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2023

The Best Car Insurance in New Jersey

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.

Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey: Overall

According to our analysis, there is a tie between New Jersey Manufacturers and GEICO for the best overall car insurance company in New Jersey:

  • New Jersey Manufacturers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 (approximately $1,362 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 (approximately $1,035 per year)

MoneyGeek used several factors, including average rates, claims ratings and customer satisfaction, to determine the best car insurance companies in New Jersey.

USAA was not included in this analysis, but it received a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100, making it the best car insurance company in New Jersey for active-duty military personnel and veterans.

MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest full coverage car insurance in New Jersey for those focused on savings.

THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY

1
NJM Insurance CoBest Overall
Score:91

3.7/5

Affordability

5/5

Claims

5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Full car insurance coverage by New Jersey Manufacturers 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. It offers rideshare insurance.

Average Annual Cost: $1,362

More About NJM Insurance Co

New Jersey Manufacturers’ rideshare insurance is an optional add-on that rideshare drivers can purchase to safeguard themselves while using rideshare apps. This coverage protects the rideshare driver from gaps in the transportation network company’s commercial insurance coverage in specific situations.

New Jersey Manufacturers also offers gap insurance as an optional coverage. This coverage can be valuable if you have a car loan or lease since it covers the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the balance on your loan or lease in case your car gets totaled.

This insurer also offers standard add-on coverages, including rental car or travel reimbursement coverage, to cover travel expenses incurred if your car is rendered inoperable. Roadside assistance coverage is also available to help cover costs like towing when your car breaks down.

2
GEICO
Score:91

5/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO's full coverage policy costs an average of $1,035 per year ranking first for affordability. It also ties first for stability and ranked second for user satisfaction for claims in New Jersey. It offers Mechanical Breakdown Insurance.

Average Annual Cost: $1,035

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 fewer than 15,000 miles. MBI 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.

GEICO also offers accident forgiveness coverage, which will help to prevent an increase in your car insurance premiums after your first at-fault accident. GEICO even offers common add-on coverages like roadside assistance which will pay for towing, tire change, jump start and similar expenses when your car breaks down.

Drivers can also get rental reimbursement coverage to get compensated for travel expenses incurred if the car becomes inoperable and needs to go to the garage for repairs.

3
Progressive
Score:73

3.1/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

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.

4
Travelers
Score:72

1.9/5

Affordability

5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

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.

5
Allstate
Score:69

3.2/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

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.

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HOW 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:

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Customer Service

The two top-rated companies for customer service in New Jersey are:

  • New Jersey Manufacturers: MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100

For this category, MoneyGeek scored New Jersey providers based on claims ratings and user satisfaction without considering the cost.

THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY FOR SERVICE QUALITY

1
NJM Insurance CoBest for Customer Service
Score:99

5/5

Claims

5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

New Jersey Manufacturers has a user score of 5 and claims rating of 5, ranking the highest among other companies analyzed by MoneyGeek.

More About NJM Insurance Co

When you purchase New Jersey Manufacturers 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 also opt for rental car and or travel reimbursement coverage to cover travel expenses while your car is in the garage.

New Jersey Manufacturers also offers coverage for roadside assistance, which can help when you need services like towing, tire changes or jump starts.

If you are a rideshare driver in New Jersey, you can extend your medical coverage and roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage while using a rideshare app by opting for rideshare insurance. This coverage is an optional add-on, so you will need to pay extra to have it in your car insurance policy.

2
GEICO
Score:87

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

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.

GEICO’s mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) can be valuable if you have a new car that is less than 15 months old. MBI coverage pays for all mechanical repairs as long as your car has less than 15,000 miles. This can be cheaper compared to a dealer’s extended warranty.

Roadside assistance is also available as another add-on coverage. In case your car breaks down, this coverage will help cover the cost of flat tires, towing, jump starts and lockout services.

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Minimum Coverage

The two best auto insurance companies for drivers on a budget who want a policy that meets New Jersey’s minimum liability requirements are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 (approximately $499 per year)
  • New Jersey Manufacturers: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 (approximately $769 per year)

Each insurer’s score is based on their ability to balance affordability for a minimum coverage policy with quality customer service.

MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in New Jersey for those focused on savings.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

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

For New Jersey drivers on a budget, GEICO’s rates are the most affordable in the state. You can also make your premiums even more affordable by taking advantage of discounts like the bundling discount that GEICO offers when you bundle car insurance with another policy like homeowners or renters insurance.

GEICO also rewards drivers who have safety features installed in their cars with discounts for airbags, daytime running lights, anti-theft systems and anti-lock brakes. GEICO even offers a seatbelt discount for drivers who always use their seatbelts, as well as a new vehicle discount for those with new cars.

In addition, you could qualify for an affinity discount if you are a member of a partner alumni, fraternity or professional organization. Federal employees may also be eligible for a discount.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Young Drivers and Students

The best car insurance companies in New Jersey for young drivers and students are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100
  • Progressive: MoneyGeek score of 71 out of 100

MoneyGeek scored insurance providers in New Jersey for first-time drivers, students and young drivers based on cost and customer service records. Our analysis for this category evaluated rates for those in their late teens or early 20s, in high school or in college.

For young drivers on a budget, MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey for young drivers and students.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

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 higher than for most other drivers. GEICO has the lowest rates in New Jersey for full coverage car insurance for young drivers and also offers good customer service for policyholders. Good service is crucial for younger drivers since they are more likely to file claims. This means that they require a provider that offers prompt and fair settlement of claims.

GEICO offers various discounts tailored to make policies more affordable for students. These discounts include the good student discount, which rewards students with good grades. You can also get a discount on your car insurance premiums if you have completed a driver’s education course or a defensive driving course. However, GEICO does not offer a distant student discount for students who study away from home.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Seniors

MoneyGeek scored the best car insurance providers in New Jersey based on the cost of car insurance for seniors and customer service ratings. Based on this analysis, the best companies for car insurance if you are a senior driver in New Jersey are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 (approximately $937 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 (approximately $1345 per year)

MoneyGeek scores balance both affordability and customer service to rank the best and cheapest car insurance for seniors in New Jersey.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

GEICO

pros

Affordable policy for seniors at an average of $937 per year

Discounts for seniors over the age of 50

Defensive driving discounts

Discounts for safety systems and features

cons

Limited optional coverages

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

If you are a senior in New Jersey, you will pay higher car insurance rates compared to the average middle-aged driver. However, GEICO offers seniors affordable rates in addition to great customer service. Policyholders can also take advantage of various discounts to make their premiums even more affordable.

If you are over the age of 50, GEICO offers senior driver discounts. You will also be eligible for a discount if you complete a defensive driving class or have installed safety features like daytime running lights or anti-lock brakes in your vehicle.

Although GEICO does not have many optional coverages, seniors can opt for standard add-ons, including roadside assistance. This covers costs like towing and jumpstarting your car. Rental car or travel reimbursement is also available as an add-on to cover travel expenses incurred while your car is in the shop for repairs.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Bad 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: MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100 (approximately $1,362 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 (approximately $1,437 per year)

These scores are for auto insurance companies that balance both affordability after an accident and customer service.

If you are focused on affordability, MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey for those with a DUI or bad record.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: New Jersey Manufacturers

NJM Insurance Co

pros

Affordable policy for drivers with bad records at an average of $1,260 per year

MoneyGeek claims rating of 4 out of 5

MoneyGeek user satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5

Offer roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement

cons

Does not offer accident forgiveness, new car replacement or better car replacement

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Drivers with poor driving records typically pay more expensive car insurance premiums since they are considered high risk, but New Jersey Manufacturers offers affordable rates at an average cost of $1,362 per year. This provider also scores highly in user satisfaction with MoneyGeek scores of 5 out of 5 in customer satisfaction and claims.

New Jersey Manufacturers offers drivers in New Jersey various coverage options that may benefit those with poor records, including:

  • Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance is an add-on to your policy that will cover the cost of expenses such as towing and jump starts in the event your car breaks down.
  • Rental Car Reimbursement: If your vehicle is involved in a covered loss and becomes inoperable, this coverage helps to pay for the cost of travel expenses incurred while your car is in the shop for repairs.

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for a Military Background

Research by MoneyGeek found that USAA is the top car insurance company in New Jersey for military families and veterans. It earned a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100. USAA also has the best customer service ratings in New Jersey.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA

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

If you have a military background, USAA offers the best balance of cost and quality service in New Jersey.

Some of the key discounts and coverage offered by USAA include:

  • Bundling Discounts: You can combine your USAA auto insurance with your home or rental policies to get maximum discounts.
  • Legacy Discount: If you are under the age of 25 and you have been previously insured under your parent’s USAA policy, you can get discounts when you decide to get your policy.
  • Roadside Assistance: This coverage pays for services such as towing, unlocking your vehicle, jumpstarting your battery or changing a flat tire.
  • Accident Forgiveness: You can get accident forgiveness as an add-on coverage to ensure your premiums do not increase after your first at-fault accident. This coverage can also be earned if you remain claim free for five or more years.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Those With New Cars

MoneyGeek’s analysis found Travelers, with a MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 (approximately $1,824 annually), to be the best auto insurance company in New Jersey offering new car replacement coverage.

With new car replacement coverage, you’re reimbursed for the total value of a brand new model of your insured vehicle (not just the depreciated value) if your car gets totaled.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Travelers

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. Thanks to this coverage, you can get a new car if you’re unlucky enough to have an accident soon after buying your car.

If you total your new car and you have new car replacement coverage, Travelers will reimburse you with a brand new car of the same make and model. Keep in mind that this coverage will only apply if you total your car within the first five years. This means that any incidents after the stipulated period will not be eligible. This coverage is offered as an add-on, so you will need to pay extra to have it included in your policy.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey for Low-Mileage Drivers

Low-mileage drivers in New Jersey can consider Metromile as the best option. That said, most insurance companies now have pay-per-mile coverage, where how much you pay depends on the number of miles you drive.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide

Nationwide

pros

Affordable rates for car owners who drive very little.

cons

Costly compared to traditional car insurance if you drive regularly.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Car insurance is a necessity even if you do not drive your car frequently. If you do not drive regularly, pay-per-mile coverage like the one offered by Metromile may be a more cost-effective option for car insurance compared to traditional car insurance policies. This type of coverage determines premiums on a base rate plus mileage so that low-mileage drivers will end up paying lower rates.

Metromile charges for your first month’s base rate when you first enroll. Then, for subsequent months, you will be charged for the next month’s base rate, plus any miles you drove the previous month. The base rate is calculated based on individual factors like age, type of vehicle, driving record and credit history, so it is unique for each driver.

Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey 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.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.