Insure yourself in Tennessee
Tennessee is the land of music, an industry that fuels the state’s nearly $18 billion tourism industry. But did you know it’s also one of the nations leading beef cattle producers, and has a booming tech industry? All that growth and tourism, coupled with the often extreme weather, makes for some challenging insurance problems. Fog, large hail, thunderstorms, and the occasional tornado contribute to some unique problems for car and homeowner’s insurance. Thankfully annual car insurance premiums aren’t too much higher than the national average, at around $115 per month. But it never hurts to look at all the options for cheap insurance Tennessee can offer.
Whether you’re here for the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, The Grand Ole Opry, or the Tennessee Aquarium, you’ll find Tennessee a bright and friendly place. This could help explain the more than 10% annual population growth the state has enjoyed for the last couple decades. If you’re a sports fan there’s NASCAR’s Bristol Speedway, the Titans playing out of the Saint Thomas Sports Park, or the Grizzlies out of the FedexForum. Throughout the year the local restaurant and bar scene enjoys a diverse customer base, from die-hard football fans to country and rock-and-roll fans. If you’re new to the state, there’s a well-funded tourism bureau where you can discover all the hidden gems you didn’t even know about!
Since it’s founding in 1796, Tennessee has grown to become the 16th largest state in the Union, in terms of population.
Tennessee Facts
- There are approximately 2.3 million registered vehicles on the road in Tennessee.
- Tennessee is one of the most beautiful states in the nation! It continues to attract new residents to its cities, but, aside from some major corporations such as FedEx and AutoZone, its economy isn’t as diversified as some states.
- The average car insurance premium is around $117 per month. Depending on how much coverage you carry, you could be paying significantly cheaper rates, or far higher!
- Driving without insurance in Tennessee is now classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and can result in jail time!
- Nashville, or “music city” is the country music capital of the entire world!
- The largest earthquake in American history took place in Tennessee in 1812, which was felt across more than 1 million square miles.
- Tech industries in Tennessee include polysilicon production, and the state is one of the United States’ largest power producers.
- The 16th state to join the Union, Tennessee has become the “Detroit” of the south with the automobile manufacturing center near Chattanooga employing 106,500 Tennesseans.
Car Insurance
- Your age. A 35-year old will pay significantly less than a newly-licensed teenager.
- Your vehicle affects your price. If you drive a $80,000 Mercedes you’ll pay a lot more than a $20,000 Toyota.
- Having continuous coverage with no lapses will sometimes lower your rates, depending on the insurance company.
- Commute length. Those who drive 50 miles roundtrip to work pay more than those who only drive 5. The more you drive, the higher your rates.
- Urban residents usually cost more to insure than rural. This is because there are more cars on the road in a smaller area.
State Car Insurance Requirements
- Minimum coverage for bodily injury per person is $25,000.
- Tennessee’s minimum coverage for bodily injury per accident is $50,000.
- The state minimum coverage for property damage liability is $15,000.
Recommended Coverage
- Comprehensive: covers your car for any damage not caused by a traffic accident.
- Collision: covers damage to your car if you are fond at fault.
- Rental car: provides reimbursement for any rental fees while your vehicle is being repaired.
- Towing or roadside assistance: can cover the cost of transporting your car to an auto shop, flat tire repair, or even gas if you go empty on the road.
- Uninsured Motorist: covers you if you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance.