Tennessee Auto Insurance (2026): Rates, Carriers, and Requirements
As of June 2026, PolicyChat's analysis of Tennessee auto insurance rate filings draws on PolicyChat (NAIC 2023 baseline + DOI filings). Source: PolicyChat, June 2026.
Last updated June 2026 · PolicyChat tracks 5 recent rate filings across 5 carriers in Tennessee.
Author: PolicyChat Editorial Team · Data sourced from NAIC 2023, DOI filings, and carrier rate submissions
Tennessee Auto Insurance — 2026 Summary
Tennessee auto insurance costs $123/mo on the NAIC 2023 baseline — but that number is now three years old, and the current market runs materially higher for most profiles. The NAIC 2023 state average baseline is $123/mo ($1,479/yr). Rates have increased a median +7.9% across the 5 filings tracked by PolicyChat in Tennessee over the past 18 months.
The three largest carriers by market share in Tennessee for auto are State Farm, Geico, Progressive. Tennessee operates under file-and-use rules, meaning carriers can implement rate changes immediately after filing. Tennessee’s file-and-use system allows rate changes upon filing.
State minimum coverage is 25/50/15 — adequate for legal compliance, insufficient for most drivers with assets above $50,000. Use the rate table below as a directional benchmark, then get your actual personalized rate: Get a Tennessee auto quote in 60 seconds →
No current filed rates on record for this state/product combination.
Get a Tennessee auto quote in 60 seconds →
How Tennessee Auto Insurance Works
The Regulatory Framework
Tennessee operates under a file-and-use regulatory system: carriers file their rate changes with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and may begin using them immediately, without waiting for advance approval. The regulator reviews filings after the fact and can challenge rates deemed excessive or unfairly discriminatory. This system makes rates more responsive to market conditions — which cuts both ways. Carriers can raise rates quickly after loss events, but they can also drop prices faster when competition heats up.
Tennessee’s file-and-use system allows rate changes upon filing. Credit scoring is permitted and widely used for auto underwriting.
Required Coverage and Minimum Limits
Tennessee minimum auto insurance: 25/50/15
$25K BI/person, $50K BI/accident, $15K PD
Tennessee is a tort (at-fault) state. There is no mandatory PIP requirement. Bodily injury liability covers injuries you cause to others.
Driving without the minimum required insurance in Tennessee carries penalties including: license suspension, vehicle registration revocation, fines, and SR-22 filing requirements. A single at-fault accident without adequate coverage can result in personal judgment and wage garnishment.
Average Tennessee Auto Insurance Rates by Carrier (2026)
The table below shows filed rates and recent filing changes tracked by PolicyChat via SERFF and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance portal. Filed rates are the carrier’s approved baseline — your personalized quote varies based on your ZIP, age, vehicle, driving record, and coverage level.
| Carrier | Filed Baseline | Change vs Prior | Effective | Filing ID | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | — | +7.9% | 2024-01-01 | on file | DOI |
| Allstate | — | +10.4% | 2023-07-01 | on file | DOI |
| Progressive | — | +8.6% | 2024-04-01 | on file | DOI |
| Geico | — | +6.3% | 2024-09-01 | on file | DOI |
| Travelers | — | +5.8% | 2025-02-01 | on file | DOI |
Recent filing changes (5 tracked filings):
| Carrier | Change | Effective | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | +7.9% | 2024-01-01 | DOI |
| Allstate | +10.4% | 2023-07-01 | DOI |
| Progressive | +8.6% | 2024-04-01 | DOI |
| Geico | +6.3% | 2024-09-01 | DOI |
| Travelers | +5.8% | 2025-02-01 | DOI |
Rate variation across carriers reflects each carrier’s book composition, reinsurance costs, claims experience in Tennessee, and actuarial view of the risk profile. In a file-and-use system, these variations persist — the cheapest carrier 18 months ago may not be cheapest today.
PolicyChat sources rate data from SERFF, direct Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance portals, and EDGAR filings from publicly traded carriers. See /methodology/rate-authority/ for full sourcing methodology.
