Tennessee Car Insurance: Compare Rates from 50+ Carriers
TCDS Insurance Agency is licensed in Tennessee and helps drivers statewide compare car insurance from more than 50 carriers in one application. Rather than quoting a single company, we shop your profile across the whole Tennessee market — Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, and beyond.
Two Tennessee-specific factors shape the coverage we recommend. First, Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured-driver rates in the nation (around 20%+), which makes uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage especially valuable. Second, Tennessee ranks among the top states for deer-vehicle collisions, which are covered under comprehensive — not collision — so carrying comprehensive matters here.
This page covers what Tennessee drivers pay, the state's minimum requirements, the carriers we represent (including Erie), and the discounts that lower your premium most.
Tennessee minimum coverage and what we recommend
Tennessee requires 25/50/15 liability coverage — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage. These minimums are low for a serious accident. We recommend higher liability limits (100/300/100 is a common target) plus uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage, which is a low-cost protection given how many Tennessee drivers carry no insurance.
How to lower your Tennessee car insurance
- Bundle auto and home for a 10–25% multi-line discount.
- Maintain a clean record and complete a defensive-driving course where offered.
- Carry comprehensive for deer-collision and weather coverage.
- Raise your deductible if you have the savings to cover it.
- Compare carriers annually — TCDS shops 50+ for you.
See the full Tennessee insurance guide for statewide context.
Average Tennessee auto insurance cost
The average Tennessee auto insurance premium is about $2,004/year for full coverage (Bankrate, 2026); minimum-coverage policies average about $513/yr. Source: Bankrate. Your own rate depends on coverage limits, location, and risk profile — TCDS compares 50+ carriers to find your lowest eligible rate.
Tennessee-specific risks that affect your rate
- High uninsured-driver rate. Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured-driver shares in the nation (around 20%+), so uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage is especially valuable.
- Deer collisions. Tennessee ranks among the top states for deer-vehicle collisions (peak October–December); these are covered under comprehensive, not collision.
- Metro congestion. Rapid growth in Nashville and Memphis has raised traffic density and collision frequency, lifting metro rates above rural Tennessee.
Tennessee auto carriers TCDS represents
| Carrier | State | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | Tennessee | auto |
| Travelers | Tennessee | auto |
| Nationwide | Tennessee | auto |
| Auto-Owners | Tennessee | auto |
| The Hartford | Tennessee | auto |
| Erie | Tennessee | auto |
TCDS is an independent agency representing the carriers above and others; we shop all of them in one application. Appointment lineups change — ask us who is writing Tennessee auto today.
See the full Tennessee insurance guide.
Part of: Auto Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum auto insurance required in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires 25/50/15 liability coverage: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are dangerously low for modern accidents. We recommend no less than 100/300/100 coverage with uninsured motorist protection.
Should I carry uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee?
Absolutely yes. Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the nation at 20%+. UM coverage protects you when an uninsured driver causes an accident. It typically costs only $10-15/month and can save you tens of thousands.
What's the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision covers damage when you hit another vehicle or object (accident). Comprehensive covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, hail, fire, or hitting a deer. Both have separate deductibles and are required if you have a car loan.
How does Nashville traffic affect my insurance rates?
Nashville's rapid growth has led to increased traffic congestion and accident rates. Drivers in metro Nashville typically pay 15-20% more than rural Tennessee drivers due to higher collision frequency and vehicle theft rates.
Does Tennessee require uninsured motorist coverage?
Tennessee does not require UM coverage, but insurers must offer it and you must sign a written rejection to decline. With over 20% of Tennessee drivers uninsured (one of the highest rates nationally), UM/UIM coverage is essential. It typically costs $10-15/month and protects you from uninsured and underinsured drivers.
How can I lower my car insurance in Tennessee?
Top strategies include: bundling auto and home (saves 10-25%), maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000, asking about low-mileage discounts, and shopping through an independent agent like TCDS who compares 50+ carriers for the best rate.
What happens after a car accident in Tennessee?
Tennessee is an at-fault state with modified comparative fault. If you're less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. File a police report for accidents over $400 in damage. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Tennessee's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year.
Does Tennessee car insurance cover deer collisions?
Yes, comprehensive coverage pays for deer collisions in Tennessee. Tennessee ranks among the top 15 states for deer-vehicle collisions, with peak season from October through December. Comprehensive coverage typically has a $250-$1,000 deductible and covers the full repair or replacement cost minus your deductible.
How does a speeding ticket affect insurance in Tennessee?
A single speeding ticket in Tennessee typically increases your auto insurance by 15-30% for 3-5 years. Multiple tickets or excessive speed (25+ mph over the limit) can result in even larger increases. Some carriers offer accident forgiveness that may protect your rate after a first offense.