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BestAuto InsuranceAfter a DUIGetting Car Insurance After a DUI in New Jersey: Everything You Need to Know
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Having a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) on your record can significantly impact what you pay for car insurance.
MoneyGeek compared quotes from multiple providers to help you find the best New Jersey car insurance after a DUI. Our analysis shows that New Jersey Manufacturers offers the best and cheapest coverage for drivers with DUIs in the state, regardless of coverage level.
BestAuto InsuranceAfter a DUIBest Companies for DUI Insurance in 2023
Best full coverage after a DUI - New Jersey Manufacturers
Cheapest minimum coverage after a DUI - New Jersey Manufacturers
Best full coverage after a DUI - New Jersey Manufacturers
Best minimum coverage after a DUI - New Jersey Manufacturers
Car insurance is mandatory in New Jersey if you want to operate a motor vehicle. However, car insurers are private businesses that can legally decline to cover you if you have a DUI on your record. The car insurance companies that do offer coverage to DUI drivers charge higher premiums, as these drivers are considered high-risk.
New Jersey DUI offenders can expect to pay 98% more for car insurance compared to those with clean records. You may also run into legal repercussions such as license suspensions, ignition interlock device (IID) installation and community service.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey After a DUI
Among nationwide providers, Progressive and State Farm typically offer the most affordable car insurance for drivers with DUIs. However, the cheapest provider in each state may vary. For instance, New Jersey Manufacturers has the lowest rates for full coverage and minimum coverage policies after a DUI in New Jersey.
Cheapest Companies for Full Coverage in New Jersey After a DUI
MoneyGeek evaluated several companies in the state to determine which ones offer cheap full coverage car insurance for DUI drivers in New Jersey. These were:
- New Jersey Manufacturers: $1,631 per year
- Progressive: $1,732 per year
Remember that the amount of coverage you purchase affects the cost of your car insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Full Coverage After a DUI
Rank | Company | Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
1 | New Jersey Manufacturers | $1,631 |
2 | Progressive | $1,732 |
3 | GEICO | $2,054 |
4 | Allstate | $2,096 |
5 | Esurance | $2,936 |
Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage in New Jersey After a DUI
Since premiums spike after a violation, drivers looking to save money on car insurance post-DUI may opt for state-minimum coverage. The insurers offering the cheapest rates in New Jersey for this coverage level are:
- New Jersey Manufacturers: $932 per year
- GEICO: $960 per year
Although minimum coverage may be cheaper than full coverage, it also offers less protection for accidents on the road.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Minimum Coverage After a DUI
Company | Minimum Annual Premium |
|---|---|
New Jersey Manufacturers | $932 |
GEICO | $960 |
Progressive | $998 |
Allstate | $1,174 |
Esurance | $1,624 |
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Each state has specific minimum car insurance requirements regarding property damage liability and personal injury protection. A policy meeting minimum requirements may be cheaper, but not necessarily the best option. Although you save on premiums, you may pay more in out-of-pocket costs after an accident. Thus, it’s best to assess how much car insurance you need to ensure sufficient protection while driving.
Top Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey After a DUI
MoneyGeek ranked New Jersey companies according to cost, quality of service and financial stability to help you find the best car insurance after a DUI. New Jersey Manufacturers tops our lists for full coverage and minimum coverage policies.
Best Companies for Full Coverage in New Jersey After a DUI
MoneyGeek’s analysis found that New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM) and GEICO are your top car insurance options if you have a DUI on your record and you’re looking for a full coverage policy.
1
New Jersey ManufacturersBest full coverage after a DUI
Score:5
NJM’s full coverage car insurance policies cost about $1,631 per year on average. That’s almost 20% more expensive than a policy for a driver with a clean record, which costs about $1,362 per year.
More About New Jersey Manufacturers
There are several benefits to getting your car insurance from NJM. You can customize your policy by adding gap insurance, rental reimbursement or rideshare insurance. You can also get a discount for installing an anti-theft system in your vehicle or paying your premium in full.
However, NJM only offers its products in five states.
2
GEICO
Score:4.5
GEICO-insured drivers with clean records pay $1,035 per year on average for coverage. Having a DUI on your record increases the average annual premium to $2,054 — that’s a 98% increase in rates.
More About GEICO
You can find several discount options with GEICO. This insurer also has several online features, which makes them an excellent option if you’re looking for a convenient way to manage your insurance.
However, it doesn’t offer new or better car replacement, which you can usually find with other carriers.
Best Companies for Minimum Coverage in New Jersey After a DUI
Although it’s more affordable than full coverage, minimum coverage car insurance may not provide adequate protection to cover damages after an accident. However, if you want to take that risk, New Jersey Manufacturers and GEICO are again your best options.
1
New Jersey ManufacturersBest minimum coverage after a DUI
Score:5
Drivers with DUIs can expect a 20% increase in car insurance premiums. NJM charges DUI offenders $932 per year for minimum coverage, up from $769 per year.
More About New Jersey Manufacturers
NJM offers affordable and quality car insurance for people with DUIs. NJM also allows you to make payments and file claims through its website.
