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Last updated: October 9, 2024
The Best Car Insurance in New Jersey
A survey of the best auto insurance providers in New Jersey
Best Cheap Auto Insurance in New Jersey
With an average annual rate of $1,313 for full coverage, GEICO is the cheapest auto insurance provider in New Jersey. On top of that, GEICO insures nearly a quarter of the state’s drivers, making it the largest company in New Jersey.3
Best Auto Insurance After an Accident
NJM is the third-largest provider in the state and our top choice for affordable insurance after an accident.
Best Auto Insurance for Additional Coverage in New Jersey
Plymouth Rock offers the most flexible coverage plans on our list. You can choose from several coverage packages that come with policy add-ons and benefits.
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In 2023, over 1 million New Jersey drivers saw their annual premiums increase by about $130. There are a few reasons for the increase. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law that mandated an increase in minimum liability limits from:
- $10,000 in optional bodily injury
- $5,000 in property damage
- $15,000 personal injury protection (PIP)
to
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage
- $15,000 personal injury protection
This 2023 mandate has led to higher average auto insurance rates in the state.1 On top of that, dozens of auto insurers have asked the state to approve rate increases in 2023, with Allstate asking for a 29 percent increase and GEICO asking for a 26 percent increase.2
Drivers in New Jersey, like in much of the country, will probably continue to see their rates increase into 2024, which is why it’s essential to employ smart shopping habits. Even with statewide insurance increases, you can still rely on tried-and-true strategies to find the best rates, discounts, and coverage.
Average Car Insurance Rate in New Jersey
Most drivers pay around $2,300 for car insurance in New Jersey, which is about 10 percent more than the national average of $2,071.
Pro Tip:
As new laws and statewide insurance premium settlements come into effect, it’s important to keep an eye on your rates. Providers’ average rates in New Jersey may change in the next few months, so be sure to pay attention to any rate increases and shop around if you aren’t happy with your premium.
Car Insurance Rates in New Jersey by City
With an average annual rate of $2,051, Edison boasts the cheapest rates among New Jersey’s most populated cities. Here’s the full breakdown by city in New Jersey.
| City | Monthly average cost | Annual average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Edison | $171 | $2,051 |
| Woodbridge | $179 | $2,150 |
| Lakewood | $194 | $2,323 |
| Jersey City | $219 | $2,630 |
| Newark | $236 | $2,836 |
| Elizabeth | $242 | $2,908 |
| Paterson | $245 | $2,941 |
Comparison of the Best Auto Insurance Companies in New Jersey
| Feature | GEICO | NJM | Plymouth Rock | Travelers | Progressive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average annual rate in New Jersey | $1,313 | $1,524 | $1,724 | $2,249 | $2,395 |
| Auto Claims Satisfaction Index Ranking out of 1,000 (J.D. Power)4 | 871 | 900 | N/A | 871 | 870 |
| Best for | People looking for the cheapest option | People with a history of accidents | Drivers who want customized insurance | Drivers with hybrids and electric vehicles | Business owners |
| Hybrid/electric vehicle discount | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Company review | GEICO review | N/A | Plymouth Rock review | Travelers review | Progressive review |
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in New Jersey
- 1.
Best Cheap Auto Insurance in New Jersey: GEICO
- 2.
Best Auto Insurance After an Accident in New Jersey: New Jersey Manufacturer (NJM)
- 3.
Best Auto Insurance for Additional Coverage in New Jersey: Plymouth Rock
- 4.
Best Auto Insurance for Electric Cars in New Jersey: Travelers
- 5.
Best Commercial Auto Insurance in New Jersey: Progressive
Detailed List of the Best Auto Insurance in New Jersey
1. Best Cheap Auto Insurance in New Jersey - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Save money with defensive driving courses
- Cheapest rates after a speeding ticket
- Save by installing safety equipment
GEICO insures 23 percent of drivers in the Garden State, making it the largest provider in New Jersey. It also offers the cheapest overall average rate and the cheapest average rate after a ticket.
