Affordable Tennessee car insurance
Affordable Tennessee car insurance
Explore the roads of Tennessee with the car insurance you need. Find out more about the auto insurance requirements for Tennessee and lots of ways to save.
Get a Tennessee car insurance quote
Tennessee drivers save up to 12% when you quote online!
If you’re looking for car insurance in the Volunteer State, you’re in the right place. Starting your Tennessee car insurance quote online could earn you a beefy discount right away. We know choosing coverage can be tricky, but we try to make the process easy to understand. Our Quote Wizard makes finding the coverages you need as simple as possible, but a licensed agent is available should you want to talk through your policy. Learn about Tennessee car insurance options while saving money on your policy.
Tennessee car insurance requirements
Drivers in Tennessee are required to have at a minimum 25/50/25 liability limits on their car insurance. Liability coverage is third-party coverage, meaning that the payout is for the other party involved in the accident, not the insured. The minimum limits required in Tennessee are:
- $25,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 limit for Property Damage liability coverage per accident
These minimum Tennessee auto insurance coverage requirements help protect injured party from the property damage or bodily injury costs associated with an accident.
Liability coverages
Liability coverage helps pay the expenses of other people (not you) relating to injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. Even though it doesn’t cover your injuries or damaged property, Liability coverage does help to protect you from being financially on the hook if you cause an accident. Learn more about the differences between liability and what people refer to as full coverage.
You may want to consider buying more than the minimum liability coverage. The minimum liability limits might be too low if you cause a multi-vehicle accident or the other driver’s car is totaled. If you don’t have enough liability coverage to pay for the damages and injuries you cause, you might have to pay the rest out of your own pocket.
Find more coverages available for car insurance in Tennessee
Consider other car insurance coverage options available including:
Comprehensive and collision insurance provide physical damage coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverages help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage can help cover the value of your vehicle if it’s stolen as well as cover repairs from vandalism. Collision insurance helps pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a fence or a tree. You select a deductible that you pay out of pocket and your insurance company pays for the remaining damage up to the limits you select.
Medical payments or MedPay
Medical payments is a type of insurance that may provide reimbursement up to the limits of the policy for your reasonable and necessary medical expenses and funeral expenses if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
MedPay coverage may apply no matter who is at fault in the accident.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
When another person is at fault for an accident and doesn’t have car insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your damages, medical treatment, and lost wages. If your injury expenses exceed the at-fault party’s liability limits, you may be able to use underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage to help pay for the amount not covered by the at-fault person’s insurance.
Rental car reimbursement
Rental reimbursement coverage can help pay for your rental car if you aren’t able to drive your car for more than 24 hours because of a loss covered by your comprehensive or collision insurance.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance coverage saves you from being stranded on the side of the road when something goes wrong with your car. If purchased, roadside assistance is available for use when your car is disabled due to a covered emergency, such as:
- a mechanical or electrical breakdown
- battery failure
- insufficient supply of fuel, oil, water, etc.
- flat tire
- lock-out
- entrapment in snow, mud, water, or sand
Personalize your policy with additional protection
In addition to the coverages offered above, Elephant offers additional options to personalize your auto insurance in Tennessee. A few of these include the following:
Legal services
For as little as $6/month, your covered legal needs can be handled by specialized attorneys for many of life’s more complicated situations with our Legal Resources Plan. Services include family law matters, real estate transactions, and will preparation to name a few.
Upgraded accident forgiveness
At Elephant, accident forgiveness is automatically earned after you go 3 consecutive years without having an accident on your policy. Instead of waiting 3 years for an accident waiver, you may be eligible to purchase upgraded accident forgiveness which will start with your policy.
Diminishing deductible
Diminishing deductible, also referred to as “disappearing” or a “vanishing” deductible, can be added to a vehicle’s collision deductible to lower the out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.
Factors that can affect your car insurance rates in Tennessee
Tennessee car insurance rates are dependent on many variables. Find several factors that are used to determine your car insurance premiums:
Type of car you drive
The type of vehicle you drive can impact your insurance rate. Cars that are older, smaller, have a lower safety rating, are more expensive to repair or replace, or are considered luxury vehicles often require higher premiums. Learn more about how your vehicle impacts your rates.
Your driving record
Frequent accidents, tickets, and insurance claims alert the insurance company that you may be a high-risk driver, and your rate may be higher than a driver with a clean record.
How you use your car
How you use your car can impact your rate. For example, if you have a long commute or use your vehicle for business, you may pay higher rates than if you drive infrequently.
General rate trends
Tennessee car insurance rates may trend up or down. The premium you pay will depend on these overall rate trends.
