With its high population density, New Jersey has some formidable traffic, both on parkways and local streets. So, where can you get the best cheap car insurance in New Jersey? According to our rate estimates, Progressive, Geico, and NJM Insurance offer some of the cheapest auto insurance rates in the Garden State.
Whenever you shop for car insurance, we recommend getting quotes from multiple providers so you can compare coverage and rates. Many factors affect your premium, so what’s best for your neighbor might not be best for you.
In this article:
- Cheapest Car Insurance In New Jersey
- 5 Best Car Insurance Companies In New Jersey
- What Are New Jersey's Car Insurance Requirements?
- What To Know About Driving In New Jersey
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ: Car Insurance In New Jersey
Cheapest Car Insurance In New Jersey
According to our rate estimates, Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage insurance estimates in New Jersey at an average of $1,326 per year. Geico, NJM Insurance, and State Farm also offer rate estimates under $2,000 annually for good drivers.
| Cheapest Provider in New Jersey | Average Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,326 |
| Geico | $1,407 |
| NJM Insurance | $1,642 |
| State Farm | $1,988 |
| Selective Insurance | $2,220 |
| Allstate | $2,594 |
What Is The Average Cost Of Auto Insurance In New Jersey?
New Jersey is one of the more expensive states in the country for car insurance. According to our data, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in New Jersey is $2,132 per year, or $178 per month. That's more than 23% higher than the national average of $1,732 per year.
Your rates will likely vary from that figure. Insurers charge higher rates, for example, for people who live in more urban areas like those close to New York City and Philadelphia, meaning your ZIP code is a significant factor in what you pay.
These are some of the most important factors that determine your auto insurance premiums:
- Age
- Driving record
- Credit history
- Policies and coverage amounts
- Chosen deductible
- Gender listed on your driver's license
- Marital status
Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance For Young Drivers
Age can have a significant impact on your car insurance quotes. A 24-year-old New Jersey driver pays 37 percent more on average than a 35-year-old, with an average estimated premium of $2,922 per year. The cheapest provider for young drivers in New Jersey is Geico, with an estimated annual premium of $1,726 per year.
| Cheapest Provider in New Jersey | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,726 |
| Progressive | $1,906 |
| NJM Insurance | $2,135 |
| Travelers | $2,543 |
| State Farm | $2,734 |
Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket can increase your annual premium significantly in the Garden State. The industry average estimate for New Jersey drivers with a recent speeding ticket is $2,960 per year. The cheapest car insurance provider for New Jersey drivers with a recent speeding ticket is Geico, with an estimated annual premium of $1,407.
| Cheapest Provider in New Jersey | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,407 |
| Progressive | $1,666 |
| NJM Insurance | $2,008 |
| Allstate | $2,739 |
| Travelers | $3,082 |
Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance For Drivers With A Recent Accident
If you have a recent accident on your driving record, you can expect to pay higher rates for car insurance. The average estimated premium for New Jersey drivers with a recent accident is $3,728 per year. With an estimated annual premium of $1,642, NJM Insurance typically offers the cheapest auto coverage for drivers with an accident on their record.
| Cheapest Provider in New Jersey | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| NJM Insurance | $1,642 |
| Geico | $1,987 |
| Progressive | $2,133 |
| Selective | $2,529 |
| Plymouth Rock | $2,671 |
Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance For Drivers With A DUI
Having a DUI on your record could increase your premiums by as much as 88%. In New Jersey, the average estimated annual premium for drivers with a DUI is $4,014. Progressive has the lowest estimated rates for New Jersey drivers with a DUI at $1,526 per year.
| Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,526 |
| NJM Insurance | $2,008 |
| Geico | $2,880 |
| Allstate | $3,219 |
| Selective | $3,457 |
Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance For Drivers With Bad Credit
New Jersey is one of many states that allow insurers to use your credit score as a factor in your premiums. Drivers with bad credit can pay much higher rates for car insurance than those with good credit scores. The average estimated annual premium for New Jersey drivers with bad credit scores is $4,232. At $2,163 per year, Progressive tends to offer the lowest rates for drivers with bad credit.
| Cheapest New Jersey Car Insurance | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,163 |
| Selective | $2,506 |
| NJM Insurance | $2,701 |
| Geico | $3,312 |
| Farmers Insurance | $3,971 |
5 Best Car Insurance Companies In New Jersey
Finding the best car insurance in New Jersey requires looking at several factors. Sure, we all want to save money, but the cost can’t be the only factor. After all, you can go with the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey, but will your claims be paid promptly?