Who It's Best For
- People looking for the cheapest option
- Drivers of electric vehicles
- Affiliate members
Who It's Not Best For
- People who want rideshare insurance
- People who want to work with a local office
Cheapest Average Rate in New Jersey
With annual average rates as low as $1,313, GEICO is about $1,000 cheaper than the state average. Here’s the full breakdown of the cheapest providers in New Jersey.
| Company | Monthly average cost | Annual average cost |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $101 | $1,313 |
| NJM | $127 | $1,524 |
| State Farm | $144 | $1,633 |
| Plymouth Rock | $152 | $1,724 |
| Allstate | $169 | $2,222 |
| Travelers | $171 | $2,249 |
| Progressive | $183 | $2,395 |
Cheapest After a Speeding Ticket
If you have a speeding ticket on your record, there’s a good chance your provider will increase your premium. On average, GEICO offers the best rates after a speeding ticket in New Jersey.
| Company | Monthly average cost | Annual average cost |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $118 | $1,421 |
| Plymouth Rock | $151 | $1,814 |
| State Farm | $168 | $2,019 |
| NJM | $191 | $2,292 |
| Progressive | $210 | $2,521 |
| Allstate | $224 | $2,688 |
| Travelers | $273 | $3,276 |
Several Ways to Save
GEICO has one of the longest lists of discounts with some of the most sizable savings. Here are a few ways you can save with GEICO.
| Discount | Maximum savings |
|---|---|
| Military emergency deployment | 25% |
| Electric vehicle | 25% |
| Multi-vehicle | 25% |
| Airbag | 23% |
| Anti-theft system | 23% |
| Military | 15% |
| New vehicle | 15% |
2. Best Auto Insurance After an Accident in New Jersey - New Jersey Manufacturer (NJM)
What We Like Most:
- Cheap rates after an accident
- Third-most-popular provider in New Jersey
- Excellent customer satisfaction scores
NJM offers all-around affordable rates, with the cheapest average rate in the state for drivers after an accident. You can benefit from NJM’s robust set of discounts, auto insurance add-ons, and several coverage types.
Who It's Best For
- People on a budget
- Drivers with one or more accidents on their record
- People who want gap insurance
- People who want to bundle policies
Who It's Not Best For
- People who want to manage insurance from their phones
- People who live in New York and commute to New Jersey
Cheapest Provider After an Accident
If you’re seeking the cheapest rate after an accident, look no further. NJM will probably have the best average rate out of the biggest providers in New Jersey.
| Company | Monthly average cost | Annual average cost |
|---|---|---|
| NJM | $135 | $1,620 |
| GEICO | $153 | $1,836 |
| Plymouth Rock | $221 | $2,652 |
| Progressive | $256 | $3,072 |
| State Farm | $277 | $3,324 |
| Travelers | $290 | $3,480 |
| Allstate | $320 | $3,837 |
Excellent Third-Party Scores
J.D. Power awarded NJM with a 900/1,000 rating on its customer satisfaction index, which is the highest score on our list and the third-highest score out of any large provider in the country. J.D. Power determines its score by assessing a few metrics, including repair cycle times, customer preferences between digital and personal customer service, and rental coverage satisfaction.
Customize Your Policy
You can customize your policy with NJM through the following auto insurance coverage add-ons:
- Gap insurance
- Transportation expense coverage, which offers additional funds for rentals
- Roadside assistance
- Coverage for trailers and campers
- Rideshare coverage
3. Best Auto Insurance for Additional Coverage in New Jersey - Plymouth Rock
What We Like Most:
- Local agents
- Discounts on sports games in New England and New York
- Towing and labor coverage available
Plymouth Rock offers lower-than-average rates and several ways to add coverage to your vehicles in New Jersey. You can choose to gain traditional coverage (minimum liability or full coverage) or sign up for a coverage package, which comes with additional coverage and benefits, like a deductible waiver.
Who It's Best For
- People looking for more coverage
- People who want to manage insurance from their phones
- Young adults
- Safe drivers
Who It's Not Best For
- Federal employees
- Military members
Assurance Packages—Get More Out of Your Policy
Plymouth Rock offers several coverage packages to cater to your unique needs. You can customize your auto insurance policy through four packages: Essential Assurance, Assurance Plus, Assurance Preferred, and Assurance Premier.
