Tennessee car insurance rates are lower than the national average, both for liability-only and full coverage policies. However, the state faces a significant issue with uninsured drivers, with a high ratio of 23.7%, which is one of the highest in the United States. As a result, having Uninsured Motorist coverage becomes a priority in the Volunteer State to be protected against potential accidents involving uninsured drivers. Tennesseans enjoy a fairly low cost of living and nearly one car per head. So, motorists may be able to save money with multi-car insurance policies here.
Tennessee Automobile Insurance Rules
Here are the basic liability requirements;
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
- $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle insurers in TN must offer the following minimum Uninsured Motorist Coverage. But drivers can decline this coverage in writing.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident,
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: Minimum $25,000 per accident.
The Volunteer State bans texting while your vehicle is moving. So wait until you arrive at your destination and don’t get a ticket for texting while driving.
Tennessee also prohibits leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
There is a $300 fine and a license and vehicle registration suspension if you are caught driving without insurance in Tennessee. These figures can be checked on the official website.
Uninsured Motorist coverage pays for your and your passengers’ injuries and damages up to the limits if you are hit by a car with no insurance. This is probably the first addition you should have because nearly 1/4 of 4.6 million licensed Tennessean drivers don’t have any insurance.
Car Insurance Costs in Tennessee
Despite the above discussed negative factors, finding cheap policies remains to be easier in comparison with many other states. Still particularly high premiums in cities may be the catalyst behind very low policy purchase ratios.
The average cost of minimum liability auto insurance is $371 in Tennessee and it is $251 cheaper than the US average. Also the average premium for full coverage is reasonably priced at $1,429. Again, it is $585 cheaper than the national average. However, there are noticeable premium differences among zip codes and you may have to spend a lot more in Memphis.
Affordable Car Insurance Companies in Tennessee
If you’re not insured with one of the lowest priced companies, you might be paying significantly more than the low rates mentioned earlier. Here is a list of automobile insurers known for offering affordable coverage in Tennessee, potentially helping you save money:
If your insurance isn’t with one of the most cost-effective companies, there’s a possibility you could be paying considerably more than the previously mentioned low rates. Provided below is a list of auto insurance providers recognized for providing competitively priced coverage in Tennessee, which could assist you in reducing your premiums:
- Geico
- State Farm
- Farm Bureau
- Erie
- Auto-Owners
Furthermore, premiums are influenced by zip codes. The risks associated with residing and driving in a quiet town are lower than those in bustling cities. These extra exposures will be accurately represented in the insurance quotes.
Automobile Insurance in Memphis TN
With approximately 660,000 residents, Memphis is not only one of Tennessee’s largest cities but also a place that has inspired countless songs. However, Memphis also has a reputation for being a city with high crime rates. Consequently, it bears the highest insurance premiums in the state. On average, a typical car insurance policyholder in Memphis pays about one-third more than the state average. Moreover, drivers in Downtown Memphis may face even higher costs due to increased risks associated with specific zip codes. If you’re seeking competitive quotes in Memphis, it’s advisable to begin by obtaining quotes from the aforementioned carriers, while also considering additional options to compare and find the best rates.
Vehicle Insurance in Nashville TN
Nashville, the state capital of Tennessee, is a significant city with approximately 650,000 residents, trailing closely behind Memphis. While renowned for its rich musical heritage and The Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville isn’t typically associated with high insurance premiums. However, residents may encounter challenges in obtaining affordable rates in some parts of the city due to higher crimes in certain zip codes. Despite this, the average cost of auto insurance in Nashville remains only slightly higher than the state average, making it relatively affordable. By finding the most suitable insurance carrier offering the best value, drivers can potentially secure even more affordable rates.
Important Tennessee Vehicle Insurance and Driving Facts
- Tennessee requires insurance companies to provide a discount to drivers aged 55 and over who complete a DMV approved accident prevention course. This discount applies to Liability and Collision auto insurance coverage, lasts for three years and is renewable.
- Having a poor credit score increases your auto insurance by 79% on average in TN in comparison to someone with a good credit score, according to Forbes. Motorists can check their own credit score for free once a year through several credit agencies. It would be a good starting point if you want to increase your score.
- Honda CR-V, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Forester are some of the least expensive to insure automobile in Tennessee.
- The Department of Revenue in Tennessee has an online insurance verification system that checks vehicle registration against insurance policy data in real-time. If coverage can’t be confirmed, vehicle owners receive notices to provide proof of insurance. Ignoring these notices may result in fines, registration suspension, and other penalties for drivers.
- Tennessee enforces primary safety belt laws, making it obligatory for drivers to wear seat belts at all times while operating a vehicle. Additionally, drivers are responsible for ensuring that all passengers are also wearing seat belts.
- Also, it is against the law to text while driving a vehicle.
- You can take home and consume your own roadkill in this state. If you are coming close to hitting a wildlife too often where you live, you may want to consider adding Comprehensive coverage to your vehicle insurance policy because Comprehensive coverage covers damages to your vehicle resulting in from hitting a deer or other wildlife.
Renewing your auto insurance policy year after year might seem convenient, but studies indicate that it is not necessarily the most advantageous or cost-effective approach. A better approach is to discover and maximize potential vehicle insurance discounts to benefit from greater savings. It’s worth noting that different insurance companies offer varying percentage discounts so shopping around to find the lowest quote may be the best approach after all.