bestauto insuranceNew Jersey2022The Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for 2022
The best car insurance companies balance customer satisfaction, affordability, and financial stability. The top car insurance company in New Jersey is New Jersey Manufacturers, which has the highest customer satisfaction score and came in second for affordability. It tied first and second for claims and financial stability, respectively.
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Last Updated: 5/13/2022
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Mark Fitzpatrick
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MoneyGeek found that New Jersey Manufacturers is the best car insurance company in New Jersey. However, you can still find better options, depending on your unique circumstance and preferences. MoneyGeek’s analysis took customer service, cost of coverage, and other vital factors into account.
MoneyGeek’s analysis can also help you pick the best option if you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey without considering the quality of service.
bestauto insuranceNew Jersey2022The Best Car Insurance in New Jersey
Best Overall - New Jersey Manufacturers
Best for Customer Service - New Jersey Manufacturers
Best on a Budget - GEICO
Best Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey: Overall
MoneyGeek’s analysis used several factors, including average rates, claims ratings and customer satisfaction, to determine the best car insurance companies in New Jersey.
The analysis found that the two top car insurance companies in New Jersey are:
- New Jersey Manufacturers: MoneyGeek score of 4.6 out of 5
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.6 out of 5
USAA was not included in this analysis as its policies are available only to former and current military members and their families. However, it received a MoneyGeek score of 5 out of 5, making it the best car insurance company in New Jersey for active-duty military personnel and veterans.
The Top 5 Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey
1
New Jersey Manufacturers
Score:4.6
Full car insurance coverage by NJM costs approximately $1,362 annually. The insurer ranked first for customer satisfaction and tied first for claims. It also ranked second for affordability and tied second in terms of financial stability. New Jersey Manufacturers offers rideshare insurance.
More About New Jersey Manufacturers
If you drive for a ridesharing company, NJM’s add-on rideshare insurance protects you from gaps in the transportation network company’s commercial insurance coverage in specific situations.
Read MoneyGeek's New Jersey Manufacturers auto Insurance Review2
GEICO
Score:4.5
GEICO's annual average cost is $1,035. It scored first for affordability, tied first for stability, scored second for satisfaction, and tied second for claims in New Jersey. It offers Mechanical Breakdown Insurance.
More About GEICO
You're eligible for GEICO's add-on Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) if your new or leased car is less than 15 months old and has less than 15,000 miles. The coverage is better and less expensive than the typical dealer extended warranty. It includes all parts and systems, not just the specific list of items covered by most dealer warranties.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review3
Progressive
Score:3.6
The average annual premium for full coverage car insurance from Progressive is $1,505. Tied second for stability and claims, Progressive tied fourth for customer satisfaction. It also placed fourth out of a total of six companies in affordability. It offers custom parts coverage and rideshare insurance.
More About Progressive
Progressive's custom parts add-on insurance pays for repair or replacement of items you added to your car, typically to a limit of $5,000. These include aftermarket accessories not installed by the original manufacturer, such as a stereo, engine turbochargers, paint job, unique lights, chrome bumpers, navigation system, and custom wheels. The insurance company also offers a rideshare insurance add-on that helps fill the gaps in your rideshare company’s policy and protects you when you're logged into your app. If you’re in an accident while waiting to receive a ride request, the coverage can protect you, even if you're liable for injuries or damages. It will also pay to repair or replace your own damaged vehicle.
Read MoneyGeek's Progressive auto Insurance Review4
Travelers
Score:3.6
Travelers tied first for financial stability and claims, tied fourth for satisfaction, and came fifth for affordability in New Jersey. Costing an average annual cost of $1,824 for full coverage car insurance, Travelers offers gap insurance coverage.
More About Travelers
Travelers offer gap insurance to policyholders in New Jersey to help protect you if your financed or leased vehicle is deemed a total loss in an accident. Known as loan/lease insurance, this coverage may pay the difference between the actual cash value of your insured car and the unpaid balance of the loan or lease.
Read MoneyGeek's Travelers auto Insurance Review5
Allstate
Score:3.5
Allstate costs an average of $1,490 annually. It ranks third in affordability, claims, and stability. The insurance company tied fourth in terms of customer satisfaction and offers custom parts coverage and portable electronics and media coverage.
More About Allstate
Allstate’s Ride for Hire add-on optional coverage protects you when your app is on, and you’re waiting for an assignment. The sound system add-on is coverage not commonly offered by auto insurers. It replaces stolen or damaged system components, speakers, video equipment, and more. To choose the sound system add-on, you must have comprehensive coverage.
