Best car insurance in Chattanooga, TN (2024)

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Jessica OlivoFreelance contributorJessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.&Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

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Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.
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Maria FilindrasMaria FilindrasFinancial AdvisorMaria Filindras is a financial advisor, a licensed Life & Health insurance agent in California, and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius.

Updated|4 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

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The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Chattanooga is $1,290 per year, which is cheaper than the statewide average in Tennessee of $1,329. But car insurance rates can vary from company to company and driver to driver. 

Ready to shop car insurance?

The best way to ensure you’re getting the cheapest rates is to compare quotes before you pick a policy. Policygenius can help you see quotes from top companies so you can feel confident you’re choosing the right coverage at the best price.

Key takeaways

  • State Farm has the cheapest average rate for full coverage car insurance in Chattanooga, at $842 per year

  • GEICO is the most affordable option for drivers with bad credit

  • Tennessee requires a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

  • Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Property damage liability: $50,000

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Comprehensive: $500 deductible

  • Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Chattanooga, TN

Insurance companies base rates on factors like your age, address, driving history and credit score. The lower the risk you pose to the insurance company, the lower your rates will be. But some companies generally charge less than others for coverage.

Company

Average cost

JD Power Rating

State Farm

$70/month

882

USAA

$71/month

890

Auto-Owners Insurance

$81/month

865

GEICO

$85/month

874

Travelers

$100/month

854

Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Chattanooga, TN

Residents of densely populated neighborhoods will pay more for insurance than drivers who live in less congested areas. The more cars on the roads where you live, the more likely you are to get in an accident. You may also pay higher rates if you live in an area with a lot of crime, including car theft and vandalism.

ZIP code

Average cost

37405

$1,246

37419

$1,259

37415

$1,259

37416

$1,265

37409

$1,275

37343

$1,281

37421

$1,290

37411

$1,293

37402

$1,298

37408

$1,302

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Choosing the right car insurance company in Chattanooga, TN

There are many factors that go into getting the best coverage at the cheapest rate. Comparing quotes will give you a better understanding of what different companies can offer, from coverage to discounts to cost. Policygenius can help you understand your options and find the right coverage at the best price.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Chattanooga, TN

Past driving violations, such as traffic citations and accidents, will affect your car insurance rate. Most insurance companies look back at the last three to five years of your driving history. 

Typically, the more severe the offense, the more it affects your rates. DUI/DWI convictions and license suspensions are heavily weighted in your record and will affect your insurance rates for a longer period of time. Comparing rates will help find you the cheapest options, despite past violations.

Violation

State Farm

USAA

Auto-Owners Insurance

GEICO

Travelers

At-fault accident

$1,012

$1,297

$1,728

$1,832

$1,745

Suspended license

$934

$1,652

$2,406

$2,711

$1,900

Open container

$934

$1,202

$1,291

$1,934

$1,656

Expired registration

$934

$1,075

$1,004

$1,182

$1,656

Driving without lights

$934

$1,075

$1,004

$1,225

$1,656

Running a red light

$934

$1,075

$1,004

$1,225

$1,679

Following too closely

$934

$1,075

$1,004

$1,225

$1,656

Hit and run

$934

$1,777

$2,406

$2,233

$1,900

Not-at-fault accident

$855

$905

$1,004

$1,013

$1,297

Passing a school bus

$934

$1,202

$1,425

$1,225

$1,900

Reckless driving

$934

$1,202

$2,406

$2,233

$1,900

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Chattanooga, TN

Drivers in Chattanooga could see a significant increase in their rates if they get a DUI or DWI. The average annual cost for car insurance in Chattanooga is $1,290 per year, but Tennessee drivers can expect to pay an average of $2,477 per year if they have a DUI, which is a 92% increase over the average rate in Chattanooga.

But each car insurance company sets their own rates, so drivers with a DUI can save money by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies. Our research shows that State Farm, USAA, and Travelers have the lowest rates for drivers with a DUI in Chattanooga.

Company

Rates for drivers with DUIs

State Farm

$934

USAA

$1,712

Travelers

$1,900

GEICO

$1,934

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,406

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Chattanooga, TN

Drivers with a speeding ticket or moving violation on their record will also pay more for car insurance. Chattanooga drivers should expect to pay an average of $1,932 per year for car insurance if they have a speeding ticket on their record.

Speeding tickets may raise your insurance rates, but you can still save money on your car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple companies. We found that State Farm, USAA, and Travelers offer the lowest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket in Chattanooga.

Company

Rates for drivers with speeding tickets

State Farm

$934

USAA

$1,075

Travelers

$1,900

GEICO

$2,233

Auto-Owners Insurance

$3,299

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Chattanooga, TN

As with your driving history, your credit history also plays a factor in getting the cheapest auto insurance rate possible. Drivers with low credit scores tend to pay more for car insurance. Anything you can do to raise your credit score can help you pay lower rates in the long run. 

Company

Rates for drivers with bad credit

GEICO

$1,547

USAA

$1,597

Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance

$1,732

Grange Insurance

$1,766

Nationwide

$1,792

Ready to shop car insurance?

Buying car insurance in Chattanooga, TN

Regardless of where you live in Tennessee, you are required by law to maintain a minimum amount of insurance coverage. If your car is leased, you may have additional requirements to meet. Driving without insurance may result in fines, registration suspension, or even arrest, so it’s important to know the law in your state.

In Chattanooga, drivers must have a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident. The minimum property damage liability coverage is $25,000. But to avoid costly bills after an accident, it is a good idea to pay for the highest amount of coverage that is affordable to you.

Tennessee is not a no-fault state and personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are optional. And even if you have the required coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can protect you if the other driver is deemed at-fault, but does not have the insurance needed to pay for the accident.

How to get cheap car insurance in Chattanooga, TN

There are many ways to find cheap auto insurance rates in Chattanooga, including:

  • Shop around for a new policy every year 

  • Maintain a safe driving record

  • Choose a less expensive, reliable car that is cheaper to repair

  • Bundle your auto insurance with your homeowners or renters insurance

Frequently asked questions

Does Tennessee have high car insurance rates?

Car insurance rates in Tennessee are lower than the national average, but drivers can still save money on car insurance by comparing rates between multiple companies.

Is Tennessee an at-fault state or a no-fault state?

Tennessee is an at-fault state, which means the driver who is at fault in an accident is responsible for any costs or expenses related to the accident. If you are at fault in an accident and don't have enough liability coverage, you will be expected to pay any additional costs out-of-pocket.

How much is car insurance per month in Tennessee?

The average cost of car insurance in Tennessee is $111 per month, or $1,329 per year.

Which insurance company has the best rates for drivers with bad credit in Chattanooga?

In Chattanooga, our analysis found that GEICO offers the best rates for drivers with bad credit. You can improve your credit score by paying off any outstanding debts, avoiding late payments, and limiting the number of inquiries you allow into your credit history.

Authors

Jessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.

After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

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