| Coverage and benefits | Essential Assurance | Assurance Plus | Assurance Preferred | Assurance Premier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag discharge coverage | No | No | Yes | No |
| Advanced claims | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Child car seat replacement | No | Yes | No | No |
| Deductible dollars | No | No | No | Yes |
| Electronic key replacement | No | No | No | Yes |
| Enhanced bail bond | No | Yes | No | No |
| Enhanced rental coverage | No | Yes | No | No |
| Enhanced towing and labor coverage | No | No | No | Yes |
| Glass deductible waiver | No | Yes | No | No |
| Guaranteed repairs | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Laptop replacement | No | Yes | No | No |
| Gap insurance | No | No | No | Yes |
| Loss of earnings protection | No | Yes | No | No |
| Mobile device replacement | No | Yes | No | No |
| New-car replacement | No | No | No | Yes |
| Access to online services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Personal property insurance | No | Yes | No | No |
| Pet coverage | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside assistance | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seatbelt/airbag perks | No | Yes | No | No |
| Taxi ride reimbursement | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Trip interruption | No | No | No | Yes |
| Collision deductible waiver | No | Yes | No | No |
| Windshield replacement deductible waiver | No | No | Yes | No |
| Depreciation waiver | No | No | Yes | No |
New Mobile App
Plymouth Rock has made several updates to its mobile app, which it released in 2022. The updates have seen the app become one of the highest-rated mobile apps for car insurance in both the Apple App Store and Google Play. It has a 4.7 rating out of 5 for Android and a 4.9 rating for iOS.
Through the app, you can:
- Pay bills
- Enroll in paperless billing and automatic payments
- Update your policy information, including your address, drivers, and payment plan
- Report and track claims
- Access your ID cards
Cover More Vehicles
Want to ensure more than your personal cars? Plymouth Rock offers coverage for the following vehicle types:
- Boat and watercraft insurance
- Collector/classic car insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Motorcycle insurance
- Motorhome insurance
4. Best Auto Insurance for Electric Cars in New Jersey - Travelers
What We Like Most:
- High financial strength rating from AM Best
- Great customer service reviews
- Discounts for safe drivers, homeowners, electric vehicle owners, and more
Travelers has been around since 1864, making it one of the oldest insurers in the country. It has several coverage options to bolster your car insurance plan and is one of the few companies that offers discounts for hybrid and electric cars.
Who It's Best For
- People with electric vehicles
- New-car owners
- Homeowners (even if they aren’t insured with Travelers)
- Safe drivers
Who It's Not Best For
- People who want rideshare coverage (unavailable in New Jersey)
- People looking for the cheapest option
Electric/Hybrid Discount
Travelers is one of the only car insurance companies to advertise an electric vehicle/hybrid vehicle discount. If you own or lease an electric/hybrid, you can save up to 10 percent on your policy.
Did You Know?
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are following California’s low-emission and zero-emission vehicle mandate. The plan will require vehicle manufacturers to ramp up their zero-emission production for light-duty vehicles by 2027 and transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2035.5
Low Number of Customer Complaints
In 2022, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners scored Travelers with a 0.31 on the complaint index rating. This means that customers complain at nearly half the rate to Travelers as they do for the rest of the industry.6
Homeowner Discount
All homeowners, whether their home insurance is provided by Travelers or someone else, are eligible for a homeowners discount with Travelers. The discount would apply to your car insurance and applies to owners of homes and condos.
5. Best Commercial Auto Insurance in New Jersey - Progressive
What We Like Most:
- Cheaper rates for drivers with a DUI
- Several ways to save if your premium increases
- Accident forgiveness automatically applies to policy in most states
The Jersey City–Newark–New York area accounted for more truck drivers in 2021 (63,590) than any other region in the U.S.7 With several commercial auto discounts and commercial coverage for a variety of vehicle types, including trucks and trailers, Progressive is our top pick for commercial auto insurance in New Jersey.
Who It's Best For
- Business owners
- Truck owners
- Businesses with fleets
- People with a DUI on their record
Who It's Not Best For
- People looking for the cheapest option
Fun Fact:
Businesses in New Jersey employ more than 214,000 truckers, which means truckers make up 1 in every 16 workers in the state. Many of these truckers are employed by nearly 23,000 small trucking businesses.8
Fleet Management Program
Progressive’s fleet management program, Snapshot ProView, allows businesses with commercial vehicles to leverage free fleet management tools. You get a 5 percent discount just for signing up with the program and a maximum of 20 percent savings at your next renewal.
