Edited by Samuel MountjoyAverage Cost of Car Insurance in Tennessee for 2025
Quick Answer
Car insurance in Tennessee costs an average of $2,009 annually or $167 per month. However, your driving record, annual mileage and the car you drive can all affect how much you pay for car insurance.
The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee is $2,009 annually or $167 per month, according to July 2025 Experian data based on policies sold through our automotive insurance marketplace.
Here are the average premium costs for full and minimum coverage car insurance in Tennessee:
| Type of Coverage | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $2,502 | $209 |
| Minimum coverage | $1,065 | $89 |
Source: Experian
Tennessee drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage. If your car is financed or leased, you typically need full coverage car insurance. Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive coverage, which covers needed repairs if the vehicle is damaged in a crash or by another event.
If your car isn't financed or leased, you could opt for minimum coverage insurance as a way to save on your monthly premium. However, this may not be enough to protect you financially. Insurance experts generally advise purchasing coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries and $100,000 for property damage.
The cost of car insurance in Tennessee can vary widely depending on factors such as:
- Your age (younger drivers typically pay more)
- Your driving record (incidents and violations tend to drive your rates up)
- How many miles you drive each year (lower mileage could save you money)
- The type and amount of coverage you buy (more coverage can drive up costs)
While our averages are good general guidelines, the actual price you pay for car insurance in Tennessee could differ. Before buying an auto insurance policy, take some time to compare insurance quotes from several insurers.
How Are Car Insurance Costs Trending?
The national average cost of car insurance has risen dramatically in recent years due to higher costs for vehicles, parts and repairs. Insurance companies are also raising rates to compensate for higher claims costs from increasingly serious accidents and severe weather events.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Premiums, 2023-2025
If you're not satisfied with how much you're paying for car insurance in Tennessee, comparing car insurance quotes from other providers might help you find the same coverage for less. Experian's free car insurance comparison tool is a convenient way to gather quotes from multiple top insurance carriers at once.
Average Tennessee Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
Your gender can also influence the cost of car insurance in Tennessee. Women are statistically less likely to have serious car accidents or DUIs, according to the Insurance Information Institute, so they may pay less for car insurance.
The average cost of car insurance for men in Tennessee is $1,980 annually or $1,980 per month. By comparison, women in Tennessee pay an average of $2,040 annually or $170 per month for car insurance.
| Gender | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $1,980 | $165 |
| Female | $2,040 | $170 |
Source: Experian
Note: Costs above are a blended average of full and minimum coverage policies
Younger drivers, particularly men, typically pay more than older drivers because they have a statistically higher rate of accidents.
As you get older, your car insurance rates typically go down—sometimes considerably, as the chart below shows. Car insurance premiums generally decline steadily until you reach your mid-70s, when they tend to tick upwards again.
The national average cost of car insurance for male drivers under 20 is $2,336 annually for car insurance, compared to $2,320 for female drivers in that age group.
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | $3,357 | $3,507 |
| 20-29 | $2,679 | $2,754 |
| 30-39 | $2,396 | $2,259 |
| 40-49 | $2,297 | $2,163 |
| 50-59 | $2,017 | $1,967 |
| 60-69 | $1,736 | $1,726 |
| 70-79 | $1,711 | $1,846 |
| 80 or above | $1,804 | $1,966 |
Source: Experian
Note: Costs above are a blended average of full and minimum coverage policies
Learn more: Average U.S. Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
How Your Driving Record Impacts Your Insurance Costs in Tennessee
Safe drivers are generally less likely to be involved in accidents or receive traffic citations, which typically translates into lower insurance premiums. Tennessee drivers with a "clean" driving record that shows no incidents or violations pay an average of $1,865 annually for auto insurance. However, one moving violation can bring the cost of Tennessee car insurance to an average of $2,151.
A driving record showing moving violations or accidents (even those in which you weren't at fault) could lead insurance providers to view you as a high-risk driver and raise your premiums accordingly. Multiple car accidents or serious infractions such as DUIs can have a bigger effect on the cost of car insurance and might even cause your insurer to cancel your policy.
The chart below shows how the number and severity of infractions may impact your Tennessee car insurance costs. Incidents include things like traffic accidents or insurance claims; violations include moving violations, such as speeding tickets.
| Driving Record | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Clean Record | $1,865 |
| 1 Incident | $2,015 |
| 1 Violation | $2,151 |
| 2 Incidents | $2,033 |
| 2 Violations | $2,052 |
| 3+ Incidents | $2,459 |
| 3+ Violations | $2,562 |
Source: Experian
Note: Costs above are a blended average of full and minimum coverage policies
Cheapest Car Insurance in Tennessee
Elements such as your driving record, age and vehicle play a big role in the cost of car insurance, but they aren't the only factors that affect your premiums. Each insurance company uses its own criteria when setting rates, which means the price you're quoted can differ widely from one insurance provider to another.