That’s why we evaluate car insurance coverage by various factors. After in-depth research, we found the five best options, based on coverage, average cost, reputation from industry experts, and additional benefits.
Here is our breakdown of the top car insurance providers in New Jersey.
| Best New Jersey Car Insurance | Motor1 Rating | Average Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | $1,407 | |
| 4.8 | N/A | |
| 4.6 | $1,326 | |
| 4.0 | $1,642 | |
| 4.6 | $1,988 |
*You may notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking for this article looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in New Jersey.
#1 Geico
Geico offers the cheapest rates in New Jersey, a wide selection of coverage options, and some good extra perks. The discount opportunities are vast and include:
- Good student discount
- Good driver discount
- Defensive driver discount
- Discounts for airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices
- Multiple policy discount
- Multiple vehicle discount
- Military discount
- Federal employee discount
Geico writes tens of billions of dollars in premiums every year and has an A++ AM Best financial strength rating (the highest rating possible). In addition to its high industry standing, Geico receives top marks from satisfied customers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior financial strength rating and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Average quotes experience |
| Many choices for coverage | |
| High level of customer satisfaction |
If you want to read more about the provider, see our full Geico review.
#2 USAA
In our research into the top car insurance companies, USAA stood out for its low average prices, customer service, and claims process. While New Jersey rates from USAA weren't included in our analysis, the company is known for providing very affordable coverage nationwide. Here are a few more things we like about USAA:
- USAA has a superior financial rating of A++ from AM Best.
- The company performed very well on the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study℠ and 2021 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠.
- USAA offers other perks like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and accident forgiveness.
USAA is available to military members and candidates in commissioning programs. It’s also available to spouses and children of USAA members who have or have had auto or homeowners insurance. Once a military member signs up for a USAA insurance policy, they can pass on eligibility to their children.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable rates and numerous discounts | Only available for military and their families |
| Good option for military members | Usage-based insurance not available in New Jersey |
| Superior financial strength rating and A+ rating from the BBB |
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our USAA auto insurance review.
#3 Progressive
We also think Progressive is a great option for New Jersey car insurance. Progressive car insurance ranked high in our review of the best auto insurance companies overall, earning 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.
Progressive wrote over $33 billion in premiums in 2020, according to the NAIC, and is the third-largest company for private car insurance. It has an A+ rating from AM Best, though it performed average on both of the J.D. Power studies mentioned above.
In addition to standard coverages, Progressive offers coverage options like roadside assistance, loan payoff, custom parts coverage, and insurance for rideshare drivers. The company has some decent car insurance discounts, too. You can lower your rate with the Snapshot app, and you can save $50 toward your deductible for each policy term you have without a claim.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the top auto insurers in the United States | Average claims process |
| Superior financial strength rating | Mixed customer service reviews |
| Great choice for high-risk drivers | |
| Several money-saving features and easy quotes process |
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our complete Progressive insurance review. For a full comparison of two of our top New Jersey car insurance providers, read more in our review of USAA vs Progressive.
#4 NJM Insurance Company
New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance is a local provider offered only in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Because of this, the company is able to specialize in the New Jersey market, providing local agents familiar with the needs of New Jersey drivers.
NJM customers may find some of the lowest New Jersey car insurance rates paired with excellent service. The company scored 867 out of 1,000 on the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM, placing first for the Mid-Atlantic region.
Discounts opportunities for NJM customers include:
- Multiple policy discount
- Multiple vehicle discount
- Paying your premium in full
- Having safety features installed in your car
- Good student discount
- Completing a defensive driving course
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong financial standing | Limited scope of policies and coverage |
| Local insurance agents | |
| Competitive rates | |
| Good customer service |
To learn more about the car insurance provider, read our in-depth NJM auto insurance review.
#5 State Farm
State Farm is one of our top-recommended providers overall and an excellent choice for drivers in New Jersey. The company scored 851 out of 1,000 on the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, ranking third in the Mid-Atlantic region.
