The words “low-priced” and “insurance” really shouldn’t be used in the same sentence, especially when you are trying to find the best insurance rates for drivers with a bad driving record. To save some money, let’s teach you some of the things that influence insurance rates, and find a few ways to take a little off your next policy.
One of the more important factors that are looked at to help calculate auto insurance rates is where you live in Nashville. Areas with increased crime or more people will most likely have higher rates, whereas areas that tend to be more rural have the enjoyment of a little cheaper coverage.
The illustration below lists the most expensive cities in Tennessee for drivers with a bad driving record to purchase a policy in. Nashville comes in at #14 with an annual premium of $1,177 for the average policy, which is approximately $98 per month.
| Rank | City | Premium Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis | $1,446 |
| 2 | Bartlett | $1,419 |
| 3 | Collierville | $1,363 |
| 4 | Germantown | $1,334 |
| 5 | Jackson | $1,305 |
| 6 | Oak Ridge | $1,210 |
| 7 | Maryville | $1,208 |
| 8 | Spring Hill | $1,205 |
| 9 | La Vergne | $1,197 |
| 10 | Smyrna | $1,194 |
| 11 | Clarksville | $1,194 |
| 12 | Columbia | $1,190 |
| 13 | Knoxville | $1,182 |
| 14 | Nashville | $1,177 |
| 15 | Brentwood | $1,168 |
| 16 | Murfreesboro | $1,148 |
| 17 | Cookeville | $1,147 |
| 18 | Franklin | $1,140 |
| 19 | Morristown | $1,137 |
| 20 | Cleveland | $1,135 |
| Find Cheaper Rates Go | ||
Prices are comparative as specific location information can revise prices noticeably.
The vehicle model you are seeking coverage for is probably the biggest factor when looking for the best cheap auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record. Vehicles with lots of horsepower, a lack of safety features, or an increased likelihood of liability claims will cost quite a bit more to insure than more modest models. The information below estimates insurance prices for the most economical vehicles to insure in Tennessee.
| Vehicle | Estimated Cost for Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Ford Escape XLS 2WD | $3,405 |
| Honda CR-V LX 4WD | $3,546 |
| Toyota Prius | $3,782 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD | $4,036 |
| Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD | $4,073 |
| Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD | $4,079 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan SXT | $4,073 |
| Ford Edge SEL AWD | $4,150 |
| Chevrolet Impala LT | $4,155 |
| Toyota RAV4 2WD | $4,164 |
| Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4WD | $4,197 |
| Honda Odyssey EX-L W/Rear Entertainment | $4,219 |
| Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | $4,256 |
| Start a Quote Go | |
Data variables include single male driver age 50, two speeding tickets, two at-fault accidents, $1,000 deductibles, and Tennessee minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, and homeowner. Prices do not factor in specific zip code location which can raise or lower rates greatly.
By looking at the data, we can tell that models like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Prius are going to be the less-costly vehicles to insure for bad drivers. Rates will be more expensive just because there is more claim exposure for drivers with a bad driving record, but overall those vehicles will probably have the cheapest rates compared to other types of vehicles.
Does it make sense to buy full coverage?
Paying less for car insurance is important to the majority of drivers, and one of the best ways to buy cheaper insurance for drivers with a bad driving record is to not buy full coverage. The chart below illustrates the comparison of yearly insurance costs with full coverage and liability only. The costs are based on no violations or claims, $250 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are applied.
Averaged for all ages 20 through 70, physical damage coverage on your policy costs $2,065 per year more than carrying just liability coverage. That brings up the question if you should buy full coverage at all. There is no exact rule that is best for determining when to drop physical damage insurance, but there is a general school of thought. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is 10% or more of any settlement you would receive from your insurance company, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are a few situations where dropping full coverage is not in your best interest. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to carry full coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is totaled, you should not consider dropping full coverage.
Impact of violations and accidents on rates
The best way to earn affordable car insurance rates in Tennessee for bad drivers is to drive safe and have a clean driving record. The example below demonstrates how traffic citations and at-fault claims can impact insurance costs for different insured age categories. The data assumes a single male driver, full coverage, $500 deductibles, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
In the previous example, the average cost of an auto insurance policy in Tennessee per year with a clean driving record and no accidents is $1,494. Receive two speeding tickets and the average cost swells to $1,976, an increase of $482 each year. Next add two accidents along with the two speeding tickets and the annual cost of car insurance for drivers with a bad driving record goes up to an average of $3,777. That’s an increase of $2,283, or $190 per month, just for not keeping your driving record clean!
How to find cheaper auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record
Below you’ll find many penny-pinching ideas that can help drivers quote lower-cost car insurance.
- Avoid accidents and claims
- Vehicles with good safety ratings are usually cheaper to insure
- Speeding tickets and other violations increase rates
- Claim-free policyholders usually earn a discount
- Higher credit scores can equal lower rates
- Compare rates regularly and switch companies to save money
The final tip is extremely necessary, as we emphasized in the prior article. Insurance prices can change considerably based on profitability, so drivers shouldn’t hesitate to change insurance companies if a lower price can be found. Staying with the same car insurance company is fine, but it’s not a great idea if your bullheadedness ends up costing you lots of money. In just a few minutes you could compare rates to find cheaper insurance for drivers with a bad driving record in Nashville.