Cheapest car insurance carriers in Knoxville
Estimated annual full-coverage premiums for a standard driver profile, ranked cheapest first — the Knoxville average runs about $2,217/yr (median of the top carriers below: $1,979/yr). Enter your ZIP for a ranking tuned to your exact area, vehicle, and coverage.
| # | Carrier | Est. annual | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA | $1,365/yr | Save $614 |
| 2 | State Farm | $1,723/yr | Save $256 |
| 3 | GEICO | $1,811/yr | Save $168 |
| 4 | Root Insurance | $1,863/yr | Save $116 |
| 5 | Travelers | $1,925/yr | Save $54 |
| 6 | Progressive | $2,032/yr | +$53 |
| 7 | Kemper | $2,082/yr | +$103 |
| 8 | The Hartford | $2,098/yr | +$119 |
| 9 | National General | $2,123/yr | +$144 |
| 10 | Safeco | $2,363/yr | +$384 |
Not sure how much coverage you need? Use the free Coverage Calculator →
Directional estimates from public rate filings and NAIC complaint indices — not a quote. Your actual rate depends on your ZIP, vehicle, age, and credit.
Part of our Tennessee auto insurance report — statewide rates & carrier rankings.
- Knoxville averages ~$2,220/year for full coverage — -8% vs. the national average
- Tennessee Farm Bureau and GEICO are consistently among the cheapest carriers in this market
- Rate spreads are wide — cheapest carrier can be 40–60% below the most expensive for the same profile
- Tennessee requires 25/50/15 liability — minimums leave significant gaps for most drivers
- Rates are rising in 2026 — shopping at renewal is the single highest-ROI move most drivers can make
Knoxville drivers pay roughly $2,220/year for full coverage — -10% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable major metro markets in the country. Carriers compete hard here, and switching at renewal can still save hundreds.
Within Tennessee, the Knoxville metro runs differently from rural parts of the state. Urban density increases accident probability, and theft and vandalism rates are higher in most metro cores. Carriers price these risks into their Knoxville rates regardless of an individual driver’s record.
How Knoxville compares to other Tennessee metros
Among the 4 Tennessee metros we track, Knoxville is the 2nd-cheapest for full coverage — about 4% above the statewide average of $2,124/yr. Tennessee metro rates run from Chattanooga ($2,019/yr) to Memphis ($2,320/yr), so where you live inside the state moves your premium meaningfully.
| # | Tennessee metro | Avg. full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chattanooga | $2,019/yr |
| 2 | Knoxville you are here | $2,217/yr |
| 3 | Nashville | $2,221/yr |
| 4 | Memphis | $2,320/yr |
These are directional metro averages from the BoringRate model — your own rate depends on your ZIP, vehicle, and profile. See full Tennessee rankings →
How to find the cheapest carrier in Knoxville
The single most important thing a Knoxville driver can do is compare rates at every renewal. Carriers update their pricing models frequently, and the cheapest option last year may not be cheapest today. The spread between the highest and lowest rate for the same driver profile is typically 40–60% in this market — that’s hundreds of dollars per year on the table.
Tennessee coverage rule: Tennessee requires 25/50/15 liability. These are legal minimums — full coverage (comprehensive + collision) provides substantially better protection for most Knoxville drivers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Knoxville?
For Knoxville drivers with clean records, Tennessee Farm Bureau and GEICO are frequently the most competitive. Nationwide is also worth comparing. Enter your ZIP above to see current rankings for your specific location — rates vary across Tennessee.
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires 25/50/15 liability. These are legal minimums — full coverage (comprehensive + collision) is worth the additional premium for most Knoxville drivers.