Read MoneyGeek's Allstate auto Insurance ReviewHOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY
It’s important to note that your coverage premiums may change from one insurer to the next, depending on a variety of factors. MoneyGeek’s team determined the best full coverage policies in New Jersey by collecting full coverage policy quotes for a sample driver across several insurers. We also collected claims ratings and user satisfaction ratios from J.D Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Read MoneyGeek’s methodology for more details.
MoneyGeek's New Jersey Car Insurance Resources:
Compare the Best Insurance Options in New Jersey
Cost, quality of service, and financial stability are crucial factors when determining the best car insurance in New Jersey. Additionally, choosing the best combination of these factors ensures that the company you choose has the best coverage for you. You can use MoneyGeek’s in-depth customer reviews to find the best auto insurance companies in New Jersey.
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Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Customer Service
MoneyGeek scored the best providers in New Jersey, based on claims ratings and user satisfaction only.
As a result, the two top-rated companies for customer service without considering their costs are:
- New Jersey Manufacturers: MoneyGeek score of 5.0 out of 5
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
The Top 2 Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey for Service Quality
1
New Jersey Manufacturers
Score:5
NJM has a user score and claims rating of 5, ranking the highest among other companies analyzed by MoneyGeek.
More About New Jersey Manufacturers
When you purchase NJM full coverage insurance, gap insurance is included. This can help pay off your auto loan or lease if your insured car is deemed a total loss. You can opt for rental car and or travel reimbursement as well as roadside assistance, which can help whether you break down or get locked out of your car.
Read MoneyGeek's New Jersey Manufacturers auto Insurance Review2
GEICO
Score:4.3
GEICO came in second among the best car insurance companies in New Jersey, with a user satisfaction score of 4.5. It also tied for second on claims rating at 4 out of 5.
More About GEICO
GEICO policyholders can buy accident forgiveness as an add-on. This prevents your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident. You can also opt for rental car coverage, which pays a preset amount for a car rental when you can’t drive your own due to a covered accident. Roadside assistance is available as another add-on, which pays for the cost of flat tires, towing, jump starts, and lockout services.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance ReviewBest Car Insurance in New Jersey for Drivers on a Budget
For the best car insurance policy with minimum requirements in New Jersey, you can use MoneyGeek’s scores to get the best rates.
Below are two of the best auto insurance companies with New Jersey’s minimum requirements:
- GEICO: 5 out of 5
- New Jersey Manufacturers: 3.5 out of 5
Each insurer’s score is based on their ability to balance affordability for a minimum coverage policy and customer service.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy of $499 per year.
Discounts available for bundled insurance.
Discounts for members of partner professional organizations and alumni.
Discounts for federal employees.
MoneyGeek claims ratings of 4.0 out of 5.
MoneyGeek user satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5.
cons
No discount on paperless billing.
No discount for premiums paid in full.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
You can take advantage of GEICO discounts on bundling your insurance policy and if you insure more than one vehicle to save on your premiums.
Discounts are also offered for safety equipment such as airbags and daytime running lights, or an anti-theft system and anti-lock brakes. If your car is brand new, you can claim a discount, and you’ll also get a discount if you’re accident-free for five years.
Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Poor Driving Records
MoneyGeek analyzed the best cheap car insurance in New Jersey for drivers with at-fault accident records. These companies are:
- New Jersey Manufacturers: 5 out of 5
- GEICO: 4.9 out of 5
These scores are for auto insurance companies that balance both affordability after an accident and customer service.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: New Jersey Manufacturers
pros
Affordable full coverage at $1,362 per year after an at-fault accident.
Claims and satisfaction rating score of 5 out of 5.
Rental car reimbursement.
Emergency roadside assistance.
cons
Does not offer accident forgiveness.
No new car replacement coverage.
Does not offer better car replacement coverage.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
New Jersey Manufacturers has an affordable annual average cost of $1,362. It has high scores of 5 out of 5 in customer satisfaction and claims. NJM also has the best policies for drivers with a bad driving record as it offers a variety of coverage options and discounts.
In the event of an accident, NJM insurance covers the following:
- Roadside assistance: Roadside assistance is an add-on to your policy that allows you to travel safely with reliable protection against breakdowns.
- Rental car reimbursement: If your vehicle is involved in a covered loss and carries physical damage, your policy provides rental, ride-sharing, or taxi reimbursement.
Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for a Military Background
Research by MoneyGeek ranks USAA as the top car insurance company in New Jersey for military families and veterans with a score of 5 out of 5. It has the most affordable rates on average.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA
pros
Excellent customer service.
