Comparing auto insurance in New Jersey and California
If you're relocating from New Jersey to California, you might be focusing on the major concerns and expenses: contracting a reliable moving company, securing a new apartment or house in your new state, and physically moving across state lines.
Amid all the stress, it can be easy to forget the details. Car insurance coverage is one of these details, but it's an important one. To remain on the right side of the law, you’ll need to update your insurance policy — or purchase a new policy — when you move from one state to another.
Read our guide to car insurance in New Jersey and California to better understand the steps you should take to ensure your interstate move goes smoothly. We'll cover:
- Insurance cost comparison
- Insurance rates by coverage level
- Affordable companies by state
- Rates in major cities
- Additional resources
Is car insurance cheaper in New Jersey or California?
Expect to pay less for auto insurance in your new home. The usual annual car insurance rate in California is $144 more affordable than the average cost in the state of New Jersey. The precise cost will depend on your coverage choice, insurance history, and your choice of insurer.
AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN NEW JERSEY VS. CALIFORNIA
| State | Average Annual Price |
| New Jersey | $1,850 |
| California | $1,707 |
Auto insurance costs by coverage level
How much you can expect to pay for an auto policy depends on your chosen coverage level and what degree of protection you want your insurer to provide.
If you select state minimum liability auto insurance coverage, you will carry bodily injury, medical payment, and property damage liability coverages, along with uninsured and underinsured driver coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) in some states.
CAR INSURANCE RATES — MINIMUM COVERAGE IN NEW JERSEY vs. CALIFORNIA
| State | Time Period | Cost |
| New Jersey | Annual | $881 |
| California | Annual | $573 |
| New Jersey | 6-Month | $440 |
| California | 6-Month | $286 |
| New Jersey | Monthly | $73 |
| California | Monthly | $48 |
Choosing full-coverage auto insurance incurs further costs, but you'll receive collision and comprehensive coverages, along with extras like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. The primary benefit of full coverage is that it insures you and your vehicle more comprehensively than does minimum liability coverage. If you want to do everything possible to protect your investment in your vehicle, full coverage could be the way to go.
CAR INSURANCE RATES — FULL COVERAGE IN NEW JERSEY vs. CALIFORNIA
| Location | Period | Cost |
| New Jersey | Annual | $1,679 |
| California | Annual | $1,626 |
| New Jersey | 6-Month | $840 |
| California | 6-Month | $813 |
| New Jersey | Monthly | $140 |
| California | Monthly | $135 |
Inexpensive car insurance companies in New Jersey and California
A primary determinant of your auto insurance costs is the insurer you choose. Car insurance companies assign premiums in a variety of ways, leading to substantial variations in pricing. Location also matters: some car insurance companies only sell policies within limited geographic windows, while bigger insurance companies' rates differ by state.
When swapping states, it’s important to locate the best cheap auto insurance company offering policies in your new state. Get started below by viewing the five most affordable car insurance companies in New Jersey and California.
AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY
| Insurer | Average Annual Rate |
| 21st Century | $1,089 |
| Travelers | $1,168 |
| New Jersey Manufacturers | $1,284 |
| Penn National | $1,352 |
| Palisades | $1,368 |
See additional cheap auto insurance companies in New Jersey.
AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA
| Car Insurance Company | Average Annual Rate |
| USAA | $1,132 |
| Wawanesa | $1,169 |
| Century National | $1,202 |
| CSAA | $1,210 |
| Nationwide | $1,238 |
View more cheap auto insurance companies in California.
Car insurance rates by city in New Jersey and California
Although car insurance is regulated at the state level, underwriters assign rates by ZIP code to adjust for local factors such as population density and number of insurance claims. The location to which you move plays a major role in deciding your premiums.
See below auto insurance rates in major cities in California and New Jersey.
AUTO INSURANCE PRICES BY CITY IN NEW JERSEY
| City | Average Annual Rate |
| Newark | $2,547 |
| Jersey City | $2,299 |
| Paterson | $2,424 |
| Elizabeth | $2,422 |
| Toms River | $1,708 |
Check out a more comprehensive list of New Jersey cities.
AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS BY CITY IN CALIFORNIA
| City | Average Annual Rate |
| Los Angeles | $2,125 |
| San Diego | $1,354 |
| San Jose | $1,409 |
| San Francisco | $1,728 |
| Fresno | $1,487 |
Looking for another city's data? View rates in other California cities.
More information on relocating from New Jersey to California
When you move from New Jersey to California, you'll face unfamiliar driving laws, different FR-44 or SR-22 requirements, and more. Ensure your move is as easy as possible with our data on your new state:
- Car insurance laws in California
- California auto insurance FAQs
- Auto insurance with a DUI or other violation in California
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