Tennessee is the 22nd least expensive auto insurance state in the country, with an average annual insurance rate of $1408. This is close to the national average, i.e. $1496. The least expensive zip code in Tennessee is Johnson City, where the average annual insurance rate is $967. The average annual rates range between $1,000 and $1,200 in most cities: Franklin ($1011), Murfreesboro ($1023), Chattanooga ($1040), Clarksville ($1060), Nashville ($1071), Jackson ($1081), and Knoxville ($1088). Insurance rates are slightly higher in Bartlett, with an average annual rate of $1279. Memphis is the most expensive, with an average annual rate of $1435.
Let us see how these rates are affected by accidents on your record. It is a well-known fact that insurance rates increase with accidents, on a macro level as well as micro level. Insurance rates of the state on the whole will increase if the accident rate in the state is high, and accidents on your record will hike up your premium when you renew your policy.
In Tennessee, if you have an accident, your insurance company is likely to increase your premium up to $1690 for a multi-car policy, and up to $1971 for a single-car policy. This is because most insurance companies follow the Insurance Services Office’s (ISO) surcharge standard. After a single accident in Johnson City, your premium could go up to $1191, and two accidents would cause it to go up to $1777. Multiple accidents on your record could make you look untrustworthy to your insurance carrier, making you a high risk investment.
In Bartlett, your insurance premium could go up between $1919 and $2558 if you get into a serious accident that caused major property damage and medical injuries. This amount is even more startling in Memphis, where a serious accident could increase your rates to $2153 or $2870 after your next policy renewal.
If, however, you have an overall clean driving record and your accident was a minor one, or if it was not your fault, you could ask your insurance company to keep your rates the same. Not all insurance companies comply with this request, but it is certainly worth a try.
