Car Insurance in Tennessee: Coverage Requirements and How to Find the Best Rates
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Whether you're a new Tennessee resident or simply want to get up-to-date on Tennessee car insurance requirements, it helps to know your obligations. All individuals registering a vehicle or driving in Tennessee must carry proof of insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements. If you loan or lease a car, you may be required to have additional types of auto insurance. Here's what you need to know about car insurance in Tennessee.
Gather Your Driver and Vehicle Information
Before seeking an insurance quote from Tennessee car insurance companies, gather the information needed to apply. You may need to provide the following details:
- The names of drivers you want to insure, including yourself and any family members in your household
- Contact information, such as your email, home address, and phone number
- Make and model of vehicles to insure
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) of your cars
- Insurance types and amount of coverage you plan to carry
Having the details readily available makes the application process more straightforward.
Tennessee's Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Tennessee requires all drivers to carry minimum liability auto insurance. Your liability insurance must meet the below requirements:
- $25,000 for one individual's death or bodily injuries arising from an accident
- $50,000 for all deaths arising from a single collision
- $25,000 for property damage in an accident
Liability Coverage Explained
Your liability insurance kicks in if you're at fault for an auto accident. It pays for the bodily injuries, death, and property damage for others involved in the wreck up to the limits of your coverage. If their losses exceed your policy amounts, the harmed parties may file a lawsuit against you or recover additional compensation through their own auto insurance coverage.
Note that liability coverage doesn't pay for your injuries or property damage if you're in an accident you're liable for. However, you can buy other types of insurance to protect yourself, such as collision coverage.
How To File a Car Insurance Claim in Tennessee
If you're involved in an accident, exchanging insurance information and contact details with other parties is important. You'll need the information to start the claims process.
Your first step is to notify your insurance company of the accident. Most insurance companies allow you to file your claim online. You may also contact your provider directly through their claims hotline.
The insurance company will review the accident details and determine who pays. If you're not at fault for the accident, the other party's insurance company should pay for any medical expenses or property damage you incur.
If you're responsible for the collision, your insurance company will compensate the other driver for their losses up to the policy limits. If you have collision insurance, you can pay your deductible, and your insurer will cover the costs to repair your vehicle. Medical payments insurance may cover your healthcare needs following the accident.
Optional Coverage for Extra Protection
Liability insurance may not offer enough coverage to provide peace of mind when driving Tennessee's roads. And, if you finance a vehicle, your lender may require you to purchase additional insurance according to the terms of your loan contract. You can add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision, or comprehensive insurance if you want or need additional coverage. Here's what they cover.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Being hit by a driver without insurance or who doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your losses can be financially devastating. While you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver, there's no guarantee they'll be able to compensate you for the full extent of your losses. Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can protect you.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and car repairs. It applies when the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or enough coverage to pay for your costs.
Collision Coverage Explained
If you're responsible for an accident, your liability auto insurance policies won't pay to repair your vehicle. However, if you add collision coverage, you can get your car repaired without paying the entire bill out-of-pocket. Collision coverage pays for vehicle repairs if you're liable in a wreck or accidentally run into a stationary object like a street lamp.
Comprehensive Coverage Explained
Your vehicle may be damaged by unforeseen events, such as theft, vandalism, flooding, or fire. If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy will pay to repair the vehicle. Once you file a claim and pay your deductible, the insurance company will pick up the remainder of the tab.
Look for Potential Discounts
Auto insurance can be expensive, especially if you need additional coverages. However, most providers offer insurance discounts. The savings can help you find cheap car insurance in Tennessee. Some common types of discounts you may see include:
- Payment discounts: Paying your policy in full or enrolling in automatic payments can lower your insurance rates.
- Safety features: If your vehicle includes extra features such as anti-lock brakes or an anti-theft device, you may qualify for savings.
- Defensive driving courses: Attending a safe driver course approved by your insurance company can get you a discount.
- Alumni/professional discounts: Some insurers offer discounts to graduates of particular universities or those working for specific employers.
- Bundling discounts: Many insurers will offer a lower rate if you bundle your auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowner's or rental insurance.
Select the Best Policy for Your Needs
Car insurance is a very customizable thing. Your policy should fit your specific needs. While you must carry insurance that meets Tennessee requirements and complies with any loan or lease agreement, you can increase your coverage, add on extras, and set a deductible that you're comfortable with. Carefully consider your risk tolerance and financial situation when deciding how much coverage to buy.
Shop Around for the Best Quotes
When it comes to finding the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee, it pays to shop around. Insurance premiums may vary widely from one carrier to another, so requesting quotes from several of the largest auto insurance companies in Tennessee can help you find a rate that fits your budget.
EverQuote makes the process easy. We'll provide you with a custom comparison in just minutes for free! Get started with us today!