How much does car insurance cost in Nashville?

Car insurance in Nashville costs an average of $773 for a six-month policy or about $129 per month. In 2023, our data shows Penn National is the cheapest car insurance company in Nashville with rates at $468 for a six-month policy. However, keep in mind that this plan may not be the best coverage for you, so read on to learn about other affordable options if you're in the market for auto insurance in Nashville.

Nashville residents pay slightly more than the average for car insurance in Tennessee, which runs about $758 every six months. The city's average is also more than the national average of $742 every six months. In fact, 35% of our customers in Nashville think they are paying too much for their car insurance. If you're paying too much, or want to learn about all of your options when it comes to auto coverage, then keep reading to learn more about what typical Nashville rates look like and how they're calculated
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Updated: 05/18/23.
Car Insurance in Nashville vs. Tennessee Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Nashville Average $773
Tennessee Average $758

The cheapest car insurance companies in Nashville

1st place medal
1st place: Penn National

Penn National takes first place with average rates at $468 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: State Farm

Coming in second is State Farm. In Nashville, State Farm policies average at $483 every six months.

3rd place medal
3rd place: USAA

USAA is the third-cheapest company in Nashville at $561 for a six-month policy, or $94 per month.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Nashville:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Nashville is $773 per six-month policy — $ per month.
  • The cheapest company in Nashville is Penn National ($468).
  • 35% of Zebra customers in Nashville stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.

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Nashville car insurance rates by company

In Nashville, Tennessee, Penn National is the top provider of cheap, comprehensive car insurance as per our 2023 data. For a six-month policy, they charge $468, or $78 per month. State Farm is a close runner-up, charging $483 for six months or $81 each month. Both firms have many policy choices to suit your auto insurance needs, but keep in mind that different companies may have different qualification criteria or pricing variations based on your profile.

For additional information on the highest-rated car insurance companies, consult The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Penn National $468
State Farm $483
USAA $561
Farmers $664
Nationwide $668
Travelers $680
GEICO $695
 

 

 

Methodology

Shop around for the best rates


Searching for the ideal car insurance that fits your needs at a lower cost is possible by comparing and exploring rates. We provide convenient comparison tools that can handle the difficult work for you, enabling you to concentrate on picking the best coverage. Simply type in your ZIP code to view the rates from Progressive, State Farm, Allstate, and other leading companies to get the best and most reasonable car insurance in Nashville.

 

 
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Average car insurance in Nashville by rating factor

Looking for the right car insurance can be a pain because you want it to cover what you need but still be affordable. Most insurance companies use the same factors to rate you, but they all do it differently. Some really care about your credit score, while others care more about your history of claims.

To keep your rates low as your life changes, you should get new quotes every six months or so.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: In Nashville, the cost of car insurance is partially determined by end-of-year earnings, which evaluate the balance between the revenue collected from premiums and the cost of paying out claims to policyholders. Even if you are a safe driver with no previous claims, you may still be charged higher rates by certain insurance providers due to the increased expenses associated with conducting business in the area.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Nashville

When computing insurance rates, one of the most important factors to consider is age. Insurance providers use data to determine the probability of drivers being in accidents or making claims. Unfortunately, teenagers have a higher accident rate than any other age group. This translates to them having to pay the highest premiums. For instance, in Nashville, teenage drivers may pay up to 155% more in premiums than drivers in their 20s.

It can feel overwhelming or unjustifiable to pay for a teen driver's insurance, but risk management is at the heart of insurance companies' operations. Since teenagers are more prone to accidents, insurance companies charge them more to cover the higher cost of claims.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Penn National $1,472
State Farm $1,779
USAA $1,881
Travelers $1,902
GEICO $2,203
Nationwide $2,506
Farmers $2,934
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
Cheapest insurance companies by age group

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Nashville drivers between 20-30 are Penn National, State Farm, and USAA


According to our data, the majority of Nashville drivers fall between the ages of 20 and 30. On average, members of this group pay $1,014 every six months. Opting for these companies could lead to a potential 32% reduction in costs.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Nashville

Your insurance rates are heavily influenced by the level of coverage that you opt for. Based on our research, 28% of Nashville drivers have only the state-mandated minimum coverage. While the law specifies a minimum coverage amount, having just the bare minimum could leave you inadequately insured in the event of an insurance claim.

