Here's what you need to know when driving in Tennessee
Across the Volunteer State, there are 194,755 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap Car Insurance
What's the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn National | $805 |
| 2 | Auto-Owners | $844 |
| 3 | Utica National | $981 |
| 4 | USAA | $1,112 |
| 5 | State Farm | $1,158 |
| 6 | Travelers | $1,189 |
| 7 | Direct General Insurance | $1,194 |
| 8 | Erie | $1,223 |
| 9 | Nationwide | $1,292 |
| 10 | Westfield | $1,389 |
| 11 | Progressive | $1,393 |
| 12 | Tennessee Farmers | $1,543 |
| 13 | MetLife | $1,571 |
| 14 | Allied | $1,573 |
| 15 | GEICO | $1,663 |
| 16 | Encompass | $1,695 |
| 17 | State Auto | $1,719 |
| 18 | Cincinnati Insurance | $1,739 |
| 19 | Safe Auto | $1,822 |
| 20 | Celina Insurance | $1,923 |
| 21 | Safeco | $1,941 |
| 22 | Allstate | $2,297 |
| 23 | Grange Mutual | $2,423 |
| 24 | Metropolitan | $2,957 |
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Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in Tennessee
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Unfortunately, Tennessee state drivers without a recent at-fault accident save only 26% on their car insurance premiums, on average — well below the US average of 32%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $238 | 15.49% |
| No Accidents | $464 | 26.30% |
| Good Credit | $1,379 | 51.48% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Tennessee
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Tennessee, teen drivers pay insurance rates in line with the national average: $4,741 per year.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $4,454 | $7,926 |
| 17 | $4,153 | $5,945 |
| 18 | $3,832 | $4,948 |
| 19 | $3,457 | $3,215 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in Tennessee
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably enjoy relatively cheap car insurance rates. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your costs to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 31% after a DUI, 26% after an at-fault accident, and 15% after a speeding ticket in Tennessee. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in Tennessee are slightly more forgiving than nationwide averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,764 | 26.30% |
| DUI | $1,903 | 31.71% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,538 | 15.49% |
| Bad Credit | $2,679 | 51.48% |
What are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Tennessee?
Every auto insurer advertises its low premiums. But as with any product, the cheapest car insurance option isn't always the best choice. Considering what's at stake, it's worth doing your research to discover an auto insurance policy that insures your car completely after a collision. Find a great value, rather than settling for the most affordable auto insurance in your state.
Compare top insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better predict the level of service you'll receive. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and running from "Poor" to "Superior" — evaluates an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Celina Insurance | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Chubb | Not Rated | Superior |
| Cincinnati Insurance | Not Rated | Superior |
| Direct General | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Erie | 5 | Superior |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
| Westfield | Not Rated | Excellent |
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What is the Best Auto Insurance Coverage in Tennessee?
The minimum insurance requirement in Tennessee is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $15,000 Property Damage per accident.
If you opt for the minimum allowed coverage in Tennessee, you can expect to pay a mean of $500 annually. This is cheaper than the national average by 24%. If you choose better auto insurance coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, protecting against damages caused by car-vs.-car collisions, theft, or weather incidents. Better coverage has a price: in Tennessee, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,153, 131% more than basic coverage. For comprehensive insurance coverage with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 163% more than for liability-only coverage.
Compare average expenditures for liability-only and comprehensive auto insurance levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Tennessee | $499.93 | $1,152.75 | $1,315.96 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car Insurance Laws
What are the state minimum insurance requirements in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the minimum coverage requirement is liability with limits of:
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $15,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Tennessee (which varies by carrier) includes:
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Additional resources on coverage requirements in this state:
Tennessee Car Insurance FAQs
Is car insurance required in Tennessee?
Yes — car insurance is a legal requirement in the state of Tennessee.
When did car insurance become mandatory in Tennessee?
Auto insurance became compulsory in Tennessee in 1927. Tennessee started tracking uninsured drivers digitally in 2016.
What percentage of people in Tennessee don't have car insurance?
Approximately 20 percent of Tennesseean drivers don't have car insurance. This makes Tennessee one of the least-insured states in the US.
