What affects your rate in Tennessee
Tennessee's average premium is 16% below the national average of $1,438, ranking #34 of 51 states by cost. NAIC cautions that state-to-state comparisons reflect differing coverage mixes, urban density and required coverages, not just carrier pricing.
How Tennessee compares
| Benchmark | Per year |
|---|---|
| Tennessee | $1,212 |
| National average | $1,438 |
| Most expensive — Florida | $1,994 |
| Cheapest — Maine | $926 |
Source: NAIC 2022/2023 Auto Insurance Database Report (combined average premium per insured vehicle, 2023 data, released February 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance cost in Tennessee?
The average driver in Tennessee pays about $1,212 per year — roughly $101 a month — for full-coverage car insurance, according to the NAIC 2023 Auto Insurance Database Report. State-minimum coverage typically costs much less.
Is car insurance more expensive in Tennessee than the U.S. average?
No. At $1,212 per year, Tennessee is about 16% below the national average of $1,438. That ranks it 34th out of 51 states and D.C. by cost.
Why is car insurance cheaper in Tennessee?
Tennessee's average premium is 16% below the national average of $1,438, ranking #34 of 51 states by cost. NAIC cautions that state-to-state comparisons reflect differing coverage mixes, urban density and required coverages, not just carrier pricing.
Does Tennessee use your credit score to set car insurance rates?
Yes. Like most states, Tennessee lets insurers use credit-based insurance scores, so a stronger credit tier can lower your rate. Only four states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan) ban it.
How can I lower my car insurance in Tennessee?
Compare quotes from several insurers, raise your deductible, bundle auto with home or renters, and keep a clean driving record. For the same driver, premiums in Tennessee can differ by hundreds of dollars between companies, so shopping around is the biggest lever.
About this estimate. The base figure is the NAIC combined average premium for Tennessee (liability + collision + comprehensive, 2023). The calculator applies published industry multipliers (age, credit, record, coverage) from secondary sources (Bankrate / ValuePenguin modeled rates) and is an estimate for informational purposes only — not an insurance quote or offer. Credit-tier adjustments are not applied in states that ban credit-based insurance scoring (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan). See our full methodology.