Best Car Insurance For Teens In Tennessee 2026

State Farm is one of the best car insurance companies for teens in Tennessee, with average annual premiums of $4,992 for a full coverage policy.

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Updated: 25 November 2025
Written by Bob Phillips
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When it comes to finding the best car insurance for teens in Tennessee, State Farm stands out as the top choice.

In this article, we’ll compare the top-rated insurance companies for teen drivers in Tennessee, helping you find the best coverage at an affordable price. Without the right insurance, teens face the risk of higher premiums and inadequate protection.

Key Takeaways

  • State Farm is the top car insurer for teens in Tennessee.

  • Travelers offers the lowest rates for teenagers, at an average of $3,720 per year.

  • Remaining on a parent’s policy can significantly reduce teenage car insurance rates.

Best Car Insurance For Teenagers In Tennessee

To find the best car insurance companies for teenagers, we looked beyond price, as it is far from the only factor that matters when selecting a good insurer. We looked at teen safe driving programs, available discounts, and coverage options.

State Farm and USAA are two of the best insurance companies for teens in Tennessee, with average annual premiums of $4,992 and $4,620.

Company Average Annual Premium
Farmers $5,016
USAA $4,620
State Farm $4,992
Nationwide $6,840
GEICO $5,460

Cheapest Teen Car Insurance Companies In Tennessee

Travelers is the cheapest car insurance company for teenage drivers in Tennessee, with an average annual premium of $3,720.

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA $4,620
State Farm $4,992
Travelers $3,720
Erie $4,020
Farmers $5,016

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For Teens On Their Parents’ Policy

Remaining on your parents’ insurance policy can be a great way to bring down your teen’s car insurance premium.

Here are the average annual premiums for teens who remain on their parents’ policy, on full coverage policies.

Age Average Annual Premium
16 $7,280
17 $6,030
18 $5,530
19 $3,960

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For Teens On Their Own Policy

Teenagers under the age of 18 usually can’t get their own auto insurance policy. While it’s generally cheaper for teens to remain on their parents’ policy, teenagers who live at a different address from their parents may need to purchase their own policy.

Here are the average annual full-coverage rates for teens on their own policies in Tennessee.

Age Average Annual Premium
18 $5,550
19 $4,950

How To Get Cheap Car Insurance For Teens In Tennessee

Finding budget friendly auto insurance for a young driver in Tennessee can take some strategy, but there are several ways to keep premiums manageable while still maintaining solid protection.

Add Your Teen to an Existing Policy

Most Tennessee families pay less when they list a new driver on an established policy instead of purchasing a separate adolescent policy. This often results in lower rates because the household already has a driving history and loyalty with the insurer.

Compare Quotes Across Multiple Companies

Rates for teenage drivers vary widely in Tennessee, so collect estimates from several providers. Companies like State Farm, USAA, and others often price teen coverage differently, so comparing can uncover savings.

Look for Discount Opportunities

Ask insurers what savings apply to teen motorists in Tennessee. Good student qualifications, safe driver programs, electronic monitoring, and combining multiple policies can all reduce costs.

Consider Raising the Deductible

Selecting a higher deductible can reduce monthly premiums. Just make sure the family can comfortably cover that amount in the event of a claim.

Explore Usage Based or Pay Per Mile Programs

If your teen does not spend many hours behind the wheel, telematics or mileage tracked plans may deliver meaningful savings. Many Tennessee insurers offer versions of these programs that reward limited driving and safe habits.

Evaluate Driving Habits and Mileage

Understanding how far and how often your teen travels helps determine whether a low mileage plan makes sense. Teens who mainly drive locally or occasionally may qualify for reduced rate structures.

Bundle Insurance Policies

Combining auto coverage with renters or homeowners insurance can unlock multi policy savings that help offset the higher cost of insuring a young driver in Tennessee.

Enroll in a Defensive Driving or Safety Course

Some insurers in Tennessee provide reduced premiums for teens who complete an approved safe driving class. These programs also build confidence and reinforce safer habits.

Revisit the Policy as Experience Grows

Insurance prices often improve as teens maintain clean driving records. Review coverage at renewal time to make sure discounts and rating improvements are applied.

Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive For Teens?

Teenagers in Tennessee pay noticeably higher auto insurance rates because insurers view them as a greater risk on the road. With less time behind the wheel and a higher chance of filing claims, young drivers are more expensive to insure. Rural road hazards, winding highways, and growing traffic in cities like Nashville and Knoxville also contribute to elevated premiums for new drivers in the state.

Limited Credit Background

Many insurers in Tennessee include credit as a rating factor, and most teens have little or no established credit. A thin credit profile can increase prices compared to adults with longer financial histories.

Higher Crash Frequency Among Teen Drivers

Data consistently shows that young motorists are involved in more collisions than older drivers. In Tennessee, this trend is seen on interstates, small town roads, and high speed rural stretches.

Immaturity and Developing Judgment

Teens are still learning decision making skills, which can lead to unsafe choices behind the wheel. Insurers add this behavioral risk into premium calculations.

Costly Claim Payouts

When a teen causes an accident, the resulting repair bills, medical costs, and liability claims can be expensive. Tennessee insurers build these potential expenses into the price of coverage.

Lack of Driving Experience

New drivers do not yet have the skill set to navigate heavy rain, curvy mountain roads, or busy traffic confidently. This inexperience increases the likelihood of mistakes and insurance claims.