However, it’s only available in four states besides New Jersey. You also won’t find unique coverages, such as custom parts coverage.
2
GEICO
Score:5
An average driver with a clean driving record pays $499 per year for a state minimum policy from GEICO. A DUI violation raises this rate to $960. That’s a 98% increase.
More About GEICO
GEICO customers can expect exceptional service, according to recent reports from J.D. Power. Adult drivers can also lower rates by completing a defensive driving course.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New Jersey After a DUI?
In New Jersey, drivers with a DUI pay $3,320 per year on average for car insurance. Compared to the $1,674 annual average for drivers with a clean record, car insurance costs about 98% more after a DUI. You can use MoneyGeek’s list below to see how rates vary before and after a DUI conviction.
How long does a DUI affect the cost of your car insurance?
Average Cost
Full Coverage
$1,674
Average Cost with DUI
Full Coverage
$3,320Full coverage policy premiums after a DUI cost:$1,646 more
This is 98% more expensive.
Insurers categorize drivers with DUIs on their records as high-risk, resulting in more expensive car insurance premiums.
In New Jersey, the average increase in the cost of car insurance after a DUI is 98%, but exact rates may differ depending on your situation. MoneyGeek’s auto insurance calculator below can help you better estimate how much you’ll pay for coverage based on your unique profile.
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An increase in your auto insurance premium is only the tip of the iceberg regarding the financial impact of a DUI. Other post-DUI expenses include:
- Fines, court and attorneys’ fees: You'll pay up to $1,000 in fines, depending on your offense. Besides this, you’ll have to shoulder court fees and costs for legal representation.
- Towing or impounding fee: The state will impound your car if the police arrest you. You’ll need to pay a fee to retrieve it.
- Drug education and treatment: You may be required to complete a drug or alcohol treatment program. This could range from a single 8-hour class to several months in group counseling.
- DMV reinstatement fee: There is a separate fee to reinstate your license after a suspension.
Getting Car Insurance in New Jersey After a DUI
A DUI conviction in New Jersey stays on your driving record for 10 years. During this time, it can be difficult to find affordable car insurance after a DUI.
First, car insurance companies may refuse to cover you or renew your policy. Although New Jersey requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, most providers are private businesses and can legally choose who they do and do not cover. If a provider is willing to insure you, expect a significant increase in your premium.
For these reasons, it’s best to compare quotes from multiple providers. Doing so may help you save money by finding the best available deal.
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Most states require drivers to file SR-22 car insurance after a DUI. SR-22 insurance is not necessary in New Jersey. However, insurers consider your driving history when setting premiums and having a DUI on your record may still affect your rates.
MoneyGeek’s car insurance guide for high-risk drivers may help in determining which companies will most likely offer you the best coverage after a DUI.
New Jersey DUI Laws
The consequences of a DUI aren’t just financial — there are legal implications, too. Although DUI laws vary per state, the most common repercussions include limited driving privileges, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) and even possible jail time. MoneyGeek details the specific regulations that apply to New Jersey.
Driving with a BAC at or above 0.08% is considered a DUI
Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) refers to the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream after ingesting alcoholic drinks. A BAC of 0.08% in New Jersey renders you eligible for a DUI conviction. However, even a BAC of 0.02% impairs your driving ability and may lead to an arrest.
Driving with a BAC of 0.15% will result in increased penalties
Drivers with a BAC of 0.10% receive more severe penalties in New Jersey. Drivers with a BAC of 0.15% must have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicles.
3-month administrative license suspension on first offense
First-time offenders in New Jersey can have their licenses suspended for three months if their BAC is above 0.08% but less than 0.10%.
However, if your BAC is above 0.10% or higher, your license may be suspended for seven months to a year. This rule also applies to drug-related DUIs.
Installation of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for all convictions
You must install an IID in your vehicle if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, even on a first offense. It must remain for six months to a year after. For a subsequent offense, the IID must remain for one to three years.
Fines and community service for open containers
Drivers apprehended with open containers in their vehicle must pay a $200 fine. A second offense merits a $250 fine and ten days of community service.
License loss, prison time, community service and Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) enrollment for repeat offenders
Drivers convicted of a second DUI within ten years may face the following repercussions:
- Two years of license suspension
- Jail time ranging from 48 hours to 90 days
- 30 days of community service
- 12 to 48 hours of IDRC
For drivers convicted of another DUI within ten years of the second, the following will apply:
- Ten years of license suspension
- 180 days of jail time
- Up to 90 days of community service
- 12 to 48 hours of IDRC education classes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Driving under the influence is a severe traffic violation in New Jersey. MoneyGeek gathered the most commonly asked questions about car insurance after a DUI in the state to provide you with more information.
Methodology
To determine the top companies for individuals with DUIs in New Jersey, MoneyGeek analyzed each company’s financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data and information obtained from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. The rates above are based on a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with 12K annual mileage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- J.D. Power. "2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- Responsibility.org. "National Drunk Driving Statistics Map." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- Official Site of the State of New Jersey. "Driving While Intoxicated Brochure." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. "Drunk Driving." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. "Suspensions and Restorations — Penalties." Accessed April 25, 2022.