For most drivers in New Jersey, Plymouth Rock offers the cheapest car insurance with a DUI with rates of $75 per month for minimum coverage and $138 monthly for full coverage. However, NJM, Progressive, and Travelers also have affordable rates for those with a DUI conviction.
DUI Car Insurance in New Jersey
Updated: June 26, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The cheapest car insurance with a DUI in New Jersey is offered by Plymouth Rock Assurance with rates starting at $75 per month.
Depending on your driver profile and coverage level chosen, monthly New Jersey car insurance costs with a DUI costs around $221 for a minimum coverage policy.
After a DUI in New Jersey, you're required to maintain at least the state’s 15/15/5 liability coverage and $15,000 PIP.
Cheapest DUI Car Insurance in New Jersey
| Plymouth Rock Assurance | $75 | $138 |
| NJM | $103 | $158 |
| Progressive | $147 | $230 |
| Travelers | $181 | $268 |
| Allstate | $194 | $318 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance With a DUI in New Jersey
While the information above covers most drivers, it doesn't represent everyone with a DUI in New Jersey. Below, we've broken down the cheapest companies for those with DUIs by coverage level, age and credit score so you can find the best rates for your profile.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| Plymouth Rock Assurance | $75 | $905 |
| NJM | $103 | $1,238 |
| Progressive | $147 | $1,760 |
| GEICO | $171 | $2,048 |
| Travelers | $181 | $2,169 |
*A 100/300/100 liability-only coverage represents the minimum policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy New Jersey law for most drivers.
How Much Does DUI Car Insurance Cost in New Jersey?
For most drivers, car insurance with a DUI in New Jersey costs $2,655 per year, varying based on your profile and preferences. Compared to clean drivers without a DUI, those with the driving violation can increase rates by around 78%.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $221 | $2,655 | $97 | $1,165 | 78% |
*A 100/300/100 with no comprehensive and collision coverage represents the minimum coverage policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy New Jersey law for most drivers.
HOW LONG DOES A DUI AFFECT CAR INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY?
In New Jersey, a DUI (formally called a DWI (driving while intoxicated) stays on your driving record permanently. However, how long it affects your car insurance premiums typically depends on how far back insurers will look:
Most insurers review your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) for the past three to five years, so if your DUI occurred within that window, you'll likely see a rate increase. Some insurers carry the look‑back period up to 10 years, especially for major offenses like DUI.
Additional Costs To Consider When Having a DUI in New Jersey
While it’s obvious that car insurance rates increase after a DUI, it’s easy to overlook the other financial consequences tied to a conviction. Required fines and fees can add up to thousands of dollars, so it’s important to plan ahead. Below, we’ve broken down a complete list of considerations:
- Fines and fees. New Jersey law requires drivers to pay court fines and state surcharges after a DUI conviction. Fines can range from $250 to $1,000 for a first offense and increase with each subsequent violation. You’ll also be charged additional mandatory fees such as $100 to the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund, $100 for alcohol education, and up to $280 for required programs like the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC).
- Towing/impound fee. After a DUI arrest in New Jersey, police will have your vehicle towed and held for at least 12 hours. You must pay towing and storage fees to retrieve your car, which typically range from $250 to $500 depending on your location and provider.
- Drug education and treatment. You’ll be required to complete 12 to 48 hours at the IDRC, and may be referred for further treatment depending on your evaluation. These sessions come with additional costs, typically around $75 to $280 or more.
- DMV reinstatement fee. To reinstate your license after a DUI-related suspension, you must pay the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission a restoration fee. This includes a $100 license restoration fee and a $150 DUI-related fee, totaling at least $250. Additional fees may apply if you have multiple suspensions.
- Attorney fees and damages. If your DUI resulted in an accident, you’ll be financially responsible for any damages or medical expenses. Even without a crash, hiring a DUI attorney can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on your case. You may also face court costs, lost income, and ignition interlock device fees, which can add another $50 to $200 per month for up to 15 months.
New Jersey DUI Car Insurance Requirements
After a DUI in New Jersey, you must maintain at least the state’s 15/15/5 liability coverage and $15,000 PIP. While New Jersey doesn’t mandate higher limits for DUI cases, insurers may require elevated coverage and continuous proof of insurance for at least three years. A lapse in coverage can result in further license suspension and penalties.
Other New Jersey DUI Laws to Know
In addition to the insurance requirements, the state of New Jersey also enforces the following DUI laws and regulations:
Fines
New Jersey imposes strict financial penalties based on the severity of the offense, the presence of minors and repeat violations. For a first DUI, fines start at $250 to $500, plus surcharges and fees that can push total costs to $850 to $1,500. A second DUI within 10 years carries fines of $500–$1,000, and a third or subsequent DUI is at least $1,000, with steeper insurance surcharges and program fees.
Imprisonment