How much does car insurance cost in Tennessee cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Johnson City, Tennessee, and the most expensive in Memphis, Tennessee.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis | $1,949 |
| 2 | Bartlett | $1,804 |
| 3 | Germantown | $1,775 |
| 4 | Collierville | $1,731 |
| 5 | Jackson | $1,615 |
| 6 | Nashville | $1,597 |
| 7 | Oak Ridge | $1,575 |
| 8 | Columbia | $1,559 |
| 9 | Knoxville | $1,547 |
| 10 | Clarksville | $1,539 |
| 11 | La Vergne | $1,534 |
| 12 | Spring Hill | $1,526 |
| 13 | Brentwood | $1,508 |
| 14 | Smyrna | $1,503 |
| 15 | Maryville | $1,499 |
| 16 | Murfreesboro | $1,485 |
| 17 | Franklin | $1,483 |
| 18 | Chattanooga | $1,482 |
| 19 | Cookeville | $1,474 |
| 20 | Hendersonville | $1,471 |
| 21 | Gallatin | $1,466 |
| 22 | Morristown | $1,462 |
| 23 | Cleveland | $1,408 |
| 24 | Kingsport | $1,349 |
| 25 | Johnson City | $1,313 |
Recent Tennessee Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can an insurance company refuse payment for an accident claim by their client if I'm unable to pay their full set amount?
The full amount of damages is to be settled at the time of loss. The insurer giving you a payment option versus taking you to court is already a courtesy they are offering you.
If my car is determined a total loss in an accident, will my gap insurance cover the down payment used to secure my loan?
Gap insurance will only cover what is left on your loan after an insurance company pays out. Gap coverage is best purchased if you are going to have a difference between the loan amount and the value of the vehicle.
Will a non-owners policy cover medical for the person I hit after an accident?
A non-owner's policy will have a signed endorsement on it stating the insurer will not cover any claim that results from a vehicle the named insured owns or is registered to. Many will also state if it is part of the household, they will not cover it.
My step-daughter moved to Tennessee three months ago and is still on her mother's Florida auto policy. Is this legal?
You are correct to be concerned. Car insurance will not transfer from state to state.
Driving Laws
Tennessee Texting and Driving Laws
- Ban on all cell phones for school bus drivers
- Ban on all cell phones for drivers with Learner or Intermediate Licenses
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
Tennessee DUI Laws
Tennessee has a 10-year DUI lookback period. Multiple DUI offenses within 10 years subjects violators to increased penalties and fines.
In addition, penalties are enhanced for any DUI leading to an injury or death or for a DUI in which a passenger is under 18 years old. Penalties are also enhanced for any DUI offense in which the driver has a BAC of 0.20% or higher.
First-time DUI offenses in Tennessee lead to:
- 48 hours to 11 months and 29 days in jail
- $350 to $1,500 in fines
- License revocation for one year
- Must install and use an ignition interlock device
- Must participate in an alcohol and drug treatment program
- Must pay restitution, if applicable
How Do Tickets Impact Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates?
If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance costs will probably go up. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at typical auto insurance rates in Tennessee after some common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $2,160 | 51% | $733 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,075 | 45% | $648 |
| DUI | $2,075 | 45% | $648 |
| Racing | $2,247 | 57% | $820 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,135 | 50% | $708 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $2,212 | 55% | $785 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,952 | 37% | $526 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,863 | 31% | $436 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,741 | 22% | $315 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,898 | 33% | $471 |
| Improper Passing | $1,730 | 21% | $303 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,730 | 21% | $303 |
| Speeding | $1,744 | 22% | $317 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,730 | 21% | $303 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,730 | 21% | $303 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,730 | 21% | $303 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,730 | 21% | $303 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,727 | 21% | $300 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,727 | 21% | $300 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,703 | 19% | $276 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,596 | 12% | $169 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,596 | 12% | $169 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,461 | 2% | $34 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,558 | 9% | $131 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,530 | 7% | $103 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,530 | 7% | $103 |
Tennessee Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Tennessee area, while also getting an insider view of the Volunteer State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.