Greater Accident Severity

When collisions occur, inexperienced drivers may respond poorly, sometimes resulting in more damage or injuries. Higher severity means higher anticipated losses for insurers.

Higher Risk for Male Teen Drivers

Statistics show that male teens engage in more risky driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving. Tennessee insurers reflect these patterns in their pricing models.

How Can I Add A Teen To My Car Insurance Policy?

Bringing a teenage driver onto your Tennessee auto insurance policy is usually simple, but taking a thoughtful approach can help manage the rate increase and ensure the right level of protection.

Look Into Coverage Choices First

Before adding your teen, take a close look at your current policy. Decide whether you need higher liability limits or additional coverages like collision or comprehensive, especially if your teen will be driving a newer or more valuable car. Some insurers in Tennessee also have special add ons designed for young drivers, so ask what options are available.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider When Your Teen Starts Driving

Notify your insurer when your teen receives a learner permit or full license. Tennessee carriers vary in their rules, and some require immediate addition. Have basic information ready such as license number, birth date, and any previous driving record if applicable.

Get Pricing Details and Consider Premium Adjustments

Ask for an updated quote showing how much your premium will change once the teen is listed. If the increase feels steep, you can compare quotes from other Tennessee insurers. Adjusting your deductible may help reduce the premium, provided you choose an amount you can afford to pay if a claim occurs.

Apply Any Teen Driver Discounts Available

Many insurers in Tennessee provide savings for good grades, driver education completion, telematics monitoring, or proven safe driving behavior. Also check whether bundling auto coverage with renters or homeowners insurance could lower your total bill.

Officially Add Your Teen to Your Policy

Once you have settled on coverage and discussed discounts, have your insurer finalize the addition. Policy documents will be updated to show the new driver and any revised limits or premiums.

Talk With Your Teen About Safe Driving Habits

Insurance becomes less expensive as teens build a clean record. Remind them about seat belt use, avoiding phone use, and obeying speed limits. A defensive driving program can reinforce skills and sometimes unlock additional savings in Tennessee.

Review the Policy at Renewal Time

As your teen gets older, gains more experience, or goes to college without a vehicle, pricing may change. Checking the policy each year helps ensure you are receiving every discount and not carrying unnecessary coverage.

Car Insurance Discounts For Teens

Teen drivers in Tennessee may be able to cut their insurance costs by qualifying for a variety of discounts.

  • Low mileage savings for teens who only drive short distances, such as occasional trips to school or work
  • Usage based programs like Progressive Snapshot or Allstate Drivewise that reward safe driving patterns recorded through an app or device
  • Good student savings for maintaining strong grades, often a B average or better
  • Accident free pricing reductions for teens who avoid collisions over a qualifying period
  • Driver education or defensive driving course discounts for completing an approved safety class
  • Student away at college discount for teens attending school more than $100 miles from home without regular access to a vehicle
  • Multi policy or family bundling savings when auto coverage is combined with renters or homeowners insurance
  • Teen focused safe driving rewards programs such as State Farm Steer Clear or GEICO DriveEasy
  • Good driver discounts for young motorists who have held a license for a few years without tickets or violations
  • Early renewal or early sign up savings for families who renew or activate policies before expiration

Compare Teen Car Insurance Costs To Other States

State Average Annual Rate (Full Coverage)
Alabama $4,466
Alaska $4,880
Arizona $6,083
Arkansas $4,711
California $7,154
Colorado $6,546
Connecticut $5,622
Delaware $5,863
Florida $7,526
Georgia $6,184
Hawaii $1,681
Idaho $3,040
Illinois $5,407
Indiana $3,626
Iowa $3,533
Kansas $5,071
Kentucky $5,271
Louisiana $8,687
Maine $3,562
Maryland $6,311
Massachusetts $4,469
Michigan $6,894
Minnesota $5,318
Mississippi $4,601
Missouri $5,730
Montana $4,915
Nebraska $4,713
Nevada $7,430
New Hampshire $3,794
New Jersey $6,337
New Mexico $4,184
New York $7,442
North Carolina $4,543
North Dakota $3,644
Ohio $4,157
Oklahoma $5,518
Oregon $4,890
Pennsylvania $5,353
Rhode Island $6,777
South Carolina $4,293
South Dakota $3,890
Tennessee $4,883
Texas $4,366
Utah $5,214
Vermont $3,630
Virginia $5,213
Washington $4,348
West Virginia $4,501
Wisconsin $3,917
Wyoming $3,682

Our methodology

Our methodology for evaluating car insurance companies is based on a comprehensive analysis of factors, including affordability, coverage options, customer service, claims processing, discounts available to teen drivers, and overall financial stability. We compare these aspects across multiple insurers and insurance company review websites to determine which offers the best value and protection for teen drivers in Tennessee.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to be on your parent’s policy?

Yes, it’s typically cheaper for teens to be added to their parent’s policy rather than purchasing a separate one.

Should an 18 year old have their own car insurance?

It depends. Staying on a parent’s policy is often cheaper, but an independent policy may be necessary in some situations.

What is the cheapest car insurance for a minor?

The cheapest car insurance varies, but Travelers and Erie often offer affordable options for teen drivers, especially with discounts.

About Bob Phillips

Having spent over fifteen years helping people plan their lives financially, Bob mastered many different financial products to help people achieve their financial goals, including life insurance, disability insurance, mutual funds, and stocks and bonds.
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