Snapshot ProView will track your drivers’ habits, providing you with key insight into how safely and efficiently they’re driving. It comes with:
- Vehicle tracking features
- Trip reports
- Safety scorecards
- Geofencing notifications (shows when drivers leave predefined routes)
Truck Claims Service
A lengthy claims process can be a hindrance to any business, which is why Progressive offers a dedicated truck claim service. Progressive employs in-house specialty insurance adjusters who are trained to handle truck and heavy equipment claims. Its truck claims services come with:
- A network of preapproved repair centers
- 100 percent in-house heavy truck claims specialists
- A network of Progressive-approved auto shops that must complete a probationary period and meet specific qualification standards
- A single point of contact that you communicate with, so you aren’t contacting multiple representatives or customer service centers to get updates on your claim
Commercial Auto for Various Vehicles
You can insure more than truck fleets with Progressive. Gain the commercial coverage you need for the following vehicle types:
- Cars
- Light trucks
- SUVs
- Vans
- Trucks
- Tractor trailers
- Commercial trailers
- Large dump body trailers
- Pickup utility trailers
- Tractors
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provider offers the cheapest rates for teens in New Jersey?
With annual average rates starting around $2,400 per year, GEICO offers the best rates for teens in New Jersey.
Which provider offers the best insurance for seniors in New Jersey?
Both Amica and NJM offer the cheapest average rates (around $1,500 per year) for older Americans in New Jersey.
What should I Increase my limits to?
We recommend you increase your liability limits as much as you can afford. A good overall liability plan would include at least $100,000 in property damage and $250,000 in personal injury protection (PIP).
Why is personal injury protection required in New Jersey?
New Jersey is among 12 no-fault states that require personal injury protection (PIP). If a state enforces a no-fault law, then each driver will file a claim with their own insurance provider regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Since the other driver will not cover your injuries (even if they’re at fault), New Jersey requires PIP so you can finance any medical expense or lost wages to you or your passengers.
Methodology
- State-relevant recommendations: We curate our guides based on the laws, driver demographics, available providers, and industries of every state we cover. Our list for New Jersey is based on the most relevant needs of drivers in the state, including the most affordable overall rates, best regional providers, and relevant niche coverage options, like auto insurance for truckers in New Jersey.
- Proprietary data: Many of our guides are based on the millions of data points we’ve gathered at AutoInsurance.com. For more than 20 years, our team has helped drivers find the best auto insurance based on their location, background, and driving needs. We leverage that data to identify which types of customers have had the best quotes and policies with which insurers.
- Insider guidance: Our team works closely with Paul Ford, president of insurance at Centerfield, AutoInsurance.com’s parent company. With decades of experience and tenures at some of the largest insurance companies in the country, Paul brings a wealth of wisdom and auto insurance expertise that guides our recommendations.
Staff Writer & Editor
Ali Saleh is a copywriter with nearly 10 years of experience in content writing, editing, and journalism. Ali’s work has been featured on a number of notable sites and publications, including MSN, Business.com’s award-winning newsletter, and Groove Korea, South Korea’s largest English-print magazine. Today, he writes for dozens of brands, providing expert guides and informative articles on auto insurance, healthcare, recruiting technology, business, and more. Ali holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from North Carolina State University.
Citations
2022 Market Share Reports For Property/Casualty Groups and Companies by State and Countrywide. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2023, Sep).
https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-msr-pb-property-casualty.pdfAuto insurance companies seek rate hikes in NJ. PBS. (2023, Jun 22).
https://www.pbs.org/video/car-insurance-1687452535/Murphy signs costly auto insurance law that will affect 1.1M N.J. drivers. NJ.com. (2022, Aug 12).
https://www.nj.com/politics/2022/08/murphy-signs-costly-auto-insurance-bill-that-will-affect-11m-nj-drivers-into-law.htmlAuto Insurers Manage Customer Expectations as Repair Cycle Times Double in Two Years, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2023, Oct 26).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2023-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyMurphy Administration Adopts Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards to Improve Air Quality, Fight Climate Change, and Promote Clean Vehicle Choice. State of New Jersey. (2023, Nov 21).
https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562023/20231121a.shtmlResults by Complaint Index. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2024).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm?TABLEAU=CIS_COMPLAINTS&COCODE=25658&:refreshCities and States with the Most Truck Drivers. CDL Training Today. (2024).
https://cdltrainingtoday.com/cities-states-most-truck-drivers/New Jersey Trucking Fast Facts. New Jersey Motor Truck Association. (2020, Apr).
https://truckingresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/New-Jersey-Fast-Facts-2020.pdf
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