Comprehensive coverage or collision coverage, often referred to as "full coverage" when purchased jointly, comes with a higher price tag but can give you extra peace of mind, which can be priceless. These coverages will need a deductible, which differs in amount and can also affect your rate. You can opt for a more substantial deductible to save on your rates. Alternatively, if you choose a lower deductible, you'll end up paying more for your policy.

Don't forget to consider other options like roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage which can safeguard you against uninsured or underinsured drivers. Although your insurance premium will go up, The Zebra advises including them since they provide an extra layer of protection for you later on.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

According to our data analysis, 49% of drivers in Nashville leased their vehicles. When it comes to your vehicle, if you aren't leasing or financing it, you might want to think about whether or not you should drop comprehensive or collision coverage. We recommend that you acquire the actual cash value of your car from a reputable source, such as Kelley Blue Book. Generally speaking, if your car is valued at less than $4,000, you likely won't need collision coverage. However, it's important to bear in mind that if you decide to drop these coverages, you'll be responsible for any repair costs if you're involved in an accident.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Penn National $145
State Farm $161
USAA $194
GEICO $207
Travelers $236
Nationwide $241
Farmers $290
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Car insurance laws in Tennessee

Nashville car insurance rates by credit score

Credit score is a significant consideration in calculating insurance premiums in almost all states, such as Tennessee. This metric is on par with age and driving history in importance. However, the reason behind this is not well-known. According to data, people with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims, have gaps in their coverage, and engage in hazardous driving activities. Thus, insurance companies view those with higher credit scores as less risky and offer them lower rates. Improving your credit score can be an effective way to reduce your auto insurance premiums.

Nashville drivers whose credit scores range from 300-579 pay 129% more than those with scores of 800-850, according to our analysis. The data shows that most Nashville drivers have a credit score categorized as "average (580-679)." In 2023, Penn National or USAA are the most affordable insurance options for Nashville drivers in the credit tier.

car insurance in nashville by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Nationwide $936
Farmers $985
GEICO $1,023
USAA $1,040
Penn National $1,157
Travelers $1,222
State Farm $3,095

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


In Nashville, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $1,141 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you have recently paid off a loan or other credit-improving actions, check your preferred credit monitoring software to see if your recent efforts could save you on your car insurance!

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The most frequent insurance claims are related to collisions. During 2023, the average monthly car insurance rates in Nashville were raised from $773 to $1,155, an increase of 49%, as a result of an at-fault accident. Following an at-fault accident, the insurance provider that offers the most reasonable rates in Nashville is State Farm, with Penn National being a close runner-up in terms of savings.

Affordable auto insurance rates can be achieved regardless of where you reside by avoiding accidents and citations, keeping your driving record clean. Speeding citations, at-fault accidents, DUIs and DWIs, and reckless driving charges all result in premium increases. The duration of the impact on your premium depends on the type of citation or accident, with DUIs or DWIs having a prolonged effect.


Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $593
Penn National $662
USAA $809
Travelers $911
Farmers $936
Nationwide $1,060
GEICO $1,118

Nashville car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Nashville.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $773 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $780 1% $7
One Med/PIP claim $782 1% $9
One comp claim $797 3% $24
Two Med/PIP claims $802 4% $29
Two comp claims $809 5% $36
Failure to show documents $867 12% $94
Failure to wear a seat belt $877 13% $104
Driving without lights $882 14% $109
Child safety restraint $882 14% $109
Driving with expired registration $924 20% $151
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $926 20% $153
Cell phone violation $927 20% $154
Speeding in school zone $928 20% $155
Driving too slowly $928 20% $155
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $932 21% $160
Texting while driving $936 21% $163
Following too closely $938 21% $165
Failure to yield $938 21% $165
Illegal turn $938 21% $165
Wrong way/wrong lane $942 22% $169
Improper passing $945 22% $172
Failure to stop at a red light $948 23% $175
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $957 24% $184
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $983 27% $210
Passing school bus $998 29% $225
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,016 31% $243
In 65 MPH zone $1,075 39% $302
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,076 39% $303
Open container $1,097 42% $324
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,155 49% $382
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,155 49% $382
Reckless driving $1,413 83% $640
Racing $1,448 87% $675
Driving with a suspended license $1,494 93% $721
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,544 100% $771
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,547 100% $774
DUI $1,569 103% $796
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Why is car insurance in Nashville so expensive?

If you live in Nashville, you might find auto insurance to be costly for several reasons. One reason is that the cost of living is higher than in other Tennessee cities, causing insurers to charge more to recoup their expenses. Your driving history, credit score, and coverage level are not the only factors that can affect your rates.

Let's take a look at why auto insurance can be expensive in Nashville, despite having a great driving record.

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Pedestrian safety

In a study conducted by Smart Growth America, Nashville ranks in the top 50 most dangerous states for pedestrians based on metrics like number of pedestrian deaths by vehicles and dangerous infrastructure design for pedestrians[1]. The state of Tennessee is the 17th most dangerous for pedestrians according to this study, accounting for higher auto insurance premiums in this area.

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Location

In Nashville, there are certain regions that experience more crime, theft, and uninsured drivers than others. If you happen to live in one of these high-crime areas, you'll most likely pay more for your auto insurance than if you reside in a different part of town. The good news is that auto insurance rates in Nashville don't fluctuate much from one ZIP code to the next. Although one ZIP code may be slightly higher, the difference is typically only a few dollars.

Expensive Nashville ZIP codes: 37238, 37217, 37208, 37228, 37235

Cheapest Nashville ZIP codes: 37027, 37215, 37221, 37212, 37205

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Uninsured drivers

In Nashville, the higher population when compared to more remote regions in Tennessee implies that there are more vehicles on the road. More vehicles lead to more accidents generally. The costs of accident-related claims are generally covered by other drivers in the area through higher premiums — this applies even to drivers who don't use their cars frequently.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Tennessee ranks as the third-highest state in the country for uninsured drivers[2]Based on our data, around 35% of drivers in Nashville do not have insurance. If you happen to have an accident with an uninsured driver in Nashville, you may have to pay for the entire repair cost yourself.

 

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage


In Nashville, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) if you reside in areas with high percentages of uninsured drivers. This coverage can be helpful if your vehicle or you are damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. UMPD coverage typically has a lower deductible and is less expensive than collision coverage. Additionally, the rate increase following a UMPD claim can be much cheaper than after a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Nashville

If you're trying to find ways to lower your auto insurance expenses, bundling your homeowners or renters insurance with your car insurance is an easy solution. By bundling, you could potentially save 10% or more on your combined premiums. Find out more about how bundling home and auto insurance can save you money, regardless of where you reside.

Bundling your home and auto insurance policies can result in savings, so it's worth taking the time to compare rates from multiple insurers. Shop around to see which insurance company offers the best rate for bundling, and you could save money in the long run.

bundling home and auto insurance in Nashville
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Nashville, TN
Updated: 05/18/23.
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $393
Penn National $414
Farmers $511
USAA $536
Nationwide $587
Travelers $612
GEICO $669

The rates of your auto insurance may be out of your hands, but the best way to save money is to compare quotes from a multitude of insurance providers. Finding an affordable rate that provides adequate coverage can be daunting. Be sure to consider personal factors that may impact your rate, such as relocating, celebrating a birthday, or enhancing your credit score.

Keep in mind that some companies may be more costly than others, so don't hesitate to shop around to discover the right fit for you.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

 
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Frequently asked questions

How much is car insurance in Nashville, TN?

 

Is car insurance more expensive in Nashville?

 

What is standard car insurance coverage in Tennessee?

 

  1. Smart Growth America — Dangerous by Design 2022

  2. Insurance Information Institute — Facts and Statistics: Uninsured Drivers


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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.