Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than those aged 35 to 54.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in Tennessee and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Tennessee is $1,548 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in Tennessee pays 6% more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In Tennessee, a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 15% more a 65-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in Tennessee – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Tennessee
Below are the cheapest, full-coverage car insurance rates in Tennessee for drivers at various ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $102 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $97 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $102 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, $109 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Tennessee
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in Tennessee from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Tennessee?
As drivers age, car insurance typically becomes more expensive. This is largely because statistics reveal that seniors, on average, are more involved in accidents than younger drivers, excluding teenagers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Although older drivers typically have many years of experience on the road, they often face age-related challenges such as hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, medication side effects and other health issues that can complicate driving.
The CDC reports that drivers older than 70 have a higher rate of crash fatalities per 1,000 crashes than those aged 35-54. NHTSA statistics reveal that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, up by 26% since 2011.
In addition, seniors are more likely to require medical care, even after a less severe accident, and expensive hospital bills will increase the insurance cost.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
All of this leads to higher car insurance rates. Car insurance premiums go up for most senior drivers in their mid-60s, according to CarInsurance.com data analysis, and then continue to climb. The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Tennessee is $1,548 for a full coverage policy. Drivers age 70 pay $1,641 for the same coverage.
In Tennessee, 70-year-old drivers pay 6% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-olds pay 15% more for a full coverage policy, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Find below the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Tennessee by age and different coverage limits.
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $447 | $556 | $1,548 |
| 70 | $477 | $588 | $1,641 |
| 75 | $529 | $646 | $1,820 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Tennessee
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will raise your insurance rates regardless of your age. Insurers love statistics, and data show that a driver with a ticket on their record is more likely to get in an accident that may result in a claim.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, Tennessee, drivers can expect their rates to go up 41% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors with a speeding ticket or minor moving violation should expect to pay more for coverage. According to our analysis, the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets are mentioned below.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $1,585 | $132 |
| State Farm | $1,643 | $137 |
| Progressive | $2,000 | $167 |
| Travelers | $2,146 | $179 |
| Nationwide | $2,248 | $187 |
| Farmers | $2,661 | $222 |
| Geico | $2,810 | $234 |
| Allstate | $3,314 | $276 |
| USAA* | $1,317 | $110 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Tennessee
A DUI is a major offense, and your insurance rates will rise significantly once it shows on your driving record. In most instances, your premium will double with a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com, in some states, rates can increase by 77% after the first DUI and up to 167% after a second.
Getting affordable coverage (or any coverage) becomes challenging after a DUI, but our data show the companies below are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in Tennessee:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,643 | $137 |
| Progressive | $1,925 | $160 |
| Travelers | $2,241 | $187 |
| Erie Insurance | $2,330 | $194 |
| Geico | $2,889 | $241 |
| Nationwide | $3,140 | $262 |
| Farmers | $3,433 | $286 |
| Allstate | $4,090 | $341 |
| USAA* | $2,128 | $177 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by state for senior drivers
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Tennessee
Much like a ticket or DUI, having an accident on your driving record will raise your insurance rates. While the increase varies by insurer, our data show that drivers can expect their premium to jump by 62% after one at-fault accident with property damage exceeding $2,000.
The increase will generally be in effect for three to five years, so it’s essential to seek the most affordable insurance provider. Below, these insurers offer the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors after an accident in Tennessee.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,778 | $148 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,957 | $163 |
| Travelers | $2,089 | $174 |
| Nationwide | $2,451 | $204 |
| Geico | $2,702 | $225 |
| Farmers | $2,721 | $227 |
| Progressive | $2,775 | $231 |
| Allstate | $4,722 | $394 |
| USAA* | $1,821 | $152 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Tennessee?
While auto insurance for seniors can be costly, there are ways to save. Here are some simple steps to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Comparing car insurance quotes every six months or annually around renewal time can help you find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: By increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts, such as bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and years of being licensed, are excellent ways to reduce your car insurance costs. Learn more about discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 4% on their car insurance in Tennessee. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Tennessee.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Tennessee
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors reduce their insurance costs. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 6% |
| Days advanced purchase | 7% |
| Defensive driver | 4% |
| Education | 9% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 3% |
| Homeowner | 5% |
| Lower annual mileage | 5% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 9% |
| Marital status | 6% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 4% |
| Payment type | 9% |
| Primary use | 9% |
| Profession | 13% |
| Safety devices | 4% |
| Telematics | 11% |
| Years insured | 16% |
| Years licensed | 32% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Tennessee
Senior drivers generally pay higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you want an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and determine the coverage amount. When shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and available discounts.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Tennessee
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Tennessee?
Based on our data, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers the lowest state minimum auto insurance rates for seniors in Tennessee, at $295 yearly. Erie Insurance and State Farm also provide affordable rates on state minimum coverage for seniors in Tennessee.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Tennessee?
According to CarInsurance.com, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Tennessee at $361 per year. Erie Insurance and State Farm also offer inexpensive rates.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Tennessee?
State Farm doesn’t offer a specific senior discount in Tennessee, but it provides several discounts that seniors can use to reduce their insurance rates. These include discounts for completing a defensive driving course, safe driving, being a long-term customer, bundling policies and vehicle advanced safety features.
Bottom line
A CarInsurance.com analysis found that Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee provides the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Tennessee.
Shopping around and comparing online rates from different insurers can help seniors find the best car insurance deals. Additionally, senior drivers might qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with another policy.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Tennessee