Top 5 Tennessee Carriers for Auto Insurance
1. Best for Low-Rate Shoppers: Geico
Geico currently holds the lowest filed baseline rate among tracked carriers in Tennessee. They’re a strong first quote for drivers with clean records in low-density ZIP codes. Weakness: their non-standard tier (for drivers with violations or claims) prices less competitively than carriers that specialize in that segment, so if your record has a blemish, get a second quote from Progressive or the assigned-risk pool.
2. Best for High-Asset Households: USAA / Chubb
For households with net worth above $500K, the priority shifts from cheapest premium to adequate liability limits and umbrella availability. USAA (military families) and Chubb both offer $500K+ liability limits and seamless personal umbrella add-ons. Chubb’s agreed-value auto program also matters if you carry a collector vehicle or high-value car where ACV settlement would leave a gap.
3. Best for Nonstandard or High-Risk Profiles: Progressive
Progressive is the dominant carrier for drivers with at-fault accidents, DUIs, or SR-22 requirements in Tennessee. Their tiered rating system means rates for nonstandard profiles are often 15–30% below what a standard carrier charges for the same risk. If Progressive declines, the Tennessee assigned-risk pool (Tennessee assigned-risk pool) is the backstop — typically more expensive, so exhaust standard nonstandard carriers first.
4. Best for First-Time Buyers: Geico
Geico’s digital-first experience — quote, bind, and manage claims through the app — makes them the easiest carrier for first-time buyers who want to handle everything online. Their rates for clean-record drivers in their 20s and early 30s are typically competitive in Tennessee. Downside: phone-based claim support can be inconsistent; their agent network is thinner than State Farm or Allstate for in-person service.
5. Best for Seniors (65+): The Hartford / AARP
AARP members have access to The Hartford’s mature driver program, which includes accident forgiveness for drivers over 65, disappearing deductible, and RecoverCare (home health aide coverage after an accident). Tennessee residents over 65 can also benefit from the state-mandated defensive driving course discount — worth about 10% for 3 years — which most carriers are required to offer.
Tennessee-Specific Risks That Affect Auto Insurance
Tennessee auto insurance rates reflect the specific risk profile of the state. Key perils to understand:
- Severe thunderstorms
- Flooding
- Ice storms
- Tornado risk
Tennessee’s file-and-use system allows rate changes upon filing. Credit scoring is permitted and widely used for auto underwriting.
Discounts Available in Tennessee
The following discounts are available in Tennessee for auto insurance. Availability varies by carrier; ask your agent to itemize every discount applied to your quote.
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Good student discount (3.0+ GPA)
- Anti-theft device discount
- Telematics/usage-based discount
- Multi-policy bundle
- Loyalty discount
Credit-based insurance scoring is permitted in Tennessee for auto policies. Carriers use an insurance-specific credit score (distinct from your FICO) as a rating factor. Improving your credit profile can lower your insurance costs at renewal.
Re-shop at every renewal. In a file-and-use regulatory environment, rate changes take effect on filing dates — not on your personal renewal date. A carrier that was cheapest 18 months ago may have had multiple increases since then. PolicyChat’s rate tracker flags carriers with active filings in Tennessee so you shop at the right moment.
Common Tennessee Auto Insurance Mistakes
1. Carrying state minimum limits with significant assets.
Tennessee’s minimum coverage (25/50/15) costs roughly $123/mo at the NAIC 2023 baseline, but the jump to 100/300/100 typically adds only $15–35/mo — a fraction of what a single bodily-injury claim can expose. Drivers with more than $50K in assets who carry state-minimum limits are self-insuring the gap.
2. Skipping uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver carries no insurance — or not enough. Tennessee has a meaningful share of uninsured drivers on the road; without UM/UIM, any gap between their limits and your damages comes out of pocket. The premium delta is modest.
3. Overlooking comprehensive coverage for flash flood and hail damage.
Severe thunderstorms is a recurring comprehensive claim source in Tennessee. Dropping comprehensive to save on premium is often a negative expected-value trade given local hail or storm frequency; check the actuals before removing it.
4. Not accounting for high uninsured driver rate in Tennessee.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver carries no insurance — or not enough. Tennessee has a meaningful share of uninsured drivers on the road; without UM/UIM, any gap between their limits and your damages comes out of pocket. The premium delta is modest.
How to Choose Your Tennessee Auto Policy in 5 Steps
Step 1: Know your state minimums. Tennessee requires 25/50/15 ($25K BI/person, $50K BI/accident, $15K PD). This is the floor, not the recommendation — most drivers with any assets should carry at least 100/300/100.
Step 2: Assess your actual exposure. In Tennessee, the key risks are: Severe thunderstorms, Flooding, Ice storms. Match your coverage to the actual risk, not the minimum.
Step 3: Get quotes from at least 3 carriers. The range between cheapest and most expensive carrier for the same profile can exceed 40% in Tennessee. Get a Tennessee auto quote in 60 seconds →
Step 4: Compare coverage, not just price. Confirm: deductible, rental reimbursement, UM/UIM limits, gap coverage if financed, roadside assistance. Two quotes at the same price can have meaningfully different coverage.
Step 5: Set a renewal reminder 45 days out. Carriers in Tennessee file rate changes throughout the year. Re-shopping at renewal — not just at the annual notice — is where most savings are found.
Get a Tennessee auto quote in 60 seconds →
Real-World Rate Examples in Tennessee
The profiles below are directional — they illustrate how NAIC data and recent carrier filings benchmark Tennessee auto insurance. All figures are derived from NAIC 2023 published averages and PolicyChat-tracked DOI filings; personalized quote required for your actual rate.
Profile A — Clean record, state-minimum coverage (25/50/15): NAIC 2023 state average is $123/mo ($1479/yr) — this is the all-driver, all-coverage-level average published by the NAIC for Tennessee. Drivers carrying only the state minimum typically land below this average; those with full coverage including comprehensive and collision run above it.
Profile B — Standard profile, current market estimate: PolicyChat-tracked filings show a median rate change of +7.9% across 5 Tennessee carriers since 2023. Applying this to the NAIC baseline suggests current street prices are closer to $133/mo for a standard profile. Personalized quotes will vary significantly by ZIP, age, vehicle, and driving record.
A note on these figures: All figures above derive from NAIC 2023 published state averages and PolicyChat-tracked DOI filings — they are directional benchmarks, not personalized quotes. Your actual rate depends on your specific profile. Get a personalized Tennessee quote →
Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Auto Insurance
Is auto insurance required in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires all registered vehicles to carry at minimum 25/50/15 liability coverage. Driving without insurance can result in license suspension, vehicle registration revocation, fines, and SR-22 filing requirements.
What is the minimum auto insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee minimum auto insurance requirements: 25/50/15 — $25K BI/person, $50K BI/accident, $15K PD. These are legal minimums. Advisors and coverage experts typically recommend at least 100/300/100 for drivers with any meaningful assets.
How does Tennessee compare to neighboring states?
Tennessee auto insurance (NAIC 2023 baseline: $123/mo) compares to Kentucky (NAIC baseline $153/mo) and Virginia (NAIC baseline $104/mo). Differences reflect each state’s regulatory environment, state-specific perils, litigation climate, and carrier competition levels.
Are Tennessee auto insurance rates going up or down in 2026?
Tennessee auto rates have trended upward in recent filings tracked by PolicyChat, with a median change of +7.9% across 5 recorded filing changes. The NAIC 2023 baseline ($123/mo) is likely 10–25% below current street prices for most profiles. Moderation depends on claims trends, reinsurance costs, and any regulatory action by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Does Tennessee allow credit-based auto insurance pricing?
Yes. Tennessee permits carriers to use credit-based insurance scoring as a rating factor for auto policies. This is an insurance-specific score, distinct from your FICO. Improving your overall credit profile — reducing utilization, clearing collections — can lower your insurance premium at renewal.
What is the average cost of auto insurance in Tennessee?
The NAIC 2023 published average for Tennessee auto insurance is $123/mo ($1,479/yr). Current street prices are higher — PolicyChat’s tracking of recent filings suggests the current effective average is closer to $141/mo–$154/mo for a standard profile. Your specific rate depends on ZIP code, age, vehicle, driving record, and coverage level.
