Car Insurance in New Jersey

  • State Farm offers the cheapest liability and GEICO the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in NJ
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in NJ from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and State Farm (+ other top companies)
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Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry
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Mark Friedlander

Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is the Director, Corporate Communications, at the Insurance Informatio…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Car insurance quotes in New Jersey

New Jersey drivers face higher-than-average car insurance costs, with full coverage averaging $1,171 for a six-month policy—about 7% more expensive than than the national average. For those looking to save, State Farm offers some of the lowest average quotes for liability coverage, while GEICO offers the cheapest for full coverage. 

Many New Jersey residents, however, prefer a balance between quality and price, even if it means paying a bit more. If that sounds like you, NJM Insurance is a great place to start your search for car insurance.

NJM insurance group logo
Cheapest full coverage in NJ
State Farm logo
Cheapest liability coverage in NJ
State Farm logo
Best customer service in NJ
NJM logo
Best car insurance in NJ — overall

Cheap full coverage insurance in New Jersey

In 2025, full coverage insurance in New Jersey averages around $1,171 for a 6-month policy. It’s a popular choice because it offers more complete protection, covering both your vehicle and damages to others. In fact, 61% of The Zebra's New Jersey customers request quotes for full coverage insurance.

While it’s more expensive than liability-only coverage, you can still find a fair price by comparing rates from companies like NJM and GEICO, known for their lower-than-average prices.

Full Coverage Quotes in NJ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
New Jersey Manufacturers $757 $126
GEICO $758 $126
Travelers $847 $141
Progressive $981 $164
State Farm $1,027 $171
Allstate $1,095 $182
Amica Mutual $1,322 $220

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Find the best coverage and price in New Jersey with The Zebra.

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Cheap liability insurance in New Jersey

Liability insurance in New Jersey costs an average of $492 for a 6-month policy. For our user profile, NJM and State Farm provide some of the most affordable rates. Only 39% of our New Jersey customers choose liability-only coverage.

Before choosing liability-only coverage, think about whether it offers enough protection for your needs. Remember, it’s cheaper because it only covers damage to others, not your vehicle. The table below shows monthly and 6-month quotes from top New Jersey insurers.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in NJ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
State Farm $181 $30
GEICO $271 $45
New Jersey Manufacturers $352 $59
Progressive $363 $61
Travelers $424 $71
Amica Mutual $542 $90
Allstate $702 $117

Source: The Zebra

New Jersey’s minimum requirements differ from other states, offering two options. The first is the Standard Policy, which is more similar to other states’ requirements: 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This policy also requires $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage 25/50/25.

The second option is a bare-bones "Basic Policy" that provides minimal coverage at a lower cost. This policy offers $10,000 in property damage liability per accident and an optional $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage.

Additionally, your right to sue for pain and suffering after an accident depends on your policy choice. The Basic Policy limits your right to sue to severe injuries like loss of a body part. The Standard Policy offers a choice between this limited right and an unlimited right to sue, which covers a broader range of injuries but comes with higher premiums.

Ross Martin, insurance writer at The Zebra with 5+ years of experience
Is New Jersey's Basic Policy enough?

New Jersey’s Basic Plan does not offer enough protection for most people. It leaves your assets and wages at risk due to its lack of liability coverage and severe restrictions on suing an at-fault driver. 

Think of the Basic Plan as a stepping stone, not a long-term solution. As your financial situation allows, upgrade to the Standard Policy for better protection. From there, increase your liability limits and add UM/UIM coverage. Those with newer or more valuable vehicles should then prioritize adding comprehensive and collision coverage to protect them.

Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of New Jersey with our helpful guide.

Ross Martin, insurance writer at The Zebra with 5+ years industry experience

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in New Jersey

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
State Farm $123 $821
GEICO $233 $640
New Jersey Manufacturers $252 $714
Amica Mutual $262 $965
Travelers $379 $754
Allstate $491 $952
Progressive $984 $820

Source: The Zebra


What are the best car insurance companies in New Jersey?

