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.
By
Andrew HurstAndrew 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.
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.
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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
$132
Cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey
GEICO
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.7
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Offers classic car insurance
All 50 states
Offers motorcycle insurance
Good student discount
Mobile app
Usage-based discount
Why we chose it
GEICO is among our picks for top car insurance companies in New Jersey because of its low rates, convenient mobile app, and solid customer service.
Pros and cons
Pros
Available in all 50 states
Easy-to-use digital tools
Plenty of discounts
Cons
Only sells through GEICO agents
Doesn’t underwrite its other products
More details
Why we chose GEICO
GEICO is the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey, and can even be an affordable option if you have a DUI or speeding ticket on your driving record.
GEICO also has a convenient mobile app, which lets you estimate what it might cost to repair your vehicle before you make a claim. Even though it’s one of the largest insurance companies in the country, GEICO gets fewer complaints from its customers than expected.
How does the cost of car insurance from GEICO compare to average in New Jersey?
The average cost of car insurance from GEICO in New Jersey is $84 a month or $1,007 per year, which is 55% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.7
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Good student discount
Mobile app
Offers gap coverage
Why we chose it
Jersey-based NJM has some of the best prices and customer service ratings for any car insurance company in New Jersey, as well as coverage add-ons like gap insurance.
Pros and cons
Pros
Lower-than-average rates
Offers gap coverage
Good customer service ratings
Cons
Only available in five states
More details
Why we chose NJM:
NJM is the second-cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey, and you can find cheap car insurance with NJM even if you have a spotty driving record or a young driver in your family.
NJM offers gap insurance, as well as coverage for a trailer or camper, and rideshare insurance if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or a similar company.
How does the cost of car insurance from NJM compare to average in New Jersey?
The average cost of car insurance from NJM in New Jersey is $105 a month or $1,262 per year, which is 43% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Coverage for rideshare drivers
Good student discount
Mobile app
Usage-based discount
Offers classic car insurance
Offers motorcycle insurance
Why we chose it
State Farm is another of the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey, and can even be an affordable pick for drivers with spotty records. It also has high customer service ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Available in almost every state
Low rates for teens and drivers with accidents
High customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
Limited coverage options
More details
Why we chose State Farm:
State Farm is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey if you have a clean driving record.
State Farm also has high customer satisfaction ratings and receives fewer complaints than is average for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How does the cost of car insurance from State Farm compare to the average in New Jersey?
The average cost of State Farm car insurance in New Jersey is $123 a month or $1,479 per year, which is 34% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.6
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Offers gap coverage
Mobile app
Offers new car replacement
Good student discount
Why we chose it
Amica has high claims satisfaction ratings and doesn’t receive many complaints. It also offers a range of coverage options, though rates are usually close to average.
Pros and cons
Pros
Outstanding customer service
Wide range of coverage options, including a premium tier
Affordable rates for good drivers
Cons
Can be pricey for drivers with spotty records
More details
Why we chose Amica:
Amica is one of the best car insurance companies in New Jersey thanks to its customer service. It has a history of high claims satisfaction ratings, according to J.D. Power’s annual Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, where Amica ranked first in 2023. Amica also receives fewer complaints than expected from customers.
One other strength of Amica’s is its coverage options, which include gap insurance, full glass coverage, new car replacement coverage, and rental car insurance coverage.
How does the cost of car insurance from Amica compare to average in New Jersey?
The average cost of car insurance from Amica in New Jersey is $131 a month or $1,568 per year, which is 30% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
3.9
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A-
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
NA
Bundle home & auto
Good student discount
Mobile app
Offers motorcycle insurance
Why we chose it
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 cons
Pros
Cheaper rates than average
Affordable coverage after an accident
Few complaints
Cons
Not many ways to customize coverage
More details
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.
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.
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
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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
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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)
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
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
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.
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.
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.