Tennessee car insurance discounts can help lower your rates
We know that every dollar counts these days, so Elephant offers a number of car insurance discounts to help you save money on your Tennessee car insurance. Whether you have multiple vehicles, you are working from home, or you have a good student on your car insurance policy, we have a discount for you. Quote your car insurance online to find out if you qualify for any of our discounts.
State discounts that add up to savings
Tennessee drivers can take advantage of the many car insurance discounts offered by Elephant including:
- Early bird discount
- Multi-car discount
- Pay in full discount
- Work From Home Discount™
You can also save up to 12% just by quoting your Tennessee car insurance online!
Save on Tennessee car insurance when you bundle home and auto
Unlock even more savings when you bundle your insurance with Elephant. Combine select coverages like homeowners or renters insurance with your auto policy to keep money in your pocket with our multi-policy discount.
Tennessee car insurance and driving laws you should know
Insurance companies in Tennessee are required by law to provide fair, reasonable rates to all eligible drivers. There are some laws that impact qualifying for insurance and your rates.
SR-22
An SR-22 form can be required if a driver has been convicted of certain driving-related charges. If you are required to file an SR-22 form to reinstate or maintain your driving privileges, contact your agent to obtain the appropriate form. For more information, please visit our SR22 overview: What is an SR22 and how does it work?
Tennessee teen driving laws
Learning to drive comes with a lot of responsibility, and there are restrictions in place for drivers under the age of 18 in Tennessee. Check with your insurance company before your teen obtains a permit to learn more about adding them to your policy, and for more information on teen driving laws, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out more.
Tennessee distracted driving laws
Distracted driving is involved in many traffic accidents. In Tennessee, there is a statewide ban on texting or holding a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. There are additional restrictions for drivers under the age of 18 and drivers in school zones. Drivers should become familiar with any ordinances or local laws in effect. Visit the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for more information and read more about cell phones and safe driving.
Out-of-state violations count
Most states share out-of-state violations with the driver’s home state. Once your insurance company is notified, they will determine whether the violation will impact your premium.
Contact us today for Tennessee auto insurance
If you have additional questions about car insurance in Tennessee, please visit our Coverage Wizard to explore the coverages you need, or complete an online quote, or reach out to an Elephant licensed agent at 1-855-ELEPHANT.
Common questions about Tennessee car insurance
Here are a few questions that often come up for people looking for car insurance policies in Tennessee:
What factors affect Tennessee car insurance rates?
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There are many factors that can affect car insurance rates in Tennessee, including:
- The car you drive: The make and model of your car can also affect your rates. Cars that are more expensive to repair or replace typically have higher rates.
- Your age: Less experienced, younger drivers are usually considered to be more risky than older more experienced drivers and tend to pay higher rates.
- Where you live: The city or town where you live can also affect your rates. Cities with higher rates of accidents or theft typically have higher rates.
- Your driving record: A spotless driving record can help you get lower rates. Even a single at-fault accident or moving violation can increase your rates.
- How many miles do you drive: Drivers who drive more miles per year typically pay higher rates.
To find out what coverage you need, check out our Coverage Wizard
How and when can I change my Tennessee car insurance policy?
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Changes to your Tennessee car insurance can be made at any time during the life of the policy. Making changes to your policy should be easy and can be done by calling your insurance carrier or by logging into your account if you have online access.
What is the right coverage for me?
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Like most things, Tennessee car insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, but when you have the right information, you can feel confident in the coverage you’ve selected. For more guidance, check out our Coverage Wizard.
I’ve been in an accident in Tennessee, how do I get my car repaired?
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If you need to get your vehicle repaired after an accident in Tennessee, you have a few options:
- File a claim with your insurance company: If the damaged vehicle is covered by your comprehensive and collision coverage, or if your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage applies, your insurance company can help pay for the repairs to your car.
- File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company: If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You will need to provide them with proof of the accident, such as a police report and an estimate from a body shop. If the other driver’s insurance company agrees that they are at fault, they may help pay for the repairs to your car.
- Pay for the repairs yourself: If you do not have comprehensive and collision coverage, or if the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t agree to pay for the repairs, you will need to pay for the repairs yourself. You can take your car to any body shop you choose, but you may want to get estimates from several shops before you decide.
Fault definitely plays into your coverage options. Generally:
If you’re at fault:
- comp/coll through us
- Pay out of pocket
If you’re not at fault:
- file with the other company
- UM/UIM through us
- comp/coll through us
- pay out of pocket/sue person directly
What are the minimum coverage requirements for car insurance in Tennessee?
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Tennessee requires drivers to carry proof of car insurance in their vehicles.
Tennessee also requires drivers to have a minimum 25/50/25 liability limits on their car insurance coverage. Liability auto insurance is a type of car insurance that helps protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident. It can help cover the cost of injuries to other people and damage to their property. Liability coverage is third-party coverage, meaning that the payout is for the other party involved in the accident, not the insured. Tennessee minimum car insurance liability limits required are:
- $25,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 limit for property damage liability coverage per accident
What liability insurance is required in Tennessee?
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Liability insurance helps protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident. Liability coverage helps pay to repair the other driver’s car if you cause an accident. It also helps pay the other driver’s and their passengers’ medical bills and some other expenses. Tennessee law requires you to have at least $25,000 of coverage for injuries per person, $50,000 for injuries per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage per accident. This is sometimes referred to as “25/50/25” coverage.
What is a “25/50/25” minimum auto policy?
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A “25/50/25” minimum auto insurance policy describes the minimum liability limits Tennessee drivers are required to carry. Liability insurance helps protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident. It can help cover the cost of injuries to other people and damage to their property. Policy limits are the maximum amounts that an insurance company can pay to repair another person’s car or medical bills if you are responsible for the accident. Tennessee law requires you to have a minimum of $25,000 of liability coverage for injuries per person, $50,000 of liability coverage for injuries per accident, and $25,000 of liability coverage for property damage per accident.
What is considered “full coverage” car insurance?
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When people use the term full coverage auto insurance, they’re usually referring to a car insurance policy that is a collection of coverages to protect the policyholder. It’s not a specific type of insurance and the term can vary in meaning. That said, full coverage is typically liability (usually includes bodily injury and property damage) plus comprehensive and collision coverage. When you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage. To find out what coverage you need, and to personalize your coverages with additional protection such as rental reimbursement and roadside assistance, check out our Coverage Wizard.
Do you need car insurance to register a car in Tennessee?
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When you register a car in Tennessee, you are required to show proof that you can pay for accidents you cause. Most drivers do so by purchasing auto liability insurance. The minimum limits for auto liability insurance in Tennessee are $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, along with $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
The documents you may need to register a car in Tennessee include:
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of ownership (such as the title or registration from your previous state)
- Proof of vehicle inspection
- Completed application for Tennessee title and/or registration
- Registration fee
You can find more information about registering a car in Tennessee at the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Why choose Elephant for your car insurance in Tennessee?
Elephant agents are friendly, trusted experts who are serious about protection. We’re here to answer questions without all the jargon and offer car insurance solutions in Tennessee that suit your needs. Here are a few things we think set us apart from the competition.
Affordable auto insurance
Everything from state-required liability coverage to medical payments to collision insurance—we have the affordable coverages you need to protect yourself. Find the car insurance coverage you need to protect you and your car, discounts to save money, and add-ons like legal services coverage to help make your life simpler.
Tools to make car insurance accessible
Manage your policy and file claims quickly and easily with our mobile app, claims photo app, online account access, and agent chat. Learn more about our policy perks.
Take advantage of flexible payment options
Flexible payment options and online tools. With flexible payment plans, convenient insurance claims filing and our highly reviewed mobile app, Elephant delivers protection with convenience.
Superior car insurance claims experience
As of 2024, Elephant has earned a Net Promoter Score, which is a customer confidence score that is 35% higher than the industry average. Our standout claims team and extensive repair network are there when you need them.
Start a claim
Login to track a claim
Claims FAQs
Bundle your home and auto insurance for even more savings
Save money and time when you purchase select coverages like home or renters insurance and car insurance together. It’s simple: when you bundle policies with Elephant, you qualify for our multi-policy discount.
Learn more about bundling your policies
Our customers give us high marks and we hope you will too.
We are proud that 9 out of 10 customers renew with us each term* and that our average Trustpilot score is 4.5/5.0 which is in the excellent range. And we’re very proud to have been named a Forbes America’s Best Insurance Company 2023. Forbes partnered with Statista to survey over 15,000 U.S. customers of more than 3,300 U.S. insurance companies to create the rankings. Participants rated their insurance providers in terms of their overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend them to family and friends. *89% of customers stayed with Elephant at renewal in 2022.
Tennessee car insurance made simple
Try our Coverage Wizard an online tool to make sure you have the right coverage for your Tennessee car insurance or alternatively go straight to our car insurance online quote.
Retrieve your Tennessee car insurance quote
If you started a Tennessee car insurance quote at Elephant, pick up where you left off by retrieving your quote now.
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Give us a call for car insurance in Tennessee
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