Great option for first-time drivers and new vehicle owners.
You can save if your car is 3 years old or newer.
cons
Only available for active and former service members and their families.
Limited range of coverage options and benefits.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA offers consistently low premium policy rates in New Jersey with the best customer service ratings.
It offers discounts and coverage as follows:
- Bundling discounts: You can combine your USAA auto insurance with your home or rental policies to get maximum discounts.
- Good students: There’s a discount if you’re a student with good grades.
- Multiple car discount: You can save if you insure more than one car.
- Safe driver discount: Maintain a good driving record for five years to see discounts.
- Roadside assistance: Coverage includes towing, flat tire changes, gas delivery, jump-starts, and unlocking your car.
- Rental Reimbursement: With USAA, you’re eligible for rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired.
Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Young Drivers and Students
MoneyGeek scored the best insurance providers in New Jersey for first-time drivers, students and young drivers based on the cost and customer service records.
The best insurance companies in New Jersey for students that balance both affordability and user support are:
- GEICO: 4.6 out of 5
- Progressive: 3.6 out of 5
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
Affordable annual premium of $2,199.
MoneyGeek’s claims rating of 4 out of 5.
MoneyGeek’s customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Offers good student discounts.
Offers driver’s education discounts.
cons
Does not offer distant student discounts.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Insurance premiums for young drivers and for students are typically very high. GEICO offers the lowest rates in New Jersey for full coverage car insurance.
It also offers discounts for good students, and those who complete driver’s education and defensive driving courses, all of which can help families save money.
Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Those With New Cars
MoneyGeek’s analysis includes the best insurance companies in New Jersey that rank well and offer new car replacement. With new car replacement coverage, you’re reimbursed for the full value of a brand new model of your insured vehicle (not just the depreciated value) if your car gets totaled. The coverage is optional, and as an add-on, you’ll have to pay more for it.
The best insurance company in New Jersey that offers new car replacement coverage is Travelers, with a MoneyGeek score of 3.6 out of 5.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Travelers
pros
It has an affordable average annual cost of $1,824.
Offers new car replacement.
MoneyGeek claims rating of 5 out of 5.
MoneyGeek financial stability rating of 5 out of 5.
cons
No better car replacement coverage offered.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is a great fit for drivers with new cars because it offers new car replacement coverage. Your new car starts to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot. If you total your new car in the first five years, this coverage replaces it with a brand new car of the same make and model.
Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Low-Mileage Drivers
Most insurance companies now have pay-per-mile coverage, where how much you pay depends on the number of miles you drive. Low mileage drivers in New Jersey can consider Metromile as the best option.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Metromile Auto
pros
Affordable rates for car owners who drive very little.
cons
Costly compared to traditional car insurance if you drive regularly.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
With Metromile coverage, you’re charged a base rate plus miles driven each month. As with any car insurance company, Metromile considers various factors when calculating the base rate, such as driver age, credit history, type of vehicle and driver history.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey in For You
If you’re looking for the best car insurance in New Jersey, you want to consider the cost of coverage, in addition to customer service and the financial stability of the insured.
MoneyGeek has collected all of this information for you, but you can certainly go through the process yourself.
1
Research Customer Service Reputations in New Jersey
MoneyGeek reviewed customer satisfaction ratings for the best auto insurance in New Jersey. However, you can look up J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios in New Jersey for the various providers you want to research. You can also obtain information from the State of New Jersey Division of Insurance.
2
Compare Quotes for Yourself
MoneyGeek’s quotes are averages for sample drivers in New Jersey and do not represent the entire state. You should get at least three quotes for comparison for a good idea of how much car insurance will cost you.
3
Make Sure the Company Has Coverages You Want in New Jersey
Insurers advertise their available coverages or discounts to customers, but sometimes the features aren’t extended to every state. You can contact the company directly to confirm it has the offer you’re looking for in your area of New Jersey.
4
Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
It’s vital to check the financial stability of an insurance provider. Large insurance companies tend to be financially more robust, and regional insurance companies in New Jersey may have lower ratings. This can affect their ability to pay out claims and even to provide satisfactory service.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey
The best car insurance in New Jersey for you will depend on your needs. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.
Methodology
MoneyGeek’s data on car insurance costs in New Jersey was collected in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Unless otherwise noted, the data was based on a sample driver with a clean driving record for a full comprehensive and collision policy, as described on our methodology page.
MoneyGeek calculated scores for customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction and financial strength from evaluations by J.D. Power, AM Best, and NAIC. Coverage and discount data was obtained from insurer websites and quote tools.
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