Cheapest And Best Non Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee

According to our detailed research, Kemper stands out for offering the most affordable and highest-rated non-owner car insurance in Tennessee.

We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.

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Updated: 26 October 2024
Written by Doug Schaffer
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After living in Tennessee for 16 years, I understand the hurdles of owning and insuring a car there. Many Tennessee residents opt to share cars or rent them for longer trips that public transportation can’t cover. Non-owner car insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind.

With 15 years in the insurance business and 35 years as a car insurance consumer, I know the companies reviewed here inside and out. They are all trustworthy, though each has different strengths in meeting the needs of Tennessee residents.

Cheapest And Best Non-Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee, 2024

Best Non-Owner Car Insurance, Tennessee 2024

Comparison Of The Cheapest And Best Non Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee

Overall Rating Best For J.D Power Rating A.M Best Rating Get A Quote
Kemper
4.7

Cheapest Overall

736

A-

Instant Quote
Progressive
4.8

Cheapest With A Clean Driving Record

809

A+

Instant Quote
State Farm
4.9

Overall

826

A++

Instant Quote
Farmers
4.7

Cheapest Non Owner SR-22

810

A-

Instant Quote
Travelers
4.8

Runner-Up

Not Rated

A++

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

Through a comprehensive analysis covering customer service, product offerings, pricing, and reviews from various online platforms, I've developed a deep understanding of non-owner car insurance providers. This perspective is shaped by my 15-year tenure in the industry as a licensed agent and personal interactions with Tennessee's insurance market.

53

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

19

Brands Reviewed

30+

Research Hours

Reviews Of The Cheapest Non Owner Car Insurance Companies In Tennessee


Cheapest Overall

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claim Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

If price is your top priority, Kemper is your best bet for cheap non-owner car insurance in Tennessee. Specializing in high-risk drivers, Kemper’s policies are available across the state and the country through independent agents.

While affordable, the company scores low in customer satisfaction according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Despite this, it remains the 11th largest insurer in the U.S. For military members and National Guard personnel who don’t own cars but borrow or rent vehicles, Kemper is a great option.

Car insurance in Tennessee is expensive due to high traffic and the number of uninsured drivers, making ownership costly for many. More people are opting not to own cars, instead relying on rentals, and affordable non-owner insurance is helping them cut costs.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Most economical rates for non-driver insurance in Tennessee
  • If you need an SR-22, we can facilitate the process.
  • High AM Best financial resilience rating
Drawbacks
  • Numerous customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the service given to policyholders.
  • Mobile app receiving poor ratings

Cheapest Non Owner SR-22

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claim Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Farmers is a trusted name in non-owner car insurance, particularly for drivers needing an SR-22. This form is required for high-risk drivers with violations such as DUIs, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.

Farmers distinguishes itself by offering specialized services for high-risk drivers. In addition to SR-22 insurance, they help drivers with suspended licenses get their licenses reinstated. This focus on making the process easier for high-risk drivers sets Farmers apart from other insurers.

Cost-wise, Farmers’ SR-22 insurance is only about 2% more expensive than regular car insurance, making it an affordable choice for Tennessee residents needing this coverage. Their comprehensive policies provide excellent value for the price.

For high-risk drivers who don’t own a car but need to drive occasionally, non-owner SR-22 insurance is a smart move. It offers liability protection, covering accidents while driving a borrowed or rental car.

It also helps maintain continuous insurance coverage, demonstrating financial responsibility and preventing gaps that could result in higher premiums in the future.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Specializes in clients categorized as high-risk drivers.
  • Great rates on SR-22 insurance for those without a vehicle.
  • Varied coverage alternatives
Drawbacks
  • There have been complaints from policyholders about the handling and resolution of claims.
  • Elevated charges for motorists with a history of risky driving

Cheapest With A Clean Driving Record

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claim Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Progressive is a standout choice for non-owner car insurance in Tennessee, particularly for drivers with a spotless driving history. Their non-owner insurance provides crucial liability coverage, which protects against the costs of injuries or property damage to others in the event of an accident. Tennessee law requires financial responsibility for all vehicles on public roads, making this coverage essential.

Progressive offers this coverage through a network of independent agents and provides direct service, supported by excellent financial ratings and strong claims-paying capability. Drivers with clean records enjoy lower rates, as they pose less risk to insurers and are rewarded for safe driving. Keeping a clean record can lead to significant premium savings.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Extensive range of insurance choices
  • Excellent rates for experienced drivers
  • Price cuts for cautious driving
Drawbacks
  • Rental car coverage is absent.
  • Assorted customer service evaluations
  • Non-owner vehicle insurance isn't an option in all states.

Best Runner-Up

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claim Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Travelers is recognized as the top runner-up for non-owner car insurance in Tennessee, largely due to their tailored policies and outstanding customer service.

The company is celebrated for its excellent customer support, which is critical when selecting an insurance provider. In case of an accident or claim, you need an insurer that can respond quickly and guide you through the process. Travelers has shown a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a dependable choice for non-owner car insurance.

