Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students in Tennessee 2025
State Farm is one of the best car insurance companies for college students in Tennessee. Erie is the cheapest provider, with an average annual rate of $2,052.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
For drivers under 25, car insurance premiums are typically the highest of any age group. This makes it especially challenging for college students in Tennessee, who are already balancing tuition, housing, and everyday expenses, to secure affordable coverage.
After reviewing the leading providers in the state, Erie Insurance offers the most budget‑friendly option for student drivers, with average annual rates around $2,052. For those who prefer the added protection of full coverage, USAA provides the lowest rates, averaging just $1,488 per year. Together, these insurers stand out as strong choices for Tennessee college students who want reliable protection without stretching their budgets too thin.
Key Takeaways
Student drivers in Tennessee must have car insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Erie offers the cheapest insurance policy for students in Tennessee, at an average annual rate of $2,052.
There are multiple ways to reduce the cost of car insurance for students in Tennessee.
Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In Tennessee
When selecting car insurance for college students in Tennessee, you need to consider your priorities and pick a policy that matches your needs, whether that is low rates or comprehensive coverage.
Use the table below to see our picks for the best auto insurers for students in Tennessee.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Progressive | $4,644 |
| USAA | $2,088 |
| Farmers | $5,424 |
| State Farm | $3,312 |
| Erie | $2,052 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance For College Students In Tennessee
Minimum coverage policies are often an effective way to decrease overall costs, but can leave you vulnerable in an accident. These low-cost plans will only cover the state minimum insurance needed to operate a vehicle, which means paying expenses out of pocket.
Minimum coverage policies are great options for college students as they provide the insurance needed to drive legally while keeping costs low.
As you can see from the table below, USAA is the cheapest average option at $312 per year.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Erie | $468 |
| USAA | $312 |
| Progressive | $744 |
| Farmers | $684 |
| State Farm | $504 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance For College Students In Tennessee
College students who commute to campus or routinely drive for work should consider a full coverage policy over minimum coverage. These plans offer additional protection, often including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
While the full coverage policies offer more protection, they come at a higher cost. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of the additional insurance against the extra monthly cost.
USAA is the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy for students in Tennessee, at an average annual rate of $1,488.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| State Farm | $3,816 |
| Farmers | $4,704 |
| USAA | $1,488 |
| Erie | $3,156 |
| Progressive | $4,176 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Low-Mileage In Tennessee
If you’re a college student who doesn’t plan on driving much throughout the school year, there’s no reason to pay for insurance you don’t need. While you’ll still need to maintain the state minimum auto insurance, most low-mileage policies offer discounted rates if you stay below a certain number of miles yearly.
The limit will vary between insurance companies but is usually around 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually.
Use the table below to view the cheapest low-mileage rates for college drivers in Tennessee.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Erie | $1,824 |
| Farmers | $2,580 |
| Progressive | $2,280 |
| State Farm | $2,124 |
| USAA | $1,236 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Driving Violations In Tennessee
Driving violations can significantly increase the amount a driver pays for monthly coverage, regardless of age. College students will likely experience an even more significant rate increase after an accident or ticket due to their already high-risk rating.
One way to mitigate the damage of a driving violation is to work with a company like State Farm that specializes in insuring motorists with a history of tickets or accidents.
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| Farmers | $4,824 |
| Progressive | $4,524 |
| USAA | $5,460 |
| State Farm | $4,304 |
| Erie | $5,100 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Tennessee – By City
Where you live in Tennessee can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums.
Use the table below to view average rates for different cities in Tennessee.
| City | Average Monthly Cost |
| Nashville | $320 |
| Memphis | $364 |
| Chattanooga | $291 |
| Murfreesboro | $270 |
| Knoxville | $282 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
Erie offers the cheapest rates for 18-year-old college drivers in Tennessee, at an average monthly cost of $263.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $423 |
| Erie | $263 |
| Farmers | $658 |
| USAA | $316 |
| Progressive | $586 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
Erie provides the cheapest policy for 19-year-old college students in Tennessee, averaging $225 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Erie | $225 |
| Progressive | $550 |
| Farmers | $621 |
| State Farm | $384 |
| USAA | $290 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 20-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
The cheapest auto insurance rates for a 20-year-old college driver can be found with Erie, averaging $195 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Farmers | $572 |
| Erie | $195 |
| Progressive | $502 |
| USAA | $248 |
| State Farm | $340 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 21-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
The most affordable college student car insurance policy for a 21-year-old can be found at Erie, with an average monthly cost of $180.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $309 |
| Farmers | $522 |
| Erie | $180 |
| USAA | $215 |
| Progressive | $456 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 22-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
22-year-old student car insurance can be found from $170 per month, with an Erie auto policy.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Farmers | $490 |
| State Farm | $285 |
| Progressive | $422 |
| Erie | $170 |
| USAA | $194 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
23-year-old college drivers can find affordable insurance from Erie at an average monthly cost of $162.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| USAA | $183 |
| Farmers | $470 |
| Progressive | $405 |
| Erie | $162 |
| State Farm | $278 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 24-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
The cheapest car insurance policy for a 24-year-old college student is $150 per month, which can be found with Erie.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Erie | $150 |
| USAA | $175 |
| Farmers | $450 |
| State Farm | $263 |
| Progressive | $384 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 25-Year-Old College Students In Tennessee
Erie offers the cheapest auto policies for 25-year-old college students in Tennessee at $144 per month.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $254 |
| Progressive | $367 |
| USAA | $152 |
| Farmers | $430 |
| Erie | $144 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy Vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Family Policy | Individual Student Policy |
| Progressive | $280 | $387 |
| USAA | $110 | $174 |
| Erie | $130 | $171 |
| Farmers | $330 | $452 |
| State Farm | $195 | $276 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Tennessee
Car insurance can be a major expense for Tennessee college students, especially since rates are often higher than those paid by older drivers. If staying on a parent’s policy isn’t an option, there are several strategies that can help reduce monthly premiums and make coverage more affordable.
