Tennessee auto insurance

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The benefits of living in the great state of Tennessee are no longer a secret; the whole world seems to be moving there to enjoy the great outdoors, the lively music scene and the benefits of a strong economy and reasonable cost of living.

Growth causes traffic issues

The population of Tennessee currently sits at over 7,051,000, which is a 2% increase over last year and a 10% increase over the last decade, placing the state in the top 10 in the country for growth. The accelerated rate of growth in Tennessee has resulted in an overtaxed highway infrastructure, especially in most of the metropolitan areas, which typically lack public rail or other mass transit options. All of this means more cars and congested roads all over the state, which leads to an increase in accidents.

Nature can be dangerous

Some of the things that make Tennessee a great place to live and visit also make it a dangerous place to drive. The beauty of the countryside and the hills and mountains make the state a haven for wildlife, but animals can cause damage to vehicles. In 2020, there were over 6,500 car accidents involving deer. 95% of these wrecks caused more than $1,500 worth of damage. The total price tag of these accidents exceeded $90 million in damages.

Impaired driving creates risks

Tennessee's music scene is world-famous, but the same establishments that encourage live music tend to encourage drinking. Crashes involving impaired drivers account for the highest number of fatalities in Tennessee. The Nashville area recorded 957 alcohol-related accidents in 2022, which is a staggering increase over the 667 that occurred in 2021, indicating a disturbing trend in Music City.

While Tennessee's popularity is encouraging relocation from all over the country, its roads are becoming noticeably less safe, creating significant risk for drivers who lack sufficient protection. Quality coverage is attainable at an affordable price at VIU by HUB, where you can compare Tennessee auto insurance quotes and options for coverage across a variety of insurance providers.

State requirements for Tennessee auto insurance

Tennessee has a Financial Responsibility Law that requires drivers to prove the ability to be financially responsible if a car accident were to occur. For most residents, the easiest way to abide by this law is to obtain Tennessee auto insurance. Required minimum limits for liability insurance include the following:

       $25,000 in Property Damage coverage per incident.

       $25,000 per injury or death per incident.

       $50,000 in total injuries or deaths per incident.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

While state law does not require you to purchase this coverage, the law requires that every insurance company offer it to their auto insurance clients for the same liability limits that are on their policy. This coverage pays for expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who either didn’t carry insurance (uninsured) or didn’t carry enough insurance to address all the medical bills or car repair costs (underinsured).

Average cost of Tennessee auto insurance

Tennessee auto insurance costs are among the most affordable in the nation. The average driver pays approximately $1,230 per year, which is well below the $1,445 national average. An insurance policy for a young driver may cost two or three times the average, and a driver with moving violations or a DIU may pay twice as much as the average.

Factors that impact Tennessee auto insurance quotes

Tennessee auto insurance quotes are very affordable in comparison to most states, but numerous other factors impact how much you can expect to pay.

Driver demographics

A number of specific driver demographics are considered when calculating insurance rates, including:

       Age: Rates fluctuate depending on age. Young drivers pay the most for car insurance due to their inexperience and the greater statistical likelihood of being involved in an accident. After a driver reaches age 25, rates generally start to decrease, up until the driver reaches 65 to 70. 

       Gender: This plays a role in the price of insurance. Male drivers in their teens are the most expensive to insure. The gender gap tends to even out when drivers reach their 30s. 

       Marital status: Married drivers statistically have 50% fewer accidents than single drivers, so they are generally less expensive to insure.

Credit history

Credit history is taken into account when calculating insurance premiums in Tennessee. Drivers with low credit scores pay about 50% more than those with good credit.

Type of vehicle

The make, model and type of vehicle are factored in when calculating insurance premiums.

Amount of driving

The more you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident. As a result, your Tennessee auto insurance premiums will be higher based on high annual mileage.

Driving records

Drivers with a clean record can pay up to 40% less than those with poor driving records due to safe-driver discounts. Drivers who file numerous claims, regardless of fault, can see rates increased for up to five years. Accidents and traffic violations can increase insurance premiums from 20% to 200%, depending on the severity and number of incidents.

Coverage options for Tennessee auto insurance

Tennessee law requires liability insurance, but drivers can opt to add other coverages to their Tennessee auto insurance policies for additional protection:

       Collision Coverage pays to fix your vehicle if you hit another object.

       Comprehensive Coverage pays for non-collision damages like falling trees or flood.

       Roadside Assistance helps out if your car breaks down.

       Medical Payments covers some of the costs of medical care or funerals for you and your passengers.

       Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you, your vehicle and your passengers if an uninsured driver causes your accident.

This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Sources:

United States Census Bureau

TDOT

2020 Crash Facts Tennessee

TN Dept of Revenue

Auto insurance in Tennessee by city

Understand risks, minimum state coverage requirements, average costs and other specifics that can impact auto insurance policies and premium rates in your city.