If you're moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, you should consider the consequences for your car insurance.
If you're in the process of moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, you might be focused on the big-picture concerns and major expenses: finding a dependable long-distance moving company, getting a home in your new city, and arranging your move across state lines.
Amidst the stress of a big move, it can be easy to overlook the details. Auto insurance is just a detail, but it's a big one. To stay street legal and find cheap rates, plan to update your policy — or purchase a new policy — when you make the move.
Check out our guide to auto insurance in New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania to ensure your interstate move goes smoothly. We'll cover:
Expect to pay less for auto insurance in Pennsylvania than you did in New Jersey. The average annual auto insurance rate in Pennsylvania is $423 more affordable than the cost in New Jersey. Keep in mind this cost depends on your coverage level, driving and insurance history, and your auto insurance company.
| State | Average Annual Rate |
| New Jersey | $1,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,428 |
How much you pay for auto insurance depends on your vehicle, your personal driving profile, and how much protection you want.
With state minimum liability auto insurance coverage, you'll get bodily injury, medical payment, and property damage liability coverages, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection in some states.
| State | Period | Premium |
| New Jersey | Annual | $881 |
| Pennsylvania | Annual | $500 |
| New Jersey | 6-Month | $440 |
| Pennsylvania | 6-Month | $250 |
| New Jersey | Monthly | $73 |
| Pennsylvania | Monthly | $42 |
Upgrading to full-coverage car insurance will cost more, but you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive and collision coverages, as well as rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. The most notable benefit of full coverage auto insurance is that it insures you and your vehicle more comprehensively than does minimum liability coverage. If you want to go the extra mile to protect your investment, full coverage is recommended.
| State | Time Period | Rate |
| New Jersey | Annual | $1,679 |
| Pennsylvania | Annual | $1,372 |
| New Jersey | 6-Month | $840 |
| Pennsylvania | 6-Month | $686 |
| New Jersey | Monthly | $140 |
| Pennsylvania | Monthly | $114 |
A primary determinant of your car insurance costs is the auto insurance company you choose. Auto insurance companies price rates in a variety of ways, resulting in substantial variations in pricing. Your location also plays a role: some car insurance companies only sell policies in certain states, while major insurers’ rates may vary by state.
When moving to a new state, it’s important to find the best cheap auto insurance company in your new state. Get your research started below with our list of the five cheapest auto insurance companies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Annual Rate |
| 21st Century | $1,089 |
| Travelers | $1,168 |
| New Jersey Manufacturers | $1,284 |
| Penn National | $1,352 |
| Palisades | $1,368 |
See other cheap auto insurance companies in New Jersey.
| Insurer | Average Annual Rate |
| General Casualty | $733 |
| Travelers | $795 |
| USAA | $801 |
| Erie | $808 |
| Penn National | $824 |
See more affordable auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania.
Though car insurance is legislated at the state level, underwriters assign rates by ZIP code to adjust for location-specific factors such as density and the likelihood of a crash. The specific location to which you relocate plays a big part in deciding your premiums.
Reference the below tables to see car insurance rates in major cities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
| City | Average Annual Rate |
| Newark | $2,547 |
| Jersey City | $2,299 |
| Paterson | $2,424 |
| Elizabeth | $2,422 |
| Toms River | $1,708 |
See a longer list of insurance rates in New Jersey cities here.
| City | Average Annual Premium |
| Philadelphia | $2,017 |
| Pittsburgh | $1,074 |
| Allentown | $1,119 |
| Erie | $1,093 |
| Reading | $1,088 |
Looking for a different city? View more insurance rates for Pennsylvania cities here.
When you relocate from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, you’ll encounter a new set of driving laws, different SR-22 or FR-44 requirements, and more. Make sure your move is problem-free with our collection of information on your new state: