of insurance and retake the driver’s license exam. Your registration will also be suspended until you provide proof of insurance.

In addition to license and registration suspension, you may be fined up to $300 for each offense. You will also be required to file an SR-22, which is a form that verifies you have insurance coverage, for three years for each offense.

If you are involved in an accident while driving uninsured, even if you are not at fault, you will still face consequences. You will be held responsible for property damage and medical expenses of others involved in the accident. Therefore, it is crucial to have proper insurance coverage to avoid these consequences and protect yourself financially.

What Factors Does Tennessee Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

State law allows insurance companies to calculate your premium based on several aspects. Some of the top deciding factors are:

• Gender
• Age
• Marital status
• Location
• Vehicle type
• Driving record and experience
• Credit history

Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in Tennessee

Tennessee is an at-fault state. When a car accident occurs, fault must be determined by the insurance companies involved. The insurance of the driver who is at fault is then responsible for covering the costs of damages and injuries caused to other parties involved in the accident. This system differs from “no-fault” states where each driver’s insurance covers their own damages, regardless of who was at fault.

It’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations relating to at-fault accidents in Tennessee and to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect yourself financially.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Tennessee?

Although it can be difficult to read statistics regarding traffic accidents, comprehending them can promote road safety. Specifically, Tennessee disclosed a sum of 1,315 traffic crash fatalities that occurred in 2022. This chart shows the number of deadly accidents in different counties across Tennessee in that same year.

County	Fatal Crashes in 2022
Lauderdale	6
Lawrence	11
Madison	22
Montgomery	30
Putnam	19

Source: Tennessee Department of Transportation

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Tennessee?

More than 23.7% of motorists in this state were uninsured or underinsured in 2019. With this number, Tennessee ranks third for the highest number of uninsured motorists on the road. With stats like these, even though uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Tennessee, for the cost, it would be a very good investment.