Best Car Insurance in New Jersey

The top-rated auto insurance companies in New Jersey for 2026 are Plymouth Rock, Amica and GEICO.

Discover if you're overpaying for New Jersey car insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: December 29, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Top Rated Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey

The top-rated car insurance companies in New Jersey are:

Best Overall and Best for Drivers With a Violation: Plymouth Rock
Best for Young and Senior Drivers: Amica
Best Cheap for Drivers With Bad Credit or Low Income: GEICO

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

MoneyGeek's proprietary methodology identified New Jersey's best car insurance by researching over 70 companies and analyzing actual quotes, verified customer reviews from trusted sources like J.D. Power, and coverage details. Our ratings prioritize what matters most: affordability (60%), customer experience (30%), and coverage options (10%).

Best Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey

Plymouth Rock is the best car insurance company in New Jersey, with a 4.7 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. It excels across affordability, customer service and coverage options.

Plymouth Rock offers competitive rates with full coverage at $122 monthly. Drivers with clean records pay rates that run 9% below state averages. The company earns a perfect 5.0 coverage score with extensive customization options.

Amica leads in customer experience with a perfect 5.0 rating, making it ideal for young and senior drivers who value service quality. GEICO offers strong affordability for drivers with bad credit or low income.

Our recommendations provide a starting point, but your age, driving record and coverage needs determine which provider offers the best value. Compare these top companies to find the insurer that best fits your profile.

Data filtered by:


Plymouth Rock Insurance	4.70	$122	5.00	4.20	5.00
Amica	4.60	$149	4.70	5.00	3.30
NJM Insurance	4.50	$121	5.00	4.00	3.00
Selective Insurance	4.50	$123	5.00	3.40	4.80
Travelers	4.50	$155	4.60	4.50	3.60

*The rates above are based on a male driver insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry with good credit.

How much does car insurance in New Jersey cost?

How much car insurance do I need in New Jersey?

Best Overall and for Drivers With a Violation in New Jersey: Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock Insurance

Best Overall and Best for Drivers With a Violation

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.2/5Customer Experience

5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$121
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$66
Agent Service Score
Provider not found/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Provider not found

pros
- Ranks first overall among New Jersey car insurance providers
- Ranks first in affordability for budget-conscious drivers
- Ranks first in coverage options with comprehensive policy choices
- Best overall provider and ideal for drivers with violations
cons
- Limited geographic presence compared to larger national insurers
- Fewer local agents available for in-person customer service
Plymouth Rock earns MoneyGeek's highest score (4.7 out of 5) among New Jersey insurers. The company ranks first overall with perfect affordability and coverage scores.

Plymouth Rock offers competitive rates for both clean-record drivers and those with violations. New Jersey drivers get comprehensive coverage at rates 9% below state averages, saving about $145 annually. The company's regional focus provides specialized understanding of local driving risks.
Plymouth Rock offers competitive rates for New Jersey drivers. Adult drivers pay $122 monthly for full coverage. State minimum coverage costs $66 monthly.

Drivers with violations get specialized rates: accident history drivers pay $127 monthly, DUI drivers pay $111 monthly and speeding ticket drivers pay $107 monthly. These rates beat most competitors for high-risk profiles.

Multi-policy bundling saves up to 25%. Safe driver discounts and paperless billing provide additional savings. The usage-based insurance program rewards careful driving habits with rate reductions.
Customer experience scores 4.2 out of 5 in New Jersey, with strong policy management tools and responsive claims handling. The mobile app allows claims filing, digital insurance card access and policy management. Claims processing runs seven to 10 business days on average.

Local operations throughout the Northeast give Plymouth Rock understanding of regional risks like winter storm damage and urban theft. Claims adjusters process weather-related claims efficiently during storm seasons and understand state-specific regulations.
Coverage options score a perfect 5.0. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from New Jersey minimums (15/30/5 with PIP) to 250/500/100. Deductibles flex from $250 to $2,000.

Plymouth Rock's features:
- Gap insurance: Pays difference between car's value and loan balance
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage when your car's in the shop
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 towing, battery, fuel and lockout service
- Accident forgiveness: First at-fault crash won't spike rates after qualifying period
- Flexible policy customization: Coverage levels adjust to specific driver needs

Best for Young and Senior Drivers in New Jersey: Amica

Amica

Best for Young and Senior Drivers

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

3.3/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$152
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$86
Agent Service Score
N/A/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
StreetSmart Rewards Program

pros
- Ranks second overall among New Jersey car insurers
- Ranks first in customer experience and service satisfaction
- Best coverage option for young and senior drivers
- AM Best A+ financial strength rating ensures claim stability
cons
- Limited agent network reduces in-person service accessibility
- Fewer coverage options compared to larger national competitors
Amica earns a 4.6 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and ranks second overall among New Jersey insurers. The company leads in customer experience with a perfect 5.0 rating, making it ideal for young and senior drivers who value service quality.

