Is Tennessee a no-fault state?

No, Tennessee is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash may be responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage. Tennessee doesn't require personal injury protection.

How do I lower my car insurance in Tennessee?

You may be able to lower your rate by maintaining a clean driving record, comparing coverage limits and deductibles, and using available discounts. Progressive offers discounts in Tennessee for bundling multiple policies, insuring more than one car, maintaining continuous insurance, driving safely for three years, and going five years without an accident.

What happens if you drive without insurance in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires drivers to meet its Financial Responsibility Law. The state verifies auto insurance electronically. If it can't verify your coverage, it may send a notice requiring proof of insurance or another accepted form of financial responsibility. Failing to respond may result in fees and suspension of your vehicle registration.

Do I need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Tennessee?

No, Tennessee auto policies generally include uninsured motorist coverage equal to the policy's bodily injury liability limits, but the named insured may reject the coverage in writing or choose lower limits, subject to state requirements. The Tennessee Department of Revenue estimates that about 15% of motorists in the state are uninsured. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for covered injuries or vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has too little or no insurance.

What is the Financial Responsibility Law in Tennessee?

Tennessee's Financial Responsibility Law requires motorists to maintain proof of financial responsibility. Most drivers meet this requirement by carrying liability insurance that meets the state's minimum limits, but Tennessee also recognizes alternatives such as a qualifying bond or cash deposit.

Tennessee car insurance

Product

Bundle Save an average of 5% on auto in most states!^Δ

Get a quote

Getting car insurance in Tennessee

Tennessee drivers must navigate I-40 between Nashville and Memphis, as well as steep mountain grades in the Smokies. They also need to account for state-specific insurance requirements. Progressive gives you a straightforward way to compare coverage and build a policy around your budget and coverage needs. With AutoQuote Explorer®, you can compare your Progressive quote with rates from other insurers.

Jump to section:

Required coverages
Discounts
Average cost
Cost factors
Optional coverages
Driving resources
FAQs

What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Tennessee?

Most Tennessee drivers satisfy the state's Financial Responsibility Law by carrying an auto liability insurance policy with at least the following limits.

Coverage	What it covers	Minimum amount
Bodily injury liability	Injuries you cause to others in an accident	$25,000 per person $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability	Damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or other property in an accident	$25,000 per accident

While these are Tennessee's minimum coverage limits, higher limits may offer better financial protection after a serious accident. See how much car insurance you may need for your situation.

Switch and save with Progressive

Ready to make the switch? Drivers nationwide who switch and save with Progressive save over $950 on average.^* Get an auto insurance quote today.

Car insurance discounts in Tennessee

Discounts can lower your rate based on how you drive, the vehicle you insure, and how you manage your policy. Progressive offers several discounts to help Tennessee drivers save on car insurance. Popular discounts available in Tennessee include:

Paperless
Save when you go paperless. Get your bills, ID cards, and policy documents by email instead of mail and earn a discount.
Automatic payments
Save when you set up automatic payments by electronic funds transfer. Your payment comes directly from your bank account on schedule, which can earn you a discount and help you avoid a missed due date.
Online quote
Save when you start your auto insurance quote online. You can compare coverage options and customize your policy before you buy.

What is the average cost of car insurance in Tennessee?

Car insurance costs an average of $112.80 per month in Tennessee for a liability-only policy from Progressive in 2025.^† That amount is based on one vehicle and one driver. Your rate may vary based on factors such as your driving history, location, vehicle, and coverage choices.

Factors that impact your auto insurance rate in Tennessee

Several factors can affect how much you pay for auto insurance in Tennessee, including:

Driving history: Tickets, accidents, and prior claims can affect your rate.
Vehicle type: Your car's make, model, age, safety features, and repair costs can influence your premium.
Location: Your ZIP code can affect your rate because traffic density, accident and theft rates, and weather vary across the state.
Coverage choices and deductibles: The coverages you select, your limits, and your deductibles affect your premium. A higher deductible can lower your premium, while additional coverage or higher limits can increase it.
Payment method: Your payment method can affect your cost. Paying in full or setting up automatic payments may qualify you for a discount.

Recommended additional auto insurance coverages in Tennessee

Tennessee's required liability coverage may help pay for injuries and property damage you cause, but it may not cover all costs after an accident. Optional coverages can provide additional protection.

Coverage	What it covers
Comprehensive	Cost to repair or replace your car if it's stolen or damaged by hail, fire, theft, wind, flooding, vandalism, and other covered events
Collision	Cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it overturns or collides with another vehicle or object
Uninsured/underinsured motorist	Covered injuries or vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has too little or no insurance

Tennessee auto policies generally include uninsured motorist coverage equal to the policy's bodily injury liability limits. The named insured may reject the coverage in writing or choose lower limits, subject to state requirements.

Tennessee driving resources

Learn more about Tennessee's driving laws and insurance requirements. Keep in mind that local governments may have additional rules or requirements.

Tennessee Driver Services: Find information about driver's licenses, REAL ID, driving records, and other driver services.
Tennessee Department of Revenue — Title and Registration: Find information about vehicle titles and registration.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Get insurance information and help with consumer questions and complaints.
Tennessee traffic safety laws: Review laws on texting while driving, seat belts, DUIs, child restraints, and other traffic safety topics.

How to get car insurance in Tennessee with Progressive

Progressive makes it easy for Tennessee drivers to compare coverage options and get a competitive auto insurance quote.

Go online

We ask easy questions, and you customize your coverages.

Quote auto insurance
Call a rep

Talk with a licensed representative who can guide you through the process.

Call 1-855-347-3939
Through an agent

Connect with an independent agent in your area.

Find an agent in Tennessee

Tennessee car insurance FAQs

No, Tennessee auto policies generally include uninsured motorist coverage equal to the policy's bodily injury liability limits, but the named insured may reject the coverage in writing or choose lower limits, subject to state requirements. The Tennessee Department of Revenue estimates that about 15% of motorists in the state are uninsured. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for covered injuries or vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has too little or no insurance.