Shopping around and comparing quotes from a variety of insurance companies can help you find the most affordable car insurance for your needs. The table below shows the cheapest full coverage auto insurance among the insurance carriers that sell the most policies in Tennessee.
| Carrier | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Root | $1,732 | $144 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,835 | $153 |
| GEICO | $2,026 | $169 |
| Grange | $2,078 | $173 |
| Progressive | $2,389 | $199 |
Source: Experian data as of July 2025
Note: Costs above represent insurance quotes, not policy premiums
We can't know the exact method each insurance company uses to set rates. However, factors such as the company's estimated claims payouts, projected operating costs, profitability goals and risk tolerance typically figure into the calculation. For instance, a company that has higher overhead expenses may charge less than one with low overhead.
How to Save on Car Insurance in Tennessee
Buying car insurance in Tennessee can be expensive, but there are several things you can do to lower your car insurance premiums.
Increase Your Deductible
When you file a car insurance claim, you're generally responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in. You usually have the option to choose a deductible between $250 and $2,000. Raising your deductible typically lowers your premiums.
However, before you raise your deductible, evaluate the state of your emergency fund and other financial resources to make sure you can afford to pay the higher amount if you file a claim. You can ask your insurance carrier to show you how different deductible amounts would impact your premiums.
Cancel Unnecessary Coverage
There are plenty of car insurance extras that are "nice to have" but not essential. Dropping add-on coverage such as rental car reimbursement, windshield replacement or roadside assistance coverage could lower your car insurance premiums. If you already have roadside assistance through an automotive club, for instance, you don't need to pay for the same coverage through your auto insurance policy.
You might also consider cancelling your collision and comprehensive coverage if your car loan is paid off. If your car is totaled, the collision and comprehensive payout is limited to the vehicle's value. Paying for this coverage may not be worthwhile if your car is only worth a few thousand dollars. However, you should only drop the insurance if you could afford to replace or repair your vehicle out of pocket if necessary.
Search Out Discounts
See if your current car insurance provider offers any discounts you aren't taking advantage of. Visit other providers' websites to see what discounts they offer. For example, you might save by bundling home and auto insurance, setting up automatic payments, paying your premium upfront or eliminating paper correspondence.
Some insurance companies offer discounts for getting insurance quotes online or signing documents digitally. A high school or college student who earns good grades or is away at school without a car could also qualify for a discount. Check to see if your employer or a membership organization you belong to gives discounts on car insurance.
Reduce Your Annual Mileage
The further you drive each year, the greater chance you have of being involved in an accident. Because low-mileage drivers are less risky, many insurance companies offer low rates if you drive fewer than 12,000 miles per year. Look for ways to drive less. Could you ride a bike, take public transportation or opt for remote work?
Some low-mileage car insurance discounts track your mileage through self-reported or third-party odometer readings or devices installed in your car. You can also explore pay-per-mile car insurance, which charges a monthly base rate plus a per-mile charge for each additional mile. You can also consider usage-based insurance, which uses an app to track both your mileage and your driving habits, such as braking excessively or speeding.
Drive Safely
Maintaining a clean driving record without citations or accidents can help reduce your auto insurance costs in Tennessee. It's worth seeing if you can earn discounts for taking a defensive driving or safe driving course approved by your insurance company.
Improve Your Credit
Insurance companies in Tennessee can use your credit-based insurance score when setting your premiums. Having a poor score could mean higher rates for auto insurance. Taking action to improve your consumer credit score could positively affect your credit-based insurance score, which could save you money on car insurance.
Compare Rates
Sticking with the status quo could cost you. Make it a practice to compare quotes from several insurance carriers at least once a year. You might uncover lower rates for the same amount of coverage. You can get car insurance quotes by visiting insurance company websites or by contacting insurance companies directly.
For a faster way to explore your options, try Experian's free car insurance comparison tool. It provides car insurance quotes from multiple top insurance companies in Tennessee, making it easy to see which provider offers the lowest premiums.
Average Car Insurance Costs by State
Methodology
This analysis is based on a review of auto insurance policies and quotes provided through Experian's insurance marketplace. Policy premium and quote averages are based on driver data across all genders and ages unless otherwise noted.
Experian's insurance marketplace matches users with auto insurance coverage from more than 30 carriers across 50 states and Washington, D.C.
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About the author
Karen Axelton
Karen Axelton specializes in writing about business and entrepreneurship. She has created content for companies including American Express, Bank of America, MetLife, Amazon, Cox Media, Intel, Intuit, Microsoft and Xerox.
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