Travelers also offers a wide range of coverage options, including standard liability, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, providing comprehensive protection at competitive prices.

Primarily, non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for damages you might cause to others. However, adding comprehensive and collision coverage can greatly enhance your level of protection, making it a wise choice for many drivers.

Comprehensive coverage protects you against incidents that aren’t collision-related, such as theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters, ensuring you’re not financially drained by such occurrences.

Collision coverage, on the other hand, protects you in the event of an accident involving another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Thorough insurance policy
  • Top-notch customer relations
  • Economical pricing
Drawbacks
  • No pricing available online.
  • Special offers for a limited time
  • Steeper fees for drivers with elevated risk levels

Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claim Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

State Farm is the top pick for non-owner car insurance in Tennessee, known for its affordable pricing, comprehensive coverage, and exceptional customer service.

Though it’s not the absolute lowest in cost, State Farm’s non-owner liability policy is competitively priced at $213 per year, much lower than the state average of $323. The superior customer service it offers makes it worth the slightly higher price tag.

Their insurance provides liability coverage, ensuring you’re protected financially if you cause injury or property damage. If your personal State Farm auto policy includes comprehensive coverage, this benefit can extend to rental cars for added security.

State Farm’s commitment to customer service also makes it a leader. With easy access to support through a dedicated phone line or app, getting help when you need it is hassle-free.

While price is a major factor, exceptional customer service is equally important. Insurance is about more than cost—it’s about having peace of mind knowing you’re supported.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • In-depth safeguarding
  • Exceptional customer delight
Drawbacks
  • Non-owner policies lacking comprehensive or collision coverage.
  • There are only a limited number of discounts left.
  • Affordable selections are accessible.

What Is Non Owner Car Insurance

If you regularly drive vehicles that belong to someone else—whether rentals or cars borrowed from family or friends—you should consider non-owner car insurance.

This insurance primarily provides liability coverage. If you cause an accident while driving a car that isn’t yours, your non-owner policy can help cover the medical and repair expenses of the other party involved.

Some insurers may also offer additional options, including uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and personal injury protection.

It’s vital to note, however, that non-owner insurance typically does not cover comprehensive or collision damage. This means that if the vehicle you’re driving is damaged, those costs may not be covered.

For people who frequently rent cars or borrow from others, non-owner car insurance can be very beneficial. It provides an additional layer of security alongside any coverage the vehicle’s owner may have.

In many situations, it can also be more economical than opting for rental insurance each time.

Additionally, maintaining a non-owner policy can contribute to continuous insurance coverage, potentially leading to lower premiums if you choose to buy a car later on.

Coverage Type Non-Owner Car Insurance Full Coverage Policy
Liability Coverage Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others.
Comprehensive Coverage Does not cover damages to the vehicle you’re driving from non-collision incidents like theft, fire, or vandalism. Covers damages to your vehicle from non-collision incidents like theft, fire, or vandalism.
Collision Coverage Does not cover damages to the vehicle you’re driving from a collision, regardless of fault. Covers damages to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection Optional. Some insurers offer this as an additional coverage. Can cover your losses if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Optional. Some insurers offer this as an additional coverage. Can cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.
Rental Car Coverage Provides liability coverage when you rent a vehicle. Typically requires additional rental reimbursement coverage.

Average Cost Of Non Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee Cities

Outlined are the usual rates in five small Tennessee municipalities

City Sample Average Annual Rate
Monterey $213
Baxter $215
Fall Branch $217
Limestone $217
Cypress Inn $221

Average Cost Of Non Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee

The landscape of non-owner car insurance can be tricky to navigate, given the multitude of providers and their varying rates. It’s crucial to make an informed decision while considering the associated costs.

To help you in this process, we’ve compiled a comparison chart highlighting the average costs of non-owner car insurance from five prominent insurers.

Insurer Average Annual Rate
Progressive $495
Travelers $420
GEICO $317
Auto-Owners $181
State Farm $276

How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee By Age?

Much like full coverage car insurance rates, non-owner car insurance is at its peak for teen drivers and gradually drops each year until reaching the age of 55.

Here are sample rates for non-owner car insurance in Tennessee, categorized by ten different ages.

Age Average Annual Rate
16 $1,010
18 $750
21 $361
25 $302
35 $268
45 $259
55 $234
65 $253
70 $261

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

It’s essential to clarify that an SR-22 is not an insurance policy but a vehicle liability insurance document required by most state DMV offices for “high-risk” insurance policies.

This form is filed by your insurance company and serves as proof that you possess the minimum required liability insurance coverage for your state.

Drivers often need an SR-22 after having their licenses suspended due to traffic violations, DUIs, or other significant infractions.

The SR-22 acts as a certificate of financial responsibility, demonstrating that the driver has the necessary auto liability insurance coverage. Its main purpose is to verify that individuals maintain their liability coverage.