In addition to providing superior coverage, State Farm offers useful benefits such as rideshare coverage, roadside assistance, rental coverage, and travel expense coverage. There are several ways customers can reduce their premiums with State Farm, including:
- Safe driving discount
- Safe vehicle discount
- Multiple vehicle discount
- Multiple policy discount
High industry ratings, a reputation for fast claims servicing, and the implementation of modern tools like the Drive Safe & SaveTM app make State Farm easy to recommend.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Largest auto insurer in the country, available in 48 states | Reported errors with autopay |
| Many discounts for teens and students | Higher rates than some competitors |
| Positive customer reviews | |
| Easy online quotes process | |
| Superior financial strength rating |
To learn more about State Farm, check out our State Farm insurance review.
Enter your zip code in the tool below to collect and compare car insurance quotes from providers available in New Jersey.
What Are New Jersey's Car Insurance Requirements?
You have two options to satisfy minimum coverage amounts for New Jersey auto insurance. The bare minimum is called the Basic Policy, and it is best for people with few assets and minimal family responsibilities.
While you technically satisfy minimum requirements with a Basic Policy, New Jersey recommends that you purchase at least a Standard Policy if you are able to. Here’s what the Basic and Standard Policies look like:
| Coverage Type | Standard Policy Minimum | Basic Policy Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident | No minimum, but $10,000 per person and accident is available as an option |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident | $5,000 per accident |
| Personal injury protection | $15,000 per person and accident | $15,000 per person and accident |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | No minimum | Not available as an option |
| Collision coverage | No minimum | No minimum |
| Comprehensive coverage | No minimum | No minimum |
Personal injury protection in New Jersey also covers up to $250,000 for certain injuries, regardless of the chosen policy limit.
New Jersey Is A No-Fault State
Since New Jersey is a no-fault state, drivers seek compensation for medical bills from their own insurance companies, regardless of who is at fault in a car accident. It also means that a driver can file a first-party claim with their insurance company to cover property damages or file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver.
New Jersey Right To Sue
There’s another difference worth mentioning between the Standard Policy and the Basic Policy. Under the Standard Policy, drivers have the Unlimited Right to Sue for both economic loss and pain and suffering. Drivers with a Basic Policy can still sue for economic loss (lost wages and medical bills), but they can only sue for pain and suffering if they experienced a permanent injury.
What To Know About Driving In New Jersey
The state of New Jersey has almost 39,000 miles of public roads, and its drivers traveled over 77.5 billion miles total in 2018. The state also has about 6.3 million licensed drivers, and there were 278,413 reported crashes in 2018.
If we assume that an auto accident involves two drivers, New Jersey drivers had a 10 percent chance of getting into an accident during the year. Looked at another way, the average driver would experience an accident at least once every 10 years.
What If I Can’t Afford The Minimum Insurance In NJ?
Insurance is required for all motorists in the state of New Jersey. If a motorist is caught driving without insurance, they could face serious repercussions. NJ has some of the toughest penalties for motorists driving without insurance, including:
| First Offense | Second and Subsequent Offenses |
|---|---|
| $300–$1,000 in fines with $250 surcharge assessment over three years | $500–$5,000 in fines with $250 surcharge assessment over three years |
| Driver’s license suspension for one year | Driver’s license suspension for two years with reinstatement up to the DMV director |
| Community service for an amount of time determined by the court | Up to 180 hours of community service |
| Possible vehicle impoundment if proof of insurance is not present within 24 hours of citation | Possible vehicle impoundment if proof of insurance is not presented within 24 hours of citation |
| Up to 14 days in jail |
Final Thoughts
After comparing many New Jersey car insurance providers, we found Geico to be the best option overall. Additionally, USAA, Progressive, NJM Insurance, and State Farm are all great options.
As you can see, different insurers offer better rates to New Jersey drivers from certain driver profiles than others. That's why you should always get quotes from multiple providers to see which offers the best rates for you.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of auto insurance providers to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Insurers with strong financial ratings and customer-first business practices receive the highest scores in this category.
- Availability: We consider availability by state as well as exclusions for specific groups of drivers.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
- Cost and Discounts: Our research team reviews auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services for a variety of drivers in every state. Companies with lower prices and many car insurance discount opportunities receive the best scores.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and consumer feedback studies from experts like J.D. Power.
- Technology: Auto insurers with mobile apps, advanced online services and telematics are more likely to meet consumer needs.
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