Amica offers personalized service and reliable claims handling. While coverage options score 3.3 out of 5, the exceptional customer experience makes Amica a strong choice for drivers prioritizing service quality over the lowest rates.
Amica offers competitive rates for New Jersey drivers. Senior drivers pay $115 monthly on average across coverage types. Young drivers pay $246 monthly.

Full coverage costs $147 monthly for seniors and $315 monthly for young drivers. State minimum coverage costs $86 monthly. While not the cheapest option, Amica's rates remain reasonable given the company's superior customer service rankings.
Customer experience scores a perfect 5.0, first among New Jersey insurers. Amica maintains strong regional presence and responds effectively to coastal storms and urban theft concerns common in the Garden State. Claims processing runs five to seven business days on average.

Customers praise claims handling speed and agent responsiveness. Digital tools include comprehensive policy management and easy certificate access. Phone support wait times run shorter than most competitors.
Coverage options score 3.3 out of 5. Core options include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from New Jersey minimums (15/30/5 with PIP) to 250/500/100.

Amica's features:
- StreetSmart Rewards Program: Discounts for safe driving habits
- Accident forgiveness: First at-fault crash won't spike rates after qualifying period
- New car replacement: Full cost for vehicles totaled in crashes
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 towing and emergency services
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage when your car's repaired

Best Cheap for Drivers With Bad Credit or Low Income: GEICO

GEICO

Best Cheap for Drivers With Bad Credit or Low Income

MoneyGeek Rating

4.0/ 5

4.3/5Affordability

3.7/5Customer Experience

2.5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$152
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$86
Agent Service Score
4.2/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

pros
- Mobile app enables photo claims submission and real-time tracking
- A++ AM Best financial strength rating ensures claim payment reliability
- Extensive agent network provides coverage throughout New Jersey
- Best for drivers prioritizing digital tools and self-service options
cons
- Customer service satisfaction trails behind local New Jersey insurers
- Limited personalized agent relationships compared to regional competitors
GEICO earns a 4.0 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and ranks among New Jersey's most affordable options. The company excels for drivers with bad credit or low income, combining competitive rates with solid affordability scores.

GEICO's digital-first approach provides fast quotes, streamlined claims processing and efficient policy management. Coverage options stay simpler than competitors, but the straightforward approach keeps costs down for budget-conscious drivers facing credit challenges.
GEICO offers competitive rates for New Jersey drivers with credit challenges. Adult drivers with clean records pay competitive rates for full coverage. State minimum coverage costs vary by driver profile.

Drivers with bad credit or low income pay specialized rates that remain more competitive than most insurers. Multi-policy bundles save up to 10%. Military discounts, good student discounts, federal employee discounts and vehicle safety features provide additional savings.
Customer experience scores 3.7 out of 5. GEICO operates primarily through digital channels with phone support available 24/7 at 800-861-8380. Claims processing runs seven to 10 business days on average.

The mobile app provides claims filing with photo submission, real-time tracking and policy management. Digital tools reduce wait times for routine transactions. Phone support handles complex claims and policy questions, though automated systems may be less accommodating than traditional agent-based service during complicated situations.
Coverage options score 2.5 out of 5, reflecting GEICO's focus on essential protections rather than extensive add-ons. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from New Jersey minimums (15/30/5 with PIP) to 250/500/100. Deductibles range from $250 to $2,000.

Coverage options:
- Mechanical breakdown insurance: Extended coverage for newer vehicles beyond manufacturer warranty
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage while your car's repaired
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 towing, battery, fuel and lockout service
- Emergency roadside service: Additional assistance programs for breakdowns

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey

Finding the best car insurance in New Jersey requires more than just clicking the first online quote you see. Your ideal coverage balances cost, protection and service quality, and that mix varies for every driver based on driving history, vehicle and budget.

1
Understand New Jersey's insurance requirements
Before comparing car insurance quotes in New Jersey, know what the state requires: $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 per accident and $5,000 property damage coverage. New Jersey also requires $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays medical expenses regardless of fault in the state's no-fault system.

Most drivers need more than these minimums. If you own substantial assets or finance your vehicle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage.

Think about what you're protecting. A 12-year-old sedan with high mileage probably doesn't need collision coverage. Skipping comprehensive on a $30,000 vehicle could cost you thousands in one incident.
2
Research average costs
Full coverage car insurance in New Jersey costs $1,600 to $2,400 per year. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving history, credit score, location and vehicle.

Use this range as a baseline. Quotes over $3,600 annually for basic coverage with a clean record indicate you're probably overpaying.

Your ZIP code affects your rate; urban areas like Newark, Jersey City and Trenton cost more. So do your vehicle's safety ratings, annual mileage and even your education level with some insurers.
3
Find discounts you qualify for
New Jersey drivers can tap into several car insurance discounts. Bundling multiple policies often saves up to 25%. Good student discounts reward young drivers who maintain B averages.

Usage-based insurance programs track your actual driving habits and reward safe drivers. Ask about vehicle safety discounts if your car has anti-theft systems, airbags or electronic stability control.
4
Compare insurance companies, not just prices
Affordable car insurance means more than finding the lowest premium. A $90 monthly policy with minimal coverage and poor claims handling isn't cheaper than a $120 policy from an insurer known for fast, fair settlements.

Read customer reviews about claims experiences. Check financial stability ratings from AM Best. Look at coverage options. Plymouth Rock leads New Jersey insurers with strong performance across affordability, customer service and coverage. Amica provides superior customer experience with a perfect 5.0 rating.
5
Compare quotes through multiple means
Get car insurance quotes from at least three to five companies. Use direct insurer websites, independent agents and online comparison tools.

Independent agents often access regional insurers not available through comparison sites. Plymouth Rock and Amica, for example, work through local agent networks.

Provide the same information to every insurer. Otherwise, you're comparing different products instead of finding the best price for identical coverage.
6
Review your policy every year
Car insurance prices change constantly. Companies update rates and underwriting standards throughout the year. Set a calendar reminder to review your coverage and get new quotes annually. Last year's best deal might not be competitive today.

Life changes impact your rates, too. Buying a home, paying off your car loan, adding a young driver or moving all affect what you pay. Many drivers overpay by keeping coverage they no longer need or by failing to switch car insurance companies.

Best Car Insurance Coverage in New Jersey

State minimums rarely cover the true costs when accidents happen. New Jersey ranks within the top 20 states for traffic safety, but crashes still occur frequently on busy roads like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

An emergency room visit costs about $1,389 on average nationwide. A serious trauma case at a Newark, Jersey City or Trenton hospital costs $35,000 to $50,000. Even minor vehicle repairs typically run $500 to $1,500.

Minimum coverage won't handle the financial fallout if you cause a multi-car accident on I-95 or Route 287. Lawsuits will drain your savings and garnish your wages.

New Jersey's traffic fatality rate of 6.3 deaths per 100,000 residents sits below the national average. However, nearly 15% of drivers operate without insurance, putting roughly 600,000 uninsured motorists on state roads. These statistics make robust liability coverage and uninsured motorist protection valuable for New Jersey drivers.

MoneyGeek recommends these coverage levels for New Jersey drivers:

Liability: 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage) costs just $20 to $30 more monthly than New Jersey's 15/30/5 minimums and covers most New Jersey drivers adequately.

Drivers with substantial assets (homeowners, business owners or high earners) should choose 250/500/100 limits. This costs $25 to $40 more monthly than minimums but protects your assets if you cause a serious accident. Given New Jersey's dense population and high traffic volumes, higher liability limits protect current savings and future earnings.

Comprehensive and Collision: Add full coverage if your vehicle is worth more than $4,000 or carries a loan. Choose $500 or $1,000 deductibles based on your emergency savings—a $500 deductible costs $20 to $30 more monthly than $1,000 but lowers your out-of-pocket costs after incidents.

Comprehensive coverage matters in New Jersey, where winter snowfall contributes to thousands of weather-related claims annually. Vehicle theft rates in Newark exceed national averages. Collision coverage becomes critical on high-traffic corridors like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, where accident rates spike during Jersey Shore tourist season.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: New Jersey requires uninsured motorist coverage, but you should match these limits to your liability coverage. With roughly 600,000 uninsured drivers on New Jersey roads (about 15% of all motorists), higher protection becomes essential when at-fault drivers can't pay for your damages. Underinsured coverage fills gaps when responsible parties carry only minimum limits insufficient for your medical bills and repairs.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): New Jersey requires $15,000 in PIP coverage, which pays medical expenses regardless of fault. This coverage pays quickly without liability determinations in New Jersey's no-fault system, helping you avoid out-of-pocket costs while claims process.

Consider upgrading to $50,000 or $75,000 in PIP for comprehensive medical protection. This costs approximately $20 to $40 more monthly but provides worthwhile financial security given New Jersey's traffic risks.

Additional Coverage to Consider: Rental reimbursement ($30 to $50 daily) covers transportation costs while your car is in the shop. Roadside assistance provides towing, battery service and lockout help for $15 to $25 annually.