This requirement is typically enforced by state law or court orders, particularly for those classified as high-risk drivers. The insurance provider files the SR-22 with the state, and they must inform the state if the policy lapses at any point.

How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee’s 10 Biggest Cities?

When setting car insurance rates, insurers consider the size of the city. Residents in larger cities with congested traffic often pay more.

City Average Annual Rate
Nashville $295
Memphis $389
Knoxville $267
Chattanooga $263
Clarksville $260
Murfreesboro $254
Franklin $258
Jackson $249
Johnson City $211
Hendersonville $256

How Non-Owner Insurance Rates In Tennessee Compare To Rates In Other States

It may come as a surprise that Tennessee’s average yearly non-owner car insurance rate is $255, which is lower than the national average of $353. Rates in the 12 most populated states:

State Average Annual Premium
North Carolina $992
Florida $675
New York $590
Michigan $585
Texas $419
Illinois $292
Georgia $384
National Average $353
Pennsylvania $220
California $323
Ohio $200

Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee?

Non-owner car insurance is an auto insurance policy intended for those who do not own a car yet may drive occasionally. This policy provides liability coverage in case you are involved in an accident while driving a rented or borrowed vehicle.

In Tennessee, various types of people should contemplate getting non-owner car insurance.

Frequent Renters And Borrowers:

If renting cars or borrowing vehicles from friends and family is a common occurrence for you, non-owner car insurance is definitely something to consider. While rental companies provide insurance options, they can be pricey if you do it regularly.

Furthermore, while the owner’s insurance might cover some incidents, having your own policy ensures you’re protected without impacting their premium.

Commuters Who Use Public Transportation With Occasional Driving Needs:

Many Tennessee residents use public transport or rideshare services for their daily commutes and drive infrequently. You might belong to this group if you live in an urban area with efficient public transportation or if you usually prefer walking or biking.

However, there could be times when driving is essential. In these situations, having non-owner insurance gives you the financial coverage you need.

Individuals Seeking Continuous Coverage:

Insurance providers typically view drivers who do not have continuous coverage as high-risk, which may lead to increased premiums when buying a car. If you’ve sold your vehicle and plan to be without one for some time, a non-owner policy helps you maintain consistent coverage, keeping your insurance history unbroken. This can be particularly advantageous when you eventually decide to purchase a vehicle.

What Does Non Owner Car Insurance Cover?

Non-owner car insurance primarily serves as liability insurance, covering costs for bodily injury or property damage you may cause to others in the event of an accident. Keep in mind that it does not cover any damage to the vehicle you’re operating; that’s the responsibility of the car owner’s insurance.

Some policies also offer optional benefits like medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP), which can cover your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault. You can also opt for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection to shield yourself in case of an accident with an inadequately insured driver.

However, it’s vital to understand that non-owner car insurance excludes comprehensive or collision coverage, meaning damages to the vehicle from theft, vandalism, or accidents typically won’t be included.

How To Get Non-Owner Car Insurance In Tennessee

For a seamless experience in obtaining non-owner car insurance in Tennessee, simply follow these five steps.

Step 1: Determine Your Needs

Before diving into the process, clarify why non-owner car insurance is necessary for you. Are you regularly renting vehicles or borrowing cars from friends or family?

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Step 2: Gather Your Personal Information

To get a quote for non-owner car insurance, you’ll need to share some basic personal information, like your name, address, and driver’s license number. This helps the insurance company evaluate your risk and determine your premium.

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Step 3: Compare Rates From Different Providers

Rates for non-owner car insurance can differ significantly between insurance companies. It’s recommended to shop around and compare quotes to find the best deal.

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Step 4: Select The Appropriate Coverage

Liability coverage is a standard feature in most non-owner car insurance policies, covering costs if you are at fault in an accident. However, depending on your needs and the insurer, you may have the option to include extra protections such as uninsured motorist coverage or medical payments. Make sure to choose a policy that fulfills your specific needs.

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Step 5: Purchase Your Policy And Obtain Proof Of Insurance

Once you select a policy, you can typically buy it online or over the phone. After your purchase, you will usually receive proof of insurance quickly, often via email. If you need it, your provider can also file an SR-22 for you.

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FAQs

Who offers the cheapest non owners car insurance in Tennessee?

From our analysis, Kemper emerges as the most budget-friendly option for non-owner car insurance in Tennessee.

Do you need car insurance if you don’t own a car in Tennessee?

Yes, car insurance is required in Tennessee even if you’re not the car owner. Non-owner car insurance is meant for this scenario, offering liability coverage for accidents you cause when driving a borrowed or rented vehicle.

Can I buy auto insurance for someone else’s car in Tennessee?

You can buy auto insurance for someone else’s car in Tennessee. However, it’s not as straightforward as insuring a vehicle you own. While the car’s owner doesn’t necessarily have to be the policyholder, insurance companies typically prefer that the person purchasing the insurance has a stake in the vehicle, like being a co-owner or frequent driver. If you often drive the car but don’t own it, a non-owner car insurance policy might be a better choice.

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