Car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey
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If you’re struggling to find affordable car insurance in New Jersey following an at-fault accident or driving violation, insurance companies may view you as a “high-risk” driver. Drivers with significant violations or accident histories often pay higher rates or even struggle to get approved for coverage — but there are still options. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team reviewed average rates and more to pinpoint the best insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey.
Rates for high-risk car insurance in New Jersey
Rates for high-risk auto insurance in New Jersey can vary by insurer as well as driver-specific factors. In addition to your age, claims history and other details about you and your vehicle, auto insurance companies will factor in driving infractions like speeding ticket convictions, at-fault accidents and DUI convictions when calculating insurance premiums. Teen drivers are also typically considered high-risk due to their lack of experience on the road.
Below, Bankrate showcases how different incidents impact auto insurance rates across companies in New Jersey, based on average premium data from Quadrant Information Services.
Rates after a speeding ticket
A high-risk driver in New Jersey can expect their insurance rates to increase, although the amount will vary by company. Drivers can also face fines between $85 to $260 depending on how much in excess of the speed limit the driver was traveling and where the infraction took place. Repeat offenders could be jailed, have their vehicle impounded and have their license suspended or revoked. Though not everyone will need high-risk auto insurance in NJ after one speeding ticket on their motor vehicle record, repeat offenders may find limited insurance options and need to resort to high-risk insurance coverage.
The table below shows the average yearly rate for full coverage before and after a speeding ticket conviction in New Jersey by company, as well as the average percent increase in premiums following a conviction. NJM, Plymouth Rock and Travelers are some of the cheapest auto insurance providers in New Jersey for high-risk drivers, on average, but smaller regional insurers may also offer competitive rates.
New Jersey average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate before a speeding ticket conviction | Rate after a speeding ticket conviction | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective | $1,526 | $1,526 | 0% |
| NJM | $1,506 | $1,734 | 15% |
| Plymouth Rock | $1,537 | $1,800 | 17% |
| Penn National | $1,876 | $2,146 | 14% |
| Travelers | $1,482 | $2,216 | 50% |
Rates after an at-fault accident
An at-fault collision is when a driver is responsible for causing personal injury or property damage to another party’s property, or one that results in injuries or damage to their own passengers and vehicle. After an at-fault collision, a high-risk driver label is possible, which can increase insurance premiums. It may also lead to the loss of any safe driver discounts currently on a policy. Subsequent at-fault collisions may result in drivers needing to purchase high-risk car insurance in New Jersey if their current insurer or other companies deem them too risky to insure with a standard policy.
Compare the rates below for average annual premiums before and after an at-fault collision.
New Jersey average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate before an at-fault accident | Rate after an at-fault accident | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJM | $1,506 | $1,615 | 7% |
| Plymouth Rock | $1,537 | $2,215 | 44% |
| Selective | $1,526 | $2,348 | 54% |
| Geico | $1,794 | $2,357 | 31% |
| Travelers | $1,482 | $2,490 | 68% |
Rates after a DUI
A DUI is one of the most serious offenses that can lead to a high-risk driver label. The table below shows before and after average annual rates, with a minimum increase of 10 percent from NJM after a DUI conviction is factored in. If a driver’s license is suspended under New Jersey law after a DUI, they may only be eligible for high-risk auto insurance.
New Jersey average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate before a DUI conviction | Rate after a DUI conviction | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJM | $1,506 | $1,722 | 14% |
| Plymouth Rock | $1,537 | $1,867 | 21% |
| Travelers | $1,482 | $2,446 | 65% |
| Selective | $1,526 | $2,951 | 93% |
| Geico | $1,794 | $3,118 | 74% |
Rates for teen drivers
Even with a clean driving record, most insurance companies consider teen drivers a high risk until they gain enough years of experience behind the wheel. As teens get older and continue to practice safe driving habits, rates usually decrease, although there is no guarantee of lower rates. The table below shows the average annual cost of car insurance for married couples with and without a 16-year-old driver included on the policy.
New Jersey average annual full coverage premium
| Car insurance company | Rate without a 16-year-old insured | Rate with a 16-year-old insured | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJM | $1,533 | $1,940 | 27% |
| Farmers | $1,311 | $2,799 | 114% |
| Travelers | $1,458 | $2,845 | 95% |
| Selective | $1,701 | $3,643 | 114% |
| Mercury | $2,460 | $3,949 | 60% |
*Rate reflects the total average annual premium for a 16-year-old driver added to their married parents’ policy.
Teens are usually listed as drivers on their parents’ policy. However, that could change if they become a high-risk driver with a speeding ticket, at-fault accident or DUI on their record. If that happens, they may not be renewed and have to pursue high-risk car insurance elsewhere.
What makes you high risk for auto insurance?
A high-risk driver is someone that a car insurance company may designate as more likely to file costly claims. Some behaviors that may flag you as high risk include speeding, drinking and driving or driving distracted, such as texting while driving.
Bankrate’s high-risk driver profiles account for policyholders who had a lapse in coverage in the past, teen drivers and those who have one speeding ticket conviction, at-fault accident or DUI conviction on their record.
How to lower your rate if you are a high-risk driver
Insurance rates may remain high as long as the points still show on your driving record. In the case of a DUI, expect to pay higher rates for at least 10 years. To find cheap car insurance in NJ for bad drivers, consider the following tactics:
- Shop around and switch car insurance providers if another insurer is able to offer you a better rate.
- Ask for discounts based on your unique profile, such as those for students, for military or corporate affiliation or for having a newer car.
- Raise your deductibles. Assuming a greater degree of financial responsibility for future claims can reduce your premiums.
- Compare car insurance quotes each year before your coverage renews to ensure you are still getting the best price.
Look for a carrier that offers accident forgiveness. While this will not lower rates following a recent incident, you may save yourself from increased rates in the future should one new at-fault accident occur.
Frequently asked questions
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New Jersey law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. As of 2024, NJ drivers need to carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage, 25/50 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage and $15,000 of personal injury protection. In 2026, minimum limits for liability and uninsured motorist coverage will go up. If you’re not sure how much insurance you need beyond the state’s minimum requirements, talk to an insurance professional such as an agent or broker.
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A DUI conviction could remain on your record for 10 years or more in New Jersey. If your car insurance rates increase sharply, you may want to shop around to find a cheaper carrier for coverage over the next few years.
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If you are a high-risk driver in New Jersey, you can likely still find insurance coverage from a number of local and regional carriers. Shop around and compare quotes to find insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget. According to Bankrate’s research, it may be worth looking into NJM, Plymouth Rock and Travelers in the wake of a ticket, accident or DUI. While you can expect to pay more for your monthly premium than a driver who does not have any marks on their record, there is likely coverage available that fits your needs.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze July 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Status: Rates were evaluated based on the following marital/family status: single (base), married, 40-year-old married man and woman with a 16-year-old teen driver. Marital status is not a rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.
Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 17-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents’ policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
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