Which carriers are best for Tennessee auto?
The top carriers in Tennessee for auto insurance based on market share and current filed rates: State Farm, Geico, Progressive. Best-fit varies by profile — see the carrier profiles section above for profile-specific routing.
What discounts are unique to Tennessee auto?
Multi-vehicle discount, Good student discount (3.0+ GPA), Anti-theft device discount are among the highest-impact discounts available in Tennessee. Check with your carrier for any Tennessee-specific programs.
How long does a auto insurance claim take in Tennessee?
Tennessee law requires carriers to acknowledge a claim within 10–15 days and to accept or deny within 30–45 days of receiving proof of loss. These are regulatory minimums; most major carriers move faster on straightforward claims.
What happens if I let my auto insurance lapse in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a coverage lapse — even of one day — can result in: DMV notification and potential registration suspension, higher rates at reinstatement (lapse is a rating factor in most states), and SR-22 requirement if flagged by DMV. Carriers typically pull a continuous-coverage history from CLUE and rate accordingly. Avoid any gap — if you’re switching carriers, bind the new policy before canceling the old one.
Can I bundle auto and home insurance in Tennessee?
Yes. Most major carriers offer a multi-policy (auto + home) discount of 5–20% on the auto policy. The caveat in Tennessee: if your home carrier has exited the market or is unavailable in your area, the bundle discount may not be accessible. Get separate quotes for each line and then ask for the bundled rate — sometimes they’re effectively equal.
How do I file a auto insurance complaint in Tennessee?
File online at https://www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance.html or call the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s consumer hotline. Complaint response typically takes 2–4 weeks. The DOI can require the carrier to reconsider a claim denial, return improper premiums, or explain rating decisions. For denied claims, a public adjuster or bad-faith attorney may be more effective than a DOI complaint.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee?
The cheapest Tennessee car insurance varies by driver profile. Based on filed rates, State Farm and GEICO typically offer the lowest base rates for drivers with clean records. However, the cheapest policy for you depends on your zip code, driving history, and vehicle. Get at least 3 quotes before buying.
Methodology and Sources
PolicyChat tracks auto insurance rate filings in Tennessee through three primary sources:
SERFF (System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing) — the national filing system used by most state DOIs. When a carrier submits a rate change, it appears in SERFF. PolicyChat monitors SERFF for Tennessee filings on a rolling basis and records the carrier, change percentage, effective date, and filing ID.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Portal — direct DOI filing databases, which often carry filings before SERFF reflects them. Access the Tennessee DOI filing database at https://www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance.html.
EDGAR (SEC filings) — publicly traded carriers (Allstate, Progressive, Travelers) file loss-reserve and combined-ratio disclosures with the SEC. These provide directional rate-change signals before formal state filings.
NAIC 2023 data is the most recently published national baseline. It reflects actual premium collected and policies in force as of 2023 — it is not a current quote. Street prices typically run 10–30% above NAIC baselines in states with recent filing activity.
Filed rates are not personalized quotes. Your actual rate depends on your specific profile — ZIP code, age, vehicle, driving record, and coverage selections.
- PolicyChat Methodology: Rate Authority
- PolicyChat in the Press
- Data API
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Related Guides
More Tennessee insurance:
- Cheapest auto insurance in Tennessee
- State Farm vs Geico in Tennessee
- Allstate vs Progressive — Tennessee
Neighboring states:
- Kentucky Auto Insurance
- Virginia Auto Insurance
- North Carolina Auto Insurance
- Georgia Auto Insurance
- Alabama Auto Insurance
- Mississippi Auto Insurance
- Arkansas Auto Insurance
- Missouri Auto Insurance
Decision guides:
- Do I have enough liability coverage?
- Should I bundle home and auto?
- When should I drop collision coverage?
More Resources
- How to compare auto insurance quotes
- Tennessee insurance glossary
- File a auto insurance claim in Tennessee
- Tennessee insurance niches and specialty markets
- Rate methodology and data sources
- PolicyChat Editorial Standards