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Is car insurance mandatory in New Jersey if a person no longer uses their car to drive?

My car is broken down and I don't plan on fixing it for quite some time. Do I have to keep insurance on it while it isn't running?

Feb 27, 2026 Whippany, NJ

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The Zebra
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New Jersey doesn’t require insurance on a car you no longer drive, but you must return the plates


In New Jersey, you aren't required to maintain insurance coverage on a vehicle you are no longer driving, but the tags for your vehicle will need to be returned to the state. We recommend contacting your local registration office for more information about what to do with tags on an inoperable vehicle.

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