Choosing Between Used And New Cars
While a new car may seem like the perfect gift or reward, it often comes with higher insurance costs. Because newer vehicles are more expensive to repair or replace, insurers charge more to cover them. Opting for a reliable used car can help lower premiums and make ownership more budget-friendly for students.
Security And Safety Enhancements
Insurance companies often provide discounts to drivers who take steps to protect their vehicles. Installing anti-theft devices, adding a car alarm, or upgrading safety features can lead to savings. In some cases, these improvements can reduce premiums by $5%, making them a smart investment for students in Tennessee.
Affiliation Discounts
Getting involved in campus organizations can do more than build connections. Membership in fraternities, sororities, honor societies, or alumni associations may unlock discounts depending on the insurer. These affiliations can help reduce monthly premiums while also enhancing the college experience.
Student-Specific Discounts
Tennessee insurers frequently offer special savings opportunities for college students. Beyond the well-known good grade discount, students may qualify for:
- Distant student discount if the car is left at home while attending school far away
- Safe driver discount for maintaining a clean driving record
- Driver’s education discount for completing approved training courses
These options can make a noticeable difference in monthly costs.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Tennessee
For many Tennessee college students, purchasing car insurance for the first time can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, comparison platforms like Insuranceopedia make the process easier by allowing you to review multiple quotes in one place. To make sure you’re prepared, here’s a clear roadmap to follow.
Step 1: Compare Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first option you see. Collect at least three quotes from different insurers to ensure you’re getting competitive rates. This is especially important for students, since premiums can vary widely depending on age, driving history, and vehicle type.
Step 2: Decide How You’ll Purchase
Think about whether you’d prefer buying online or working with a local agent. Online platforms are quick and convenient, while agents can provide personalized guidance if you want extra support.
Step 3: Determine Coverage Requirements
Tennessee law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but you may want more protection depending on your situation. Consider whether you’ll need collision or comprehensive coverage, especially if you drive a newer car or commute long distances.
Step 4: Gather Essential Information
Before starting the process, have all your details ready. You’ll need your driver’s license number, vehicle information, personal details of anyone else on the policy, and your driving record. Having this information upfront ensures accurate quotes and avoids delays.
Step 5: Finalize And Notify Your Previous Insurer
Once you’ve chosen the best policy, complete the purchase and inform your old insurance company about the switch. This prevents billing overlaps and ensures your coverage transitions smoothly.
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, Or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
For Tennessee college students, whether you need your own car insurance or can remain on a parent’s plan depends on your living situation and address. Let’s explore the different possibilities.
When Students Must Purchase Their Own Policy
The most common reason a student would need separate coverage is a change of residence. If you establish a permanent address that differs from your parents’ home, insurers generally require you to carry your own policy. This ensures the coverage reflects where the car is primarily kept and driven.
Staying On A Family Policy
Unlike health insurance, which has age restrictions, auto insurance does not impose a cutoff. As long as you live at home or continue to use your parents’ permanent address while attending college, you can remain on their plan. This option often saves money and simplifies the process since you’re already listed as a driver under the household policy.
Tennessee Car Insurance Laws
Tennessee is one of the many states requiring motorists to carry auto insurance if they plan on operating a vehicle. Most of the required coverages are similar to other places in the United States, Tennessee drivers do not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
Tennessee auto insurance requirements include:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Compare College Student Rates To Other U.S. States
| State | Average Annual Premium |
| Alabama | $3,460 |
| Alaska | $3,276 |
| Arizona | $3,412 |
| Arkansas | $3,557 |
| California | $4,016 |
| Colorado | $3,937 |
| Connecticut | $3,325 |
| Delaware | $3,663 |
| Florida | $4,294 |
| Georgia | $3,570 |
| Hawaii | $3,117 |
| Idaho | $3,028 |
| Illinois | $3,132 |
| Indiana | $3,115 |
| Iowa | $3,230 |
| Kansas | $3,500 |
| Kentucky | $3,828 |
| Louisiana | $4,483 |
| Maine | $2,775 |
| Maryland | $3,346 |
| Massachusetts | $3,326 |
| Michigan | $3,952 |
| Minnesota | $3,511 |
| Mississippi | $3,608 |
| Missouri | $3,582 |
| Montana | $3,793 |
| Nebraska | $3,502 |
| Nevada | $3,660 |
| New Hampshire | $2,865 |
| New Jersey | $3,502 |
| New Mexico | $3,649 |
| New York | $3,470 |
| North Carolina | $3,341 |
| North Dakota | $3,265 |
| Ohio | $3,017 |
| Oklahoma | $3,738 |
| Oregon | $3,278 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,472 |
| Rhode Island | $3,661 |
| South Carolina | $3,422 |
| South Dakota | $3,880 |
| Tennessee | $3,277 |
| Texas | $3,643 |
| Utah | $3,425 |
| Vermont | $2,919 |
| Virginia | $3,069 |
| Washington | $3,208 |
| West Virginia | $3,605 |
| Wisconsin | $3,264 |
| Wyoming | $3,358 |
* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.
Our Methodology
To find the cheapest car insurance rates for college students in Tennessee, we analyzed findings from numerous car insurance rating sites, some of which analyzed rates from public filings obtained by Quadrant Information Services. We also utilize the combined twenty-five years of experience from our team of insurance experts to evaluate each carrier.
It’s important to note that even though the rates listed in this guide are accurate, premiums shift daily and can fluctuate based on each driver.
About Doug Schaffer
