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New Jersey
Car insurance quick facts
15/30/5
Minimum liability requirements
$1,400
Average annual car insurance cost
60
Days to update your license
At-fault state
In at fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
Most popular New Jersey auto insurance companies list
Company
Direct premiums written (billions)
Market share
Geico
$1,740,325
21.8%
NJM
$1,046,719
13.1%
Progressive
$926,295
11.6%
Allstate
$836,903
10.5%
Plymouth Rock of New Jersey
$620,745
7.8%
State Farm
$612,198
7.7%
Liberty Mutual
$557,463
7.0%
USAA
$311,141
3.9%
Travelers
$289,711
3.6%
Farmers
$222,440
2.8%
Average car insurance costs in New Jersey
Drivers in New Jersey paid in the ballpark of $1,300 to $1,400 annually for their auto insurance coverage in 2017, slightly above the $1,300 national average. So if you’re looking to buy a standard policy here and you’re older than 25, you can expect to pay something in that range.
However, because car insurance is affected by so many different factors, your costs could also fall well outside of that average range.
We used data from roughly 500,000 sample drivers who live in each of the ZIP codes in New Jersey. Our sample drivers ranged in age from under 18 to older than 56 and included both male and female drivers, as well as married couples and single drivers. Our sample policies also ranged in coverage type, falling into one of four categories:
State minimum coverage
Low coverage
Medium coverage
High coverage
Four sample vehicles were used in this sample survey:
2017 Toyota Camry LE
2017 Honda Pilot EX
2017 Chrysler Town & Country
2017 Ford F-150 XL
We then compared this data with identical data for sample drivers throughout the state of New Jersey to see how Trenton policies compared with other New Jersey cities.
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey?
Of New Jersey’s largest cities, Toms River has the cheapest rates and Passaic has the most expensive car insurance rates. Passaic drivers could face rates 4 times more than Toms River drivers.
Jersey handles insurance regulations a bit different compared to other states. To meet the legal minimums, drivers can choose the basic or standard policy, with the option to go beyond these two policies for more coverage.
Basic policy
Bodily injury liability. It’s not required, but $10,000 coverage for all persons per accident is available as an option.
Property damage liability. $5,000 per accident.
Personal injury protection. $15,000 per person, per accident.
Standard policy
Bodily injury liability. $15,000 per person; $30,000 per accident.
Property damage liability. $5,000 per accident.
Personal injury protection. $15,000 per person, per accident.
What about SR-22 insurance?
Yes, you can get SR-22 insurance in New Jersey, which is a document your insurance provider files with the state that proves you have the minimum coverage required to get behind the wheel. You might need an SR-22 certificate if you’ve gotten a DUI, lost your license or been caught driving without insurance.
Insurance help for low-income drivers
If you meet certain requirements, you might qualify for Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP), New Jersy’s low-cost medical coverage-only policy. The cost is just $360 a year if you pay the entire amount upfront, or $365 if you pay in two installments. Drivers who are enrolled in Federal Medicaid with hospitalization are eligible. And you can obtain a policy through most insurance providers.
Bottom line
Car insurance is legally required in New Jersey and provides a financial safety net in case of a serious accident. Look into your coverage options to find out what’s best for you once you’ve met the legal minimums.
To learn more, from the best discounts and deals on auto insurance to the different rules and regulations across the country, visit the comprehensive guide to car insurance.
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Questions about NJ car insurance
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely. If your windshield was damaged in an accident your insurance company could cover it. But a cracked windshield from a rapid temperature change or something else not related to a collision, you’d need comprehensive insurance to have a glass repair paid for by insurance.
However, some providers will waive the deductible for a windshield repair if it doesn’t require a full windshield replacement. Contact your agent to learn more about what your policy covers and if they can help with the repair costs.
While we all hope this never happens, it’s a possibility after an accident. And here’s the good news: Your liability insurance can protect you from a lawsuit up to the limits of your policy. That’s part of what liability insurance is for, anyway. It might be a good idea to contact your insurance provider and an attorney if you believe another driver plans to file a civil suit against you.
Most insurance providers can raise your rates when you renew your policy. And filing a claim could cause your rates to increase. This is because the more claims you file, the more you’re costing your insurance provider.
However some providers offer a rate-locking clause in their policies, typically for senior drivers or drivers who purchase high coverage. This could prevent your rates from increasing until you have to renew your policy, even if you had to file a claim.
There’s one big reason for this, and a few other reasons that may or may not play into your insurance rates. Here’s the big one: High performance cars like your Corvette tend to be driven aggressively, and this puts sports car drivers at higher levels of accident risk — plus a higher likelihood of getting speeding tickets. The more risk you present to your insurer, the more your coverage is going to cost, as a rule of thumb.
Besides that, the cost of repair and maintenance are higher and can lead to higher insurance rates.
Most car insurance providers factor annual mileage into car insurance rates, because the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to be in an accident. This is based on statistics from the Insurance Information Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And where all these numbers point is that the more miles you drive, the more you’re likely to see a slightly elevated cost for insurance coverage.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is notorious for high tolls, fees and fines. Luckily the process to pay or dispute charges is fairly straightforward even if you’re from out of state. You should receive a bill in the mail, followed by a final notice if you don’t pay within a certain time frame. You can pay or make a dispute by mail, phone or online.
You might be shocked to see a $7 toll become a $57 bill after adding $50 of administrative fees. Want to get those mysterious admin fees waived? The easiest method to dispute the fee is to call support. Have your account or activity number ready. Currently the phone options allow you to speak to a representative if you choose the phone option for EZ Pass members. Ask for the fee to be waived and ask to speak to a manager or another rep if the first person you call refuses. Customer support is authorized to waive one fee but are able to waive multiple fees when pressed. Don’t accept a call back, just continue to be politely request a new customer support tech. It’s a simple process that could take up to 15 to 30 minutes during long wait times, but it could save you $50 or more.
This law in New Jersey was passed in 2010 to help police identify drivers under 21. Drivers under 21 with a probationary driver’s license are required to follow extra rules in New Jersey, like most states, including not driving between 11 pm and 5 am and not driving with more than one passenger. These young drivers must display special decals on their car’s license plates. The law was named for Kyleigh D’Alessio, a 16-year-old who was killed by a teen driver who was driving with three passengers. Drivers who fail to follow these rules could be fined $100 if pulled over by the police.
You can find imported car insurance by getting several quotes from standard insurers with cover for special vehicles. Then compare these with the quotes provided by specialist insurers.
On the table displayed on this page you should see providers that might cover your imported car.
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Do you insure imported cars?
Hi Fred,
Thanks for reaching out.
You can find imported car insurance by getting several quotes from standard insurers with cover for special vehicles. Then compare these with the quotes provided by specialist insurers.
On the table displayed on this page you should see providers that might cover your imported car.
Cheers,
Joanne