Best Cheap Car Insurance in Nashville
In 2019, there were 32,992 car accidents reported across Davidson County, home to Nashville. Crashes are common in Tennessee, and to protect drivers from legal and financial responsibility, every Nashville resident with a registered vehicle is required to carry car insurance.
In Nashville, the average driver pays $1,361 per year for full coverage car insurance and $411 for minimum coverage car insurance. However, some carriers offer below-average rates. We found the best cheap car insurance companies in Nashville based on price, discounts, coverage options and third-party ratings.
Best car insurance companies in Nashville
Nashville drivers have many options when it comes to car insurance. However, not all car insurance companies are created equal. The table below includes the best cheap car insurance providers in Nashville. We identified these providers by looking at their average annual premiums, discounts, policy options, customer satisfaction ratings and financial strength scores.
| Insurance company | J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | 871 / 1000 | $412 | $1,827 |
| Geico | 857 / 1000 | $219 | $848 |
| Grange Insurance | N/A | $199 | $893 |
| Travelers | 823 / 1000 | $383 | $987 |
| Progressive | 848 / 1000 | $469 | $1,372 |
Erie
Erie is not a cheap insurance provider looking at the average rates. But the company offers a number of discounts and unique savings opportunities that can help Nashville drivers get a lower premium. Every Erie insurance policy comes with a rate lock guarantee, and every driver is eligible for the disappearing deductible program. There are also discounts for drivers under 21, driving under a certain number of miles each year and having a safe car, among others.
Geico
Geico is one of the top-rated insurance companies in Nashville, and it is also one of the cheapest providers in the area. The average full coverage policy costs $848 per year and the average minimum coverage policy costs $219 per year, which is well below average. Geico’s car insurance coverage is fairly limited, but the company offers a wide variety of discounts that can help drivers save even more on their policy.
Grange Insurance
Grange Insurance is a regional provider that offers good coverage and low rates. Drivers can customize their policy with add-ons like glass repair coverage, pet injury coverage and OEM coverage. There are also generous discounts for paying in full, getting a quote in advance, being a safe driver, being a good student and being a loyal customer. Nashville drivers can also save up to 20% by completing the OnTrack safe driver program.
Travelers
Travelers’ car insurance rates are well below average in Nashville. The average full coverage policy costs $987 and the average minimum coverage policy costs $383. Travelers has great coverages, like accident forgiveness, new car replacement coverage and rideshare insurance, and unique discounts. Additionally, Nashville drivers can save money on their insurance policy by enrolling in Travelers’ IntelliDrive safe driver discount program.
Progressive
Progressive insurance is slightly more expensive than the average rate in Nashville. However, drivers get access to a long list of coverages, great discounts and helpful online tools. Drivers can save an average of $145 by completing the Snapshot safe driver program and use the Name Your price Tool to find coverage within their budget. There are also traditional discounts for bundling policies, having continuous insurance, being a homeowner and much more.
Cheapest car insurance in Nashville
In Tennessee, the average cost of full coverage insurance is $1,364 per year and the average cost of minimum coverage insurance is $369 per year. Full coverage car insurance in Nashville is slightly cheaper compared to the average rate in Tennessee. However, minimum coverage insurance in Nashville is about $42 more expensive than the statewide average rate.
Every car insurance company in Nashville charges a different rate for coverage. The table below includes the cheapest car insurance companies in Nashville, from the most popular carriers in the country based on market share:
| Insurance company | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $219 | $848 |
| USAA | $343 | $1,142 |
| State Farm | $345 | $1,140 |
| Travelers | $383 | $987 |
| Allstate | $402 | $1,519 |
The cheapest car insurance carriers in Nashville each have upsides and downsides. For instance, Geico and State Farm are among the most affordable providers, but they both have limited coverage options. USAA, on the other hand, offers more robust coverage options, but only military members and veterans are eligible for coverage.
In terms of J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, these five providers have very different scores. USAA is the top-rated provider in the Southeast region, and Geico is ranked as the fourth-best provider in the region, which includes Tennessee. The other three companies are rated below average, with Travelers ranking third-to-last on the list of 17 providers.
The five companies on this list all have excellent financial strength, with a minimum rating of A+ from AM Best. However, all five companies have higher-than-average customer complaints as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Company Complaint Index.
Nashville insurance requirements
Every driver in Nashville who has a vehicle that is registered in the state of Tennessee is required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. The minimum required coverage is 25/50/15, which includes the following:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $15,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
Drivers in Nashville who purchase liability-only coverage will pay the lowest rate. However, opting for minimum coverage insurance is not a recommended strategy for getting cheap coverage. There is no guarantee that minimum coverage insurance will cover the full cost of an at-fault accident, putting drivers at risk legally and financially.
Additionally, drivers who have a leased or financed car are usually required by their lender to carry full coverage car insurance until their loan is repaid. Full coverage car insurance includes collision, comprehensive, liability and medical payments coverage.
Car insurance discounts in Nashville
Most car insurance companies offer discounts that can help drivers lower their premiums. Here are some of the most popular car insurance discounts in Nashville:
- Defensive driving course: Oftentimes, drivers can get a discount on their car insurance policy by completing an approved defensive driving or driver training course.
- Smart student: Being a smart student who gets good grades or maintains a certain GPA usually qualifies for a discount on their policy.
- Multi-policy: One of the most popular insurance discounts is policy bundling, where drivers can save money by insuring their home and car through the same provider.
- Vehicle safety equipment: Vehicles that have safety features, like anti-lock brakes, airbags or an anti-theft system usually qualify for an insurance discount.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company?
The best car insurance company varies because it is different for every driver. However, some of the highest-rated insurance companies are The Hartford, USAA, Erie, Nationwide, Amica and Geico.
How much does car insurance in Nashville cost?
The average driver in Nashville pays $1,361 per year for full coverage car insurance and $411 for minimum coverage car insurance. However, factors like age, credit score and claims history will impact a driver’s car insurance rate.
How much car insurance do I need in Nashville?
Drivers in Nashville are required to carry at least 25/50/15 personal liability car insurance, but most drivers choose to purchase more coverage than what is required. Full coverage car insurance is more expensive, but it offers extra protection, including coverage for the vehicle itself.
Methodology
Fintech Zoom utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Fintech Zoom used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2018 Honda Accord, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
