Best car insurance in New Jersey for 2026

To find the best car insurance companies in New Jersey, we developed a proprietary Bankrate Score system that takes several metrics into account. Our insurance editorial team analyzed average car insurance premiums from Quadrant Information Services and reviewed coverage options, discounts, policy features, customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and financial strength ratings from AM Best. We also looked at accessibility and ease of use for policy management through online and mobile resources.

Insurance companies are graded on a weighted scale of 5.0 points, with a score closer to 5.0 indicating strong performance across these categories. If you are shopping for the best auto insurance in New Jersey, our research might help you find a carrier that fits your needs.

In New Jersey, finding the right car insurance is about more than choosing the cheapest insurance company. Every driver's situation is different. For instance, teen drivers might benefit most from a company that offers multiple discounts for young drivers, while those who prefer managing their policies digitally may prioritize insurers with strong mobile apps and online tools. 

It's also important to consider your coverage needs. If your car is leased or financed, you'll likely need full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance. Lenders and leasing companies in New Jersey may also require higher liability limits or gap coverage, which can increase your overall premium. 

While cost is typically one of the most important considerations when selecting an insurance carrier, it's not the only one. How an insurer treats you when you need to file a claim can be just as important. Using free resources like J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index can show you how satisfied customers are with carrier interactions.

Finding a carrier with the ability to pay claims even during catastrophic events is also something to think about. Ratings from financial strength agencies, like AM Best or Standard & Poor’s, can help you find carriers more likely to stay solvent during unexpected events. 

Big-name insurers usually have the benefit of name recognition, 24/7 customer service and robust digital tools, but smaller carriers shouldn’t be overlooked. Smaller, regional carriers are more likely to offer local agents and personal service, which can drastically impact the quality of your experience. With so many insurers operating in New Jersey, it's worth gathering quotes from both large and local carriers to see who offers the best value. 

Finding the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey will depend on your own specific circumstances and needs. Consider factors such as the ages and driving records of each household member, the vehicles you drive, how many miles each of you drive in a year and the coverage you need to best protect your finances. Applying discounts is a great way to get cheaper auto rates without sacrificing coverage. Seeking quotes from a variety of providers can help you find the company that can offer you the best coverage for your needs at the cheapest rates.

Yes, New Jersey is a no-fault state. If you are in an accident, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is designed to help pay for your injuries and any injuries that your passengers sustain, regardless of who is at fault for an accident, up to your policy’s limits. PIP also covers lost wages due to injuries sustained in an accident. With healthcare costs steadily rising at a faster pace than inflation, ensuring you have adequate PIP coverage can help protect you financially if you or your passengers get serious or permanent injuries from a car accident.

Although there isn’t an official definition of full coverage car insurance, it usually refers to comprehensive and collision coverage, along with at least the state’s minimum required coverage. Drivers need to keep in mind that what qualifies for full coverage can vary between carriers. Some consider full coverage to include enhanced coverage like roadside assistance, gap coverage and rental reimbursement, which can cause drivers to pay more for coverage they might not need. 

To get a car insurance policy in New Jersey, you will need to have some basic information on hand. Along with your driver’s license number, you should have your vehicle identification number (VIN), address, date of birth and driving history details for yourself and any other drivers listed on the policy. It can be helpful to have a copy of your current policy available to do an apples-to-apples comparison and to provide any loan or lease information if applicable. Once the policy is issued, you can use the ID card to register your vehicle.