How a speeding ticket impacts your insurance in Tennessee
Tennessee drivers typically pay less than the national average cost of car insurance. While Tennessee’s rates average $2,090 for full and $513 for minimum coverage, the national average is $2,678 for full coverage and $799 for minimum insurance (as of March 2025). Your driving record has a significant impact on your insurance premiums, and getting a speeding ticket is considered risky driving behavior, causing you to pay more for coverage. The average rate after a speeding ticket in Tennessee is $2,571 for full coverage; while drivers with minimum insurance and a ticket on their record pay an average of $647. Our research might help you understand how much a speeding ticket in Tennessee costs, how it can affect your car insurance premium and where and how to potentially get the cheapest rates.
How much is a speeding ticket in Tennessee?
A Tennessee speeding ticket can cost more than just a fine, according to state laws. Fines range from $111.50 to $146.50, based on how much over the limit you were going. You will also have anywhere from three to eight points added to your license. Collecting 12 or more points in one year may lead to a suspended license, with additional fines possible when having your license reinstated after the suspension period.
Here is a summary of penalties you may face following a speeding ticket in TN:
- 1-14 miles over speed limit: Fine of $111.50 and three points on your license
- 15-24 miles over speed limit: Fine of $121.50 and four points on your license
- 25+ miles over speed limit or in a school zone: Fine of $146.50 and four to eight points on your license
In addition to civic fines and other penalties, you are likely to see an increase in the cost of your car insurance. As we noted above, the average cost of insurance for a driver with a speeding ticket is higher than the rates that drivers pay when they have a clean record.
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The cheapest car insurance for Tennessee drivers with a speeding ticket
The good news for drivers with a speeding ticket is that every insurer has a slightly different method for determining rates, so you may be able to find cheaper insurance by shopping around and gathering quotes from more than one company. Based on Bankrate’s research, the following companies offer reasonable rates for drivers who have earned a speeding ticket. Erie and USAA tie for the cheapest average rate after a Tennessee speeding ticket, followed by Travelers.
| Company | Rate before speeding ticket in TN* | Rate after speeding ticket in TN* | % increase from state average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encompass | $2,166 | $2,476 | 14% |
| Erie | $1,181 | $1,881 | 59% |
| Geico | $1,430 | $2,189 | 53% |
| Travelers | $1,287 | $2,071 | 61% |
| USAA** | $1,563 | $1,881 | 20% |
| *All rates are average annual full coverage rates. **USAA is only available to veterans, active military members and their families. |
What to do after a speeding ticket in Tennessee
There are several tactics you can take to make the best of the situation when you receive a speeding ticket. While there is no speeding ticket cost calculator in Tennessee, the Department of Safety & Homeland Security website lists potential costs, including fines, court and reinstatement fees for a suspended license or vehicle registration to help you determine which avenue to take.
For example, if you dispute the claim that you were speeding, you may be able to successfully fight the ticket. But if the judge still convicts you or you admit guilt and pay the penalties, there are also strategies you can use to keep your insurance costs as low as possible. Keep in mind that multiple speeding tickets may place you in the high-risk category, which may limit insurers willing to cover you.
Fight the ticket
If you feel the ticket was given to you in error, you may wish to contest it. To contest a speeding ticket effectively, you will need to gather evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements or maintenance records that indicate you had a faulty speedometer. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with relevant laws and regulations. Although it may cost you more, you may consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in traffic offenses to negotiate with authorities on your behalf. Attend court prepared and present your evidence persuasively to increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Keep in mind that you may have to pay court fees even if the judge dismisses the ticket.
Get quotes from other car companies
Every insurer uses its own proprietary formula for determining rates. While one company may place heavy emphasis on moving violations, another may not. This is why it can be a good idea to ask for quotes from several carriers after your ticket to see if another insurer offers you a better deal. Make sure you are asking each company for exactly the same level and type of coverage, though, so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Look for discounts
Most car insurance companies offer discounts that can help qualifying drivers save money on their policies. Some insurers offer unique discounts, but a few of the most common ones include:
- Bundling discount: If you insure your vehicle and home with the same company, you can typically get a multi-policy discount. Some insurers offer discounts for other types of policies if you don’t own a home, such as condo, renters, mobile home or life insurance.
- Multiple car discount: Does your family own more than one vehicle? It’s common for insurers to offer discounts if you insure all your registered vehicles with the same company.
- Telematics discount: Telematics programs use a small device or mobile app to monitor your driving in real time. If you prove to be a safe and careful driver, you could earn a generous discount — in some cases, up to 40 percent off. With some insurers, however, unsafe driving practices could lead to an increase in your rate, so make sure you understand if this is the case when you sign up.
- Good student discount: If you are a high school or college student and have earned a speeding ticket, you may be eligible for a discount based on your grade point average. Some insurers offer a good student discount, often for those with a “B” or better average.
- Defensive driving discount: Taking a state-approved defensive driving course may lead to a discount with some carriers. Perhaps equally important is the fact that Tennessee law will remove up to five points from your license if you finish an approved course within 90 days of your conviction.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze March 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2023 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base) and single speeding ticket.
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