Best car insurance in New Jersey (2024)

The cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey are GEICO, NJM, State Farm, Amica, and Plymouth Rock — however, rates will depend on your driving record and other factors.

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By

Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a former senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

Updated|4 min read

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The cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey is GEICO, which offers coverage for an average of $84 a month or $1,007 a year. NJM, State Farm, Amica, and Plymouth Rock are the other cheapest auto insurance companies in New Jersey.

Ready to shop car insurance?

It’s a good idea to compare quotes before you buy car insurance. Comparing quotes makes finding affordable rates easier — and it helps you avoid paying more than you need to.

Average cost per month

GEICO

$84

NJM

$105

State Farm

$123

Amica

$131

Plymouth Rock

$132

Cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey

GEICO

Logo for GEICO insurance company

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.7

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers classic car insurance

All 50 states

Offers motorcycle insurance

Good student discount

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

GEICO is among our picks for top car insurance companies in New Jersey because of its low rates, convenient mobile app, and solid customer service.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Available in all 50 states

  • Easy-to-use digital tools

  • Plenty of discounts

Cons

  • Only sells through GEICO agents

  • Doesn’t underwrite its other products

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose GEICO

GEICO is the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey, and can even be an affordable option if you have a DUI or speeding ticket on your driving record.

GEICO also has a convenient mobile app, which lets you estimate what it might cost to repair your vehicle before you make a claim. Even though it’s one of the largest insurance companies in the country, GEICO gets fewer complaints from its customers than expected.

How does the cost of car insurance from GEICO compare to average in New Jersey?

The average cost of car insurance from GEICO in New Jersey is $84 a month or $1,007 per year, which is 55% cheaper than the statewide average.

NJM

NJM Insurance

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.7

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

Mobile app

Offers gap coverage

Why we chose itchevron icon

Jersey-based NJM has some of the best prices and customer service ratings for any car insurance company in New Jersey, as well as coverage add-ons like gap insurance.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Lower-than-average rates

  • Offers gap coverage

  • Good customer service ratings

Cons

  • Only available in five states

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose NJM:

NJM is the second-cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey, and you can find cheap car insurance with NJM even if you have a spotty driving record or a young driver in your family.

NJM offers gap insurance, as well as coverage for a trailer or camper, and rideshare insurance if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or a similar company.

How does the cost of car insurance from NJM compare to average in New Jersey?

The average cost of car insurance from NJM in New Jersey is $105 a month or $1,262 per year, which is 43% cheaper than the statewide average.

State Farm

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Good student discount

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Offers classic car insurance

Offers motorcycle insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm is another of the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey, and can even be an affordable pick for drivers with spotty records. It also has high customer service ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Available in almost every state

  • Low rates for teens and drivers with accidents

  • High customer satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Limited coverage options

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose State Farm:

State Farm is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey if you have a clean driving record. 

State Farm also has high customer satisfaction ratings and receives fewer complaints than is average for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How does the cost of car insurance from State Farm compare to the average in New Jersey?

The average cost of State Farm car insurance in New Jersey is $123 a month or $1,479 per year, which is 34% cheaper than the statewide average.

Amica

Amica home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.6

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers gap coverage

Mobile app

Offers new car replacement

Good student discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

Amica has high claims satisfaction ratings and doesn’t receive many complaints. It also offers a range of coverage options, though rates are usually close to average.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service

  • Wide range of coverage options, including a premium tier

  • Affordable rates for good drivers

Cons

  • Can be pricey for drivers with spotty records

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Amica:

Amica is one of the best car insurance companies in New Jersey thanks to its customer service. It has a history of high claims satisfaction ratings, according to J.D. Power’s annual Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, where Amica ranked first in 2023. Amica also receives fewer complaints than expected from customers.

One other strength of Amica’s is its coverage options, which include gap insurance, full glass coverage, new car replacement coverage, and rental car insurance coverage.

How does the cost of car insurance from Amica compare to average in New Jersey?

The average cost of car insurance from Amica in New Jersey is $131 a month or $1,568 per year, which is 30% cheaper than the statewide average.

Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.9

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A-

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

Mobile app

Offers motorcycle insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Plymouth Rock has affordable car insurance in New Jersey whether you have a clean driving record or a history of accidents and tickets. It also receives few complaints from its customers.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Cheaper rates than average

  • Affordable coverage after an accident

  • Few complaints

Cons

  • Not many ways to customize coverage

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Plymouth Rock:

Plymouth Rock is cheaper than average if you have a clean record, and it may also be affordable if you have an accident or a DUI on your record.