Gap insurance matters if you owe more on your vehicle loan than the car's current value. It protects you from paying thousands out of pocket if your financed vehicle gets totaled.

Finding the Best Car Insurance Rates in New Jersey

New Jersey's competitive insurance landscape and consumer protections make car insurance rates competitive for drivers. State minimum coverage costs $75 monthly, ranking New Jersey first nationally for affordable basic protection.

Full coverage premiums run about $59 more monthly than state minimum requirements. Average costs reach $134 for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible, sitting 33% above the national average.

Compare your quotes against these averages using the table or our New Jersey car insurance calculator.

Data filtered by:


Clean	$75	$134	1
Speeding 11-15 MPH over limit	$83	$154	4
Not At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)	$85	$144	2
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)	$97	$188	7
Texting While Driving	$99	$172	3
DUI - BAC >= .08	$118	$195	10

HOW VIOLATIONS AFFECT YOUR RATES IN NEW JERSEY

DUI convictions raise New Jersey car insurance rates most severely, jumping premiums 46% while requiring costly SR-22 certificates. Texting while driving increases rates 28%, adding $38 monthly to full coverage. At-fault accidents spike premiums 40%, tacking on $54 monthly for Garden State drivers.

Best New Jersey Auto Insurance: Bottom Line

Plymouth Rock ranks first for most New Jersey drivers with a 4.7 overall score, balancing competitive rates ($122 monthly full coverage), solid customer service and comprehensive coverage options. Your priorities determine the best choice: Amica offers superior customer experience (perfect 5.0 rating) for young and senior drivers who value service quality, and GEICO excels for drivers with bad credit or low income through competitive specialized rates.

Compare quotes from at least three insurers. Your age, driving record and coverage needs determine which company offers the best value, as rates vary widely by driver profile.

Best Auto Insurance in New Jersey: FAQ

Finding suitable car insurance depends on your unique circumstances. Common questions and their answers guide you toward appropriate coverage options.

What do I need to get car insurance in New Jersey as a new resident?

New Jersey residents need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and VIN for each vehicle. Most insurers require your Social Security number to check your credit score, which affects your rate.

You must get coverage within 60 days of establishing residency. You'll also need to provide your five-year driving history, including any accidents and violations.

Transferring from another state? Update your existing policy to meet New Jersey's minimum requirements of 15/30/5 with $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Can I drive in New Jersey with out-of-state insurance?

You can drive temporarily with valid out-of-state insurance. If you establish residency (get a job, register to vote or stay more than six months), you must get New Jersey insurance within 60 days.

Your out-of-state policy must meet New Jersey's minimum requirements: $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP), $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury liability and $5,000 property damage coverage. Military members stationed in New Jersey can keep their home-state insurance unless they establish permanent residency.

What happens if I get caught driving without insurance in New Jersey?

Driving without insurance results in immediate license suspension for one year and fines up to $500 for first-time offenders, plus a $250 restoration fee. Repeat offenses within three years result in two-year suspensions and fines reaching $5,000. Unlike many states, New Jersey doesn't require SR-22 certification. However, your future insurance rates will increase significantly. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you're personally liable for all medical bills, property damage and legal costs with no insurance protection.

How do I switch car insurance companies in New Jersey?

Purchase your new policy before canceling coverage to avoid gaps that could trigger license suspension. Start your new policy the same day or the day after your old policy ends. Request cancellation in writing from your current insurer with your policy number and cancellation date. Most New Jersey insurers don't charge cancellation fees for policies over six months old. You'll receive prorated refunds for any unused coverage paid in advance.

Does New Jersey offer car insurance discounts for military members?

Most New Jersey insurers offer military discounts ranging from 4% to 15% for active-duty members, veterans and military spouses. USAA, GEICO, Armed Forces Insurance and Navy Federal specialize in military coverage. Ask about storage discounts during deployment, emergency payment extensions, military defensive driving course discounts and waived deductibles for vehicles damaged during deployment.

How We Rated the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey

We researched more than 70 companies, from national to small local providers across all U.S. residential ZIP codes in New Jersey. We also checked the internet for customer reviews, discounts and coverage details to give you a complete picture of each provider's services. All companies had enough customer reviews and coverage information to make our list.

Here's how we score each company:

Affordability (60%): We looked at quotes for different driver profiles and compared rates within New Jersey. Our main rating is based on a 40-year-old male with good credit, no driving violations, no claims history and a valid license. We also checked other combinations to ensure you find the right fit.
Customer experience (30%): We used sources like Google reviews, J.D. Power, AM Best and Reddit to see what customers think about each company. We focused on New Jersey-specific feedback to get an accurate score.
Coverage options (10%): This score considers the number of coverage options a company offers, what makes it unique and what benefits it includes.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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