NJM is our top recommendation for New Jersey drivers, backed by excellent customer reviews (The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey), strong third-party ratings (J.D. Power, NAIC), our analysis of New Jersey insurance rates, and years of industry expertise that allow us to assess each company’s strengths.[3, 4, 5]

NJM logo
Overall best car insurance company in New Jersey — NJM Insurance

NJM offers competitive rates in New Jersey, backed by top-notch customer service and a simple claims process. With a variety of coverage options, endorsements, and discounts, NJM is flexible enough to meet most drivers' needs. As a mutual company, it sometimes even offers dividends to reduce costs. Known for its reliability and financial stability, NJM is a smart choice for New Jersey drivers seeking affordable and trustworthy car insurance.

Pros
  • Low rates average rates (especially for full coverage)

  • Wide variety of coverages, bundling options, and discounts

  • Strong customer and claims ratings

  • 100+ years in business

  • Mutual company that sometimes offers dividends to policyholders

Cons
  • Only available in a few states (including NJ)

  • Online tools less robust than many larger insurers

Best car insurance in New Jersey — honorable mentions

To determine the best companies, we looked at J.D. Power auto insurer ratings and consumer reviews we collected from nearly 3000 drivers across New Jersey and the US.

Best Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
New Jersey Manufacturers $757 $126
State Farm $1,027 $171
Amica Mutual $1,322 $220

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in New Jersey?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in New Jersey
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Car insurance in popular New Jersey cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one.  Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of New Jersey's biggest cities.

Auto Insurance Quotes in New Jersey's Biggest Cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Toms River $1,117 $186
Jersey City $1,560 $260
Elizabeth $1,697 $283
Paterson $1,717 $286
Newark $1,770 $295

Source: The Zebra


Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in New Jersey

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In New Jersey, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,066 per year — over 240% more than a typical New Jersey driver.[1] 

If you're a teen or have a teen, consider GEICO, NJM, and State Farm for the cheapest car insurance.

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes for Young Drivers in NJ

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $1,782 $297
New Jersey Manufacturers $1,790 $298
State Farm $2,911 $485
Amica Mutual $3,159 $527
Allstate $3,578 $596
Travelers $3,585 $598
Progressive $5,296 $883

Source: The Zebra

Top Companies in New Jersey for Teens
Filter by:

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $2,048 $341
New Jersey Manufacturers $2,084 $347
Amica Mutual $3,159 $527
State Farm $3,164 $527
Allstate $4,476 $746
Progressive $7,294 $1,216

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Complete a defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce the risk of accidents.
  2. Opt for a car with high safety ratings and low repair costs instead of a high-performance vehicle.
  3. Stay on your parent’s policy to save money and benefit from their established insurance history.

New Jersey auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. If you have a recent at-fault accident on your record, insurance companies will likely determine that you pose a higher level of risk as a customer. An at-fault accident could see your car insurance rates increase to an average of $2,379 per year.

Best Insurance Companies in NJ After an Accident

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
New Jersey Manufacturers $824 $137
GEICO $1,025 $171
Travelers $1,344 $224
Amica Mutual $1,460 $243
Progressive $1,589 $265
State Farm $1,687 $281
Allstate $2,491 $415

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

In a perfect world, you wouldn't need to use your insurance. But if you ever do, a smooth claims process makes all the difference. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we found that NJM and Amica stood out for their claims handling. If you're in New Jersey, these companies are worth at least considering.

If you have a clean driving record in New Jersey — no speeding tickets, DUIs or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 109% after a DUI, 52% after an at-fault accident, and 99% after a reckless driving charge.

See below average auto insurance rates in New Jersey after several common citations.

