Tennessee Auto Insurance
Tennessee auto insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Anyone who is driving in TN knows that they need to buy auto insurance. A minimum level of coverage for auto insurance has been set, and Tennessee drivers can decide to buy additional coverage if they want to. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Minimum Levels of Tennessee Auto Insurance Coverage
Tennessee is a tort state as far as car insurance is concerned, which means that drivers who are at fault when an accident occurs are responsible for paying damages to the people injured in the accident. The State has passed a law that all drivers are required to have 25/50/10 coverage.
The numbers break down like this:
- $25,000 in coverage for a single person's injuries in the accident
- $50,000 is the cap set for all injuries stemming from the same accident, no matter how many people were hurt
- $10,000 in coverage to repair damage to property, including the other driver's vehicle and sign posts, mailboxes, buildings, and other objects.
These coverage levels are the minimum ones only; a driver always has the option of buying a policy with a higher level of coverage. This approach can make good sense, since the minimum coverage levels will not go very far toward paying for medical bills and lost wages if the accident is a serious one.
Any money owed for damage above your policy limits must be paid by you personally if you don't have adequate insurance coverage. Health care costs are constantly on the rise, and it makes sense to consider the level of coverage have on your vehicle very carefully. Over time, your needs change. The more you own in assets, the more important it becomes to protect yourself from financial ruin by having the right level of car insurance coverage.
Coverage Options For Tennessee Drivers
As a Tennessee driver, you also have the option of buying the following types of coverage:
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Collision insurance covers your own vehicle if it is damaged in an accident where you are considered to be the "at-fault" driver.
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle caused by other kinds of events, including damage caused by hitting an animal, wind, hail, or flood. It also pays out if your car is stolen or damaged by fire or an act of vandalism.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance pays to repair your vehicle if it is hit by someone who either doesn't have any insurance or who doesn't have enough insurance to pay for the damages. In the latter situation, the other driver's insurance policy will pay out up to the policy limits and yours would make up the difference (up to the policy limit you choose).
Average TN Car Insurance Rates and Good Advice
Tennessee drivers have enjoyed rates for their auto insurance coverage that has been below the national average for the last couple of years. In 2006, the average amount paid for insurance coverage was $1,548. This figure did go up to $1,588 in 2007 but it's still a good rate when compared with the national average of $1,896.
If you want to get good rates on your Tennessee auto insurance, you can start by keeping a clean driving record. There are companies who will insure drivers with accidents or moving violations on their records, but they won't be able to offer the same kinds of rates as they can to drivers with better driving histories.
Ask your insurance company about available discounts. You may qualify for a break on your premiums if you are a mature driver, get married, have good grades, or don't put a lot of miles on your vehicle each year. Insuring your car with the same company that insures your home may also get you a better deal on pricing.
Another way to make sure that you are getting the best possible deal on your insurance is to compare rates from different companies. Make a point of getting a number of quotes each year, even if you are currently happy with your insurance provider. You may be surprised to find that a different company can give you a better deal.
Comparing Tennessee Auto Insurance Quotes Online
Why don't you start shopping around for the best rates for Tennessee auto insurance right now? The free insurance tool at the top of this page can help. Just click on it and you can get started comparing TN car insurance quotes online from top companies right away!