Plymouth Rock is also worth considering because of its solid customer service. Plymouth Rock receives a fewer-than-average number of complaints , according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How does the cost of car insurance from Plymouth Rock compare to average in New Jersey?

The average cost of car insurance from Plymouth Rock in New Jersey is $132 a month or $1,581 per year, which is 29% cheaper than the statewide average.

Best car insurance in New Jersey

The best car insurance company in New Jersey is USAA, which scored the highest on J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Survey for the Mid-Atlantic region. [1] This survey measures how policyholders in the region feel about their insurance company’s customer service, billing, claims, and price.

Since USAA is only available if you’re affiliated with the military, Erie has the best score of any insurance company available to the general public.

Company

Score

1

USAA

877

2

Erie

863

3

The Hartford

840

4

NJM

834

5

CSAA

827

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in New Jersey

Teens and young drivers pay more for car insurance, because their inexperience behind the wheel means they’re more likely to get in an accident and file a claim. 

Typically, rates for young drivers fall as they approach the age of 25 and age-out of the highest-risk age group, but if you’ve just gotten your license or you’ve got accidents and violations on your record, turning 25 might not mean lower rates.

Age

Cheapest company

Average cost

16

GEICO

$2,221

18

GEICO

$2,217

21

GEICO

$1,671

25

GEICO

$1,223

30

GEICO

$1,030

35

GEICO

$1,005

45

GEICO

$987

55

GEICO

$888

60

GEICO

$904

65

GEICO

$907

70

GEICO

$939

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Choosing the right car insurance company in New Jersey

There’s no one right car insurance company that works for every driver. Since car insurance costs are based on so many individual factors — your age, driving history, credit score, and address — the right car insurance company for you may be different from the best option for your neighbor.

That’s why the key to finding your best rates is shopping around. Policygenius can help you see options from top car insurance companies, so you can choose the policy that’s best for your needs (and your wallet).

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in New Jersey

If you’re a high-risk driver with an accident or driving violations on your record, your car insurance will be more expensive, there’s no way around it. But, while it can be hard to find cheap car insurance without a clean record, it’s still possible.

The cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey for coverage after a violation or accident is NJM.

A bar graph showing the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey after a driving violation. GEICO has the best rates.

GEICO

NJ Manufacturers

State Farm

Amica

Plymouth Rock

At-fault accident

$1,401

$1,337

$2,422

$2,252

$2,436

Suspended license

$997

$1,706

$5,680

$5,454

$2,334

Open container

$2,024

$1,620

$2,208

$5,454

$2,083

Expired registration

$997

$1,620

$2,208

$1,795

$2,168

Driving without lights

$997

$1,620

$2,208

$1,795

$2,168

Running a red light

$997

$1,620

$2,208

$1,795

$2,168

Following too closely

$997

$1,620

$3,326

$1,795

$2,168

Hit and run

$2,024

$1,620

$2,208

$5,454

$2,334

Not-at-fault accident

$997

$1,337

$1,495

$1,599

$1,627

Passing a school bus

$997

$1,620

$3,326

$1,990

$2,168

Reckless driving

$1,713

$1,620

$3,326

$4,147

$2,334

Collapse table

Cheapest car insurance after an accident in New Jersey

The cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey after an at-fault accident is State Farm. On average, car insurance from State Farm costs $72 a month, or $865 a year with an accident on your record.

Rates for drivers with an at-fault accident

NJM

$1,337

GEICO

$1,401

Amica

$2,252

State Farm

$2,422

Plymouth Rock

$2,436

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in New Jersey

A DUI or DWI can cause your car insurance rates to go up. Drivers in New Jersey pay an average rate of $2,225 per year for car insurance, but drivers with a DUI pay almost double that, with an average rate of $4,050 per year.

But drivers with a DUI can still save money by comparing quotes from multiple companies. For example, NJ Manufacturers has an average rate for drivers with a DUI of $1,620 per year, which is 60% cheaper than the average rate for drivers with a DUI and 37% cheaper than the state average for drivers with a clean driving record.

