How much is car insurance in New Jersey?
The average cost of car insurance in New Jersey is $1,754 per year for full coverage, according to 2022 data obtained from Quadrant Information Services. Minimum coverage costs an average of $782 each year. This means that New Jersey's minimum coverage is above the national average of $622, while full coverage is well below the national average of $2,014. The higher minimum rate may be related to the high number of urban areas there are in the state, where you will often see elevated rates to reflect the increased possibility of accidents. Additionally, New Jersey has just implemented Phase I of a two-phased approach to raising the minimum levels of liability coverage required to drive legally in the state. You should keep in mind that your rates will likely differ from the averages based on your individual rating factors.
Also, compared to the rates of nearby states, New Jersey’s premiums come in below average. Take Pennsylvania, for instance. Although Pennsylvania and New Jersey are neighbors, the average cost for a full coverage policy in Pennsylvania is $2,040 per year, more than $200 higher than New Jersey. New York, one of the most expensive states for car insurance in the country, is even higher, averaging a whopping $3,139 annually for full coverage.
How to find the best car insurance in New Jersey
Drivers in New Jersey must maintain continuous coverage to avoid potential hefty fines and suspensions to their driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. In addition to complying with the law, a sufficient car insurance policy could provide essential financial protection if you are involved in a car accident. Since every driver has their own needs when it comes to auto insurance, no one company will be best for all. For this reason, it may be a good idea to shop around and request quotes from multiple companies. We’ve compiled some things you might want to keep in mind while you’re shopping so that you can find auto insurance in New Jersey that fits your needs.
Consider minimum insurance requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey car insurance laws are unique, and it is a no-fault state. There are two options for minimum required coverage: the basic policy and the standard policy. Basic policies include just a required level of property damage liability per accident and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and come with the option to purchase bodily injury liability coverage. If you choose a basic policy, your ability to add other coverage types could be limited.
Standard policies include bodily injury liability, property damage liability and PIP, and also come with a broader range of optional endorsements to choose from. Understanding New Jersey’s car insurance laws could help you decide if you need to purchase more coverage than just the minimum required. In 2023 and again in 2026, the minimum liability levels required to drive legally are increasing, which will likely mean a corresponding increase in your premium if you opt for minimum coverage car insurance.
Consider lender requirements
Drivers with loans or leases may have additional car insurance requirements to consider. Financing and leasing companies want financial protection for their asset (your vehicle) until it is paid off and in your name. They often do this by imposing insurance requirements that you must meet to comply with your financing or leasing agreement. To satisfy lender requirements, you may need to have full coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage on your car insurance. Although not required, you could also consider gap insurance, which helps pay the difference between your loan balance and your vehicle’s cash value if your car is totaled.
Consider your individual needs
Auto insurance is a highly personalized product. Each driver has their own needs, but you might find that not every company offers what you are looking for. If you have a youthful driver in your home, you may need to tailor your search toward companies that offer cheap car insurance rates for teens. Those who work remotely may find savings by purchasing pay-per-mile insurance. If you drive for a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft, you may need to find a company that offers rideshare insurance. Before you shop, it can be helpful to list your priorities and use this as a guide while requesting car insurance quotes.
