Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey (October 2025)

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Updated: October 14, 2025

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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in New Jersey

Full coverage car insurance in New Jersey costs $171 per month on average — significantly higher than most states due to dense population and elevated claim costs. Minimum coverage averages $101 per month. New Jersey ranks among the more expensive states for auto insurance, making it crucial to compare rates from multiple providers.

Plymouth Rock Insurance offers the cheapest rates at $121 per month for full coverage and $66 per month for minimum liability. The company dominates 13 of New Jersey's 19 largest cities. Going without full coverage means you'll handle all repair bills yourself after causing an accident, so compare quotes to find affordable protection. MoneyGeek also ranked the best car insurance companies in New Jersey — Plymouth Rock Insurance also topped that list.

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Cheapest for Full Coverage and Minimum Liability in NJ: Plymouth Rock Insurance

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Cheapest for Young Drivers in NJ: Plymouth Rock Insurance

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Cheapest in Most Cities and Best Overall in NJ: Plymouth Rock Insurance

  • Plymouth Rock Insurance secures the lowest rates in 13 of New Jersey's 19 largest cities, with NJM Insurance and Selective Insurance rounding out the winners in large urban areas.
  • MoneyGeek recommends looking at the cheapest or best in your city and looking at our analysis of the best auto insurance companies in New Jersey, in which Plymouth Rock wins based on value and customer service.

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Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in New Jersey

Plymouth Rock Insurance leads New Jersey's expensive insurance market, offering the cheapest full coverage at $121 monthly or $1,455 annually. 

Selective Insurance ($126 monthly) and NJM Insurance ($137 monthly) offer competitive alternatives, while Farmers ($142 monthly) and Amica ($152 monthly) round out the top five. New Jersey drivers face higher costs overall but still have multiple options for comprehensive coverage as of October 2025.

Plymouth Rock Insurance$121$1,455
Selective Insurance$126$1,511
NJM Insurance$137$1,649
Farmers$142$1,700
Amica$152$1,829

*Rates for the categories above are based on a profile of a 40-year-old with good credit, a clean driving record and a 2012 Toyota Camry across all ZIP codes in the state. Young drivers refer to 16 to 25-year-olds, adults 26 to 64-year-olds and seniors 65+ years of age.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST CHEAP CAR INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY

We've created additional guides below to help you in your search for the best and cheapest car insurance in New Jersey:

Cheapest Liability Only Car Insurance in New Jersey

Plymouth Rock Insurance offers the cheapest liability-only car insurance in New Jersey at $66 monthly or $794 annually, providing the most affordable option in one of the nation's most expensive insurance markets. New Jersey's high population density and strict regulations contribute to elevated baseline costs across all providers.

Selective Insurance ($70 monthly) and NJM Insurance ($87 monthly) offer competitive alternatives, while Amica ($86 monthly) and Farmers ($103 monthly) round out the top five. Even the cheapest options in New Jersey cost significantly more than most other states as of October 2025.

Plymouth Rock Insurance$66-35%
Selective Insurance$70-32%
NJM Insurance$87-22%
Amica$86-17%
Farmers$103-15%

*These rates are for a 40-year-old with good credit, a clean driving record and a 2012 Toyota Camry across all ZIP codes in the state.

New Jersey requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage, plus $15,000 for personal injury protection (PIP). These relatively low limits seem inadequate given the state's high cost of living and dense traffic conditions.

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GEEK SPEAK: MARK'S THOUGHTS ON LIABILITY-ONLY INSURANCE

New Jersey's insurance costs are brutal, but there's a reason—you're driving in one of the most densely populated areas in the country with some of the most aggressive drivers you'll encounter. Those minimum limits of 15/30/5 are honestly laughable when a fender-bender in Princeton can easily cost $8,000.

Add in the fact that you're surrounded by expensive cars driven by people who aren't afraid to sue, and those minimum limits start looking pretty inadequate. Plus, no comprehensive coverage means you're on your own when nor'easters dump trees on your car.

Sure, you'll meet the legal minimums, but in New Jersey, that might not be nearly enough protection for your wallet.

Remember, the cheapest insurer isn't necessarily the best car insurance for your specific situation. If you're considering full coverage, scroll down to see the cheapest options for full coverage in New Jersey.

Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey by City

Plymouth Rock Insurance offers the most affordable minimum coverage rates in 13 of New Jersey's 19 largest cities analyzed, while NJM Insurance claims four markets and Selective Insurance secures two communities. This pricing landscape reflects New Jersey's notably higher insurance costs compared to most other states as of October 2025.

Minimum coverage costs across New Jersey's major cities range from $57 to $85 monthly. Middletown and Hamilton Square residents enjoy the state's lowest rates at $57 to $58 monthly through Selective Insurance, while Elizabeth drivers face the highest premiums at $85 monthly with Plymouth Rock Insurance. Urban centers like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson maintain elevated rates between $80 and $85 monthly.

BayonnePlymouth Rock Insurance$71-37%$-59
BrickNJM Insurance$72-25%$-32
CamdenPlymouth Rock Insurance$69-46%$-82
CliftonNJM Insurance$85-35%$-59
East OrangePlymouth Rock Insurance$75-44%$-82
EdisonPlymouth Rock Insurance$61-37%$-51
ElizabethPlymouth Rock Insurance$85-40%$-78
FranklinNJM Insurance$66-29%$-36
Hamilton SquareSelective Insurance$57-32%$-38
Jersey CityPlymouth Rock Insurance$81-36%$-65
LakewoodPlymouth Rock Insurance$76-30%$-47
MiddletownSelective Insurance$57-32%$-38
NewarkPlymouth Rock Insurance$84-40%$-80
Old BridgePlymouth Rock Insurance$68-31%$-42
PassaicPlymouth Rock Insurance$80-40%$-76
PatersonPlymouth Rock Insurance$85-39%$-75
Toms RiverNJM Insurance$72-25%$-32
TrentonPlymouth Rock Insurance$72-32%$-49
WoodbridgePlymouth Rock Insurance$68-32%$-46

*The lowest rate referenced is for a minimum coverage policy for a 40-year-old with good credit and no driving violations.

Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey for Young, Senior and Adult Drivers

Young drivers in New Jersey pay some of the highest premiums in the nation, making it critical to compare rates. Plymouth Rock Insurance offers the lowest full coverage for drivers ages 16 to 25 at $287 per month — 31% below New Jersey's average for this age bracket. Travelers takes second place at $311 per month, with Amica rounding out the top three at $315 per month.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Young Drivers
NJM Insurance$216$2,591-48%$-2,390
Geico$216$2,592-48%$-2,389
Plymouth Rock Insurance$287$3,449-31%$-1,532
Travelers$311$3,737-25%$-1,244
Amica$315$3,784-24%$-1,198

Adults ages 26 to 64 can find better value in New Jersey's competitive market. Plymouth Rock Insurance leads with the most affordable full coverage at $122 per month, followed closely by Selective Insurance at $123 per month. Farmers completes the top three at $137 per month.

For senior drivers 65 and older, Selective Insurance delivers the strongest savings at $126 per month for full coverage — 38% under New Jersey's senior driver average. Amica ranks second at $147 per month, while Plymouth Rock Insurance comes in third at $160 per month.

Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New Jersey

NJM Insurance leads the market for most high-risk categories in New Jersey, offering competitive rates for drivers with bad credit, at-fault accidents or texting violations. Selective Insurance provides the best pricing for speeding tickets, while Plymouth Rock Insurance delivers the lowest rates for DUI convictions. Your driving history and credit profile heavily influence insurance costs in New Jersey. Maintaining a clean record keeps premiums manageable, but violations like DUIs, accidents, speeding citations or texting infractions drive rates up quickly.

  • Cheapest With a Speeding Ticket: Selective Insurance ($123/mo)
  • Cheapest With an At-Fault Accident: NJM Insurance ($130/mo)
  • Cheapest With a DUI: Plymouth Rock Insurance ($145/mo)
  • Cheapest With a Texting While Driving Violation: NJM Insurance ($146/mo)
  • Cheapest for Bad Credit: NJM Insurance ($188/mo)
Selective InsuranceSpeeding Ticket$123$1,478
NJM InsuranceAt-Fault Accident$130$1,563
Plymouth Rock InsuranceDUI$145$1,745
NJM InsuranceTexting While Driving$146$1,756
NJM InsuranceBad Credit$188$2,254

How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey

Finding the most affordable insurance companies is just one part of getting the best car insurance rates in New Jersey. Here are proven strategies to save the most on auto insurance.

  1. 1

    Understand your policy choices

    New Jersey drivers must choose between a Basic Policy and a Standard Policy. The Basic option is the least expensive but offers very limited protection. The Standard Policy costs more but allows higher liability limits and customizable PIP coverage, which most drivers find necessary for adequate protection.

  2. 2

    Meet state minimum requirements

    A Basic Policy includes:

    • $5,000 property damage liability
    • $15,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP), with up to $250,000 for certain severe injuries

    Bodily injury liability is optional under the Basic plan but mandatory with a Standard Policy, starting at 15/30 ($15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident).

  3. 3

    Consider special programs

    Low-income drivers may qualify for New Jersey’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP), also called the Dollar-a-Day policy. It covers emergency medical treatment after a crash but excludes property damage and liability, making it a last-resort option for those with limited means.

  4. 4

    Compare statewide insurers

    Premiums vary widely between dense urban areas like Newark, Jersey City, and Camden, and suburban or rural regions. Always compare quotes from both national carriers and local mutual insurers to find the lowest rate for your ZIP code.

  5. 5

    Bundle policies to save more

    Homeowners, renters, and condo owners can unlock additional savings by bundling their auto insurance with property coverage.

  6. 6

    Use discounts strategically

    Completing a state-approved defensive driving course can reduce points on your license and lower your premium. Many New Jersey insurers also offer discounts for safe-driving telematics programs, good student performance, or paying your policy in full.