New Jersey Auto Insurance Quotes by Violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $2,342 $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,348 $6
Not-at-fault accident $2,465 $123
One comp claim $2,483 $141
Two Med/PIP claims $2,494 $152
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,684 $342
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,694 $352
Two comp claims $2,705 $363
Failure to show documents $2,737 $395
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,774 $432
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,804 $462
Driving too slowly $2,816 $474
Driving without lights $2,828 $486
Driving with expired registration $2,877 $535
Child safety restraint $2,878 $536
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,931 $589
Failure to yield $2,934 $592
Failure to stop at a red light $2,951 $609
Illegal turn $3,005 $663
Texting while driving $3,030 $688
Cell phone violation $3,030 $688
Speeding in school zone $3,080 $738
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $3,091 $749
Operating a vehicle without permission $3,093 $751
Improper passing $3,171 $829
Following too closely $3,176 $834
Passing school bus $3,310 $968
In 65 MPH zone $3,330 $988
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $3,448 $1,106
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,536 $1,194
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,560 $1,218
Open container $3,978 $1,636
Reckless driving $4,671 $2,329
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $4,853 $2,511
DUI $4,886 $2,544
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $4,886 $2,544
Racing $4,893 $2,551
Driving with a suspended license $5,085 $2,743

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to New Jersey car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Certain violations, like a DUI, can result in more complex insurance consequences. For detailed information on these issues, explore our in-depth guides to New Jersey car insurance laws and regulations.

New Jersey DWI laws

In New Jersey, a DWI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium to an average of $3,972. That’s a rate increase of $1,928. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DWI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DWI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in New Jersey

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in New Jersey, take time to consider each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DWI can vary substantially from one company to another. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DWI in New Jersey, NJM, averages annual rates over 300% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in New Jersey is GEICO, while the priciest carrier is Amica Mutual.

New Jersey Car Insurance Quotes with a DUI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
New Jersey Manufacturers $1,005 $168
Progressive $1,123 $187
GEICO $1,356 $226
Travelers $1,481 $247
Allstate $1,678 $280
State Farm $4,005 $668
Amica Mutual $5,215 $869

Source: The Zebra

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DWI citation is to shop around.

New Jersey SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI or DWI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of New Jersey to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in New Jersey might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in New Jersey

If you have auto insurance

If you already have car insurance, requesting an SR-22 certificate should be simple. Just call your insurance company and request that the company file a SR-22 request for you. If your current insurer isn’t willing to request a certificate, you should shop for a new policy with a new insurance company.

 

Uninsured drivers

When applying for car insurance, you might be saddled with an up-front fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request form and to cover your more risky driving profile. Needing an SR-22 may keep you from buying insurance from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it harder to earn an SR-22, as you will need to show proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If this is the case, get a non-owners insurance policy before asking for an SR-22. Non-owners auto insurance is often less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't insure against physical damage to your automobile.

Find an affordable policy in New Jersey in minutes!

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How have car insurance costs in New Jersey changed?

In New Jersey, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $86 in the past year. A typical New Jersey driver pays an average of $1,584 per year.

The recent pricing trend in New Jersey leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs. From 2018 to 2019, average annual rates in New Jersey dropped from $1,780 to $1,419. Since this significant drop, rates have increased moderately (excluding 2023). At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, increasing by less than $100 each year since 2014.

Car Insurance Costs in New Jersey since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $2,030 $391
2023 $1,639 -$404
2022 $2,043 $584
2021 $1,584 $86
2020 $1,498 $79
2019 $1,419 -$361
2018 $1,780 -$16
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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New Jersey car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding New Jersey auto insurance.

For our average user profile, NJM offers the cheapest full coverage insurance in New Jersey ($126/month) while State Farm offers the cheapest liability-only coverage ($30/month).

Your monthly auto insurance premium may vary for many reasons. For a 30-year-old male driver in New Jersey, the average premium is $195 per month.

New Jersey's high car insurance rates stem from its dense population, leading to more accidents, and its no-fault insurance system, which requires higher coverage. Additionally, the state's high cost of living and stringent insurance regulations also contribute to the elevated premiums.

To lower your car insurance in New Jersey, consider shopping around for the best rates, bundling your auto policy with other insurance, and maintaining a clean driving record. Additionally, opting for higher deductibles and taking advantage of discounts, like those for safe driving or being a good student, can help reduce your premium.

Sources
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. J.D. Power. Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.