Rates for drivers with DUIs

NJ Manufacturers

$1,620

GEICO

$2,024

Plymouth Rock

$2,083

Amica

$5,454

State Farm

$5,680

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in New Jersey

A speeding ticket can also raise your car insurance rates. New Jersey drivers with a speeding ticket on their record pay an average of $3,214 per year for car insurance, almost $1,000 more than the average rate for drivers without a speeding ticket.

According to our research, GEICO, NJ Manufacturers, and State Farm had the cheapest average rates for car insurance after a speeding ticket in New Jersey.

Rates for drivers with speeding tickets

GEICO

$997

NJ Manufacturers

$1,620

Plymouth Rock

$2,168

State Farm

$2,565

Amica

$2,905

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in New Jersey

Having a good credit rating will help keep your car insurance costs down, while a low credit score likely means you’ll pay more for car insurance.

Rates for drivers with bad credit

Selective Insurance

$2,023

NJ Manufacturers

$2,117

GEICO

$2,257

Amica

$2,791

State Farm

$3,113

Cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey by city

The cheapest car insurance company in your city depends on local factors, including crime, population density, traffic and congestion, the overall number of accidents, and more. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey’s 10 largest cities.

Largest cities

Cheapest company

Average yearly rate for the cheapest company

Overall citywide average

Newark

GEICO

$1,489

$3,264

Jersey City

GEICO

$1,087

$2,897

Paterson

GEICO

$1,403

$3,199

Lakewood

GEICO

$1,254

$2,446

Elizabeth

GEICO

$1,313

$3,160

Edison

GEICO

$1,050

$2,259

Woodbridge

GEICO

$1,038

$2,345

Toms River

GEICO

$956

$2,126

Trenton

GEICO

$1,151

$2,546

Clifton

GEICO

$1,244

$2,775

Collapse table

Ready to shop car insurance?

Buying car insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey requires all drivers to have at least a minimum amount of car insurance in order to be legally allowed to drive. All drivers in New Jersey must have at least the following amounts of coverage:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000 (Standard)

  • Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000 (Standard)

  • Property damage liability coverage: $5,000/$25,000 (Basic/Standard)

  • Personal injury protection: $15,000 per accident, plus up to $250,000 for severe injuries for a standard policy (Basic/Standard)

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Must match liability limits if purchasing a standard policy

Standard vs. basic car insurance policies: Under New Jersey law, drivers can select a “basic” car insurance policy. These policies offer very limited coverage at a reduced rate, so drivers who can afford to buy well-over the amounts required by law should do so.

New Jersey is a no-fault state: This means that each driver's own car insurance pays for their medical bills after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. New Jersey drivers are required to have at least a minimum amount of PIP coverage, which is the coverage that pays for injuries after an accident.

How to get cheap car insurance in New Jersey

There are several ways to get cheap car insurance in New Jersey, including:

  • Always compare costs: Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal

  • Get discounts: Insurance companies offer discounts for things like safe driving and paying your premium up front as opposed to monthly billing. Make sure you know what you qualify for

  • Bundle policies: Bundling insurance means getting more than one type of insurance policy from the same company, like auto and home together — this can usually earn you savings on both

  • Reshop yearly: Before renewing your policy, check to see if you could be getting the same coverage at a better rate from another company

Find car insurance in your city:

Frequently asked questions

Which company in New Jersey has the cheapest car insurance?

Drivers in New Jersey could get the cheapest car insurance from GEICO. NJM, Plymouth Rock, and State Farm also typically offer affordable coverage in New Jersey.

How much is car insurance monthly in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, drivers pay an average of $185 per month for car insurance. This means that coverage in the state is more expensive than the national average cost of auto insurance.

Is New Jersey a no-fault insurance state?

New Jersey is a no-fault state. This means that drivers have to get a minimum amount of personal injury protection and are limited in the damages they can claim from another driver's insurance company after an accident. Drivers in New Jersey can get either $5,000 or $15,000 of personal injury protection and still meet the state's minimum requirements. This is because New Jersey has "basic" and "standard" auto insurance requirement tiers to ensure that drivers can find affordable coverage while still remaining in compliance with the state's coverage laws.

What are the penalties for driving without insurance in New Jersey?

According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, driving without car insurance carries penalties of monetary fines, driving privilege suspension, and possible jail time.

References

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Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.

  1. J.D. Power

    . "

    Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds

    ." Accessed September 23, 2023.

Author

Andrew Hurst is a former senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

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