  7. 7

    Last-resort coverage through PAIP

    Drivers who are denied coverage in the voluntary market can still obtain required liability protection through the Personal Automobile Insurance Plan (PAIP), the state’s assigned-risk pool.

Risks of Getting the Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of 15/30/5, plus $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. As a no-fault state, New Jersey requires PIP to cover your medical expenses regardless of who causes an accident. But minimum coverage leaves you exposed to major financial risks:

    accident2 icon

    Vehicle damage if you're at fault won't be covered

    Without collision coverage, you'll pay all repair costs if you cause an accident. In New Jersey, average property damage claims hit $4,800 in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That money comes straight from your pocket with minimum coverage. Add collision coverage (which typically includes a deductible you'll pay before coverage kicks in) to protect against expensive repairs.

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    Weather risks make damage to your car more likely and aren't covered

    New Jersey gets hit with severe weather that damages cars regularly. The National Centers for Environmental Information reported significant weather-related property damage across New Jersey in 2023. Basic coverage won't pay for weather damage. Add comprehensive coverage to protect against storms, flooding and falling objects that frequently impact the state.

    injury icon

    Bodily injury damage is more likely to be higher than the minimum limits

    New Jersey's minimum bodily injury coverage of $15,000 per person often isn't enough for serious accidents. Insurance Information Institute data shows average bodily injury claims in New Jersey reached $22,800 in 2023. With rising medical costs, consider increasing coverage to 50/100/50 for better financial protection against lawsuits.

    uninsured icon

    Not having uninsured motorist coverage opens you up to unexpected costs

    New Jersey has a low uninsured driver problem, with 3.1% of drivers lacking insurance according to the Insurance Information Institute. While lower than the national average, if an uninsured driver hits you, you'll face steep out-of-pocket costs without uninsured motorist coverage. Legal action against uninsured drivers rarely recovers damages. Adding uninsured motorist coverage provides essential financial protection in these scenarios.

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    Vehicle theft damage is more likely and uncovered

    Car theft is a real problem in New Jersey, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Without comprehensive coverage, you get nothing if your car's stolen or damaged during a theft. The average stolen car claim tops $9,000, so comprehensive coverage is worth it in high-risk areas.

Minimum Coverage Requirements in New Jersey

In New Jersey, drivers must carry auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The state uses a choice no-fault system, which means policyholders can select between limited or unlimited rights to sue after an accident. New Jersey offers two types of policies: the Basic Policy, which provides minimal protection, and the Standard Policy, which offers higher limits and more options. Meeting the state’s minimum requirements keeps you legal on the road, but many drivers purchase more coverage for better financial security.

Basic Policy Minimums

Coverage Type
Minimum Required Limit

Bodily Injury Liability

Not required (optional $10,000 per accident available)

Property Damage Liability

$5,000 per accident

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

$15,000 per person, per accident (up to $250,000 for certain severe injuries)

Standard Policy Minimums

Coverage Type
Minimum Required Limit

Bodily Injury Liability (Per Person)

$25,000 per person

Bodily Injury Liability (Per Accident)

$50,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability

$25,000 per accident

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

$15,000 per person, per accident (higher limits available)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident

Cheap Car Insurance in New Jersey: Bottom Line

Plymouth Rock stands out as New Jersey's most affordable car insurance provider across different coverage types and driver profiles. While choosing the lowest-cost option can help you save money, cheapest isn't always best for car insurance. Get as much coverage as you can afford to protect your finances if an accident happens.

Cheap Car Insurance in New Jersey: FAQ

Below we answer common questions about affordable car insurance in New Jersey to help you save money.

What are the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey?

Who has the cheapest car insurance rates for young drivers in New Jersey?

Who offers the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors in New Jersey?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey for bad credit?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey with an accident?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey with a DUI?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey for those with a speeding ticket?

Should you buy the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey?

How We Found the Most Affordable Car Insurance in New Jersey

MoneyGeek collected auto insurance data from the New Jersey Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We analyzed quotes from 12 major insurers and reviewed more than 200 million rate comparisons across every residential ZIP code in New Jersey.

New Jersey Driver Profile

Our analysis started with a standard driver profile to find the cheapest rates:

  • 40-year-old male
  • 2012 Toyota Camry LE
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven annually
  • Good credit
  • Valid license
  • Currently insured
  • No claims history

We adjusted this sample profile, as specified, to find the cheapest option for various driver backgrounds.

Standard Coverage Levels in New Jersey

We compared car insurance companies in New Jersey that offer minimum and full coverage policies. We set the limits of the minimum coverage car insurance policy to the minimum amount required by law in New Jersey.

The minimum coverage liability limits in New Jersey are:

  • $15,000 per person for bodily injury

  • $30,000 per accident for bodily injury

  • $5,000 per accident for property damage

    Plus required Personal Injury Protection coverage.

For full coverage policy rates, we used the following liability limits:

  • $100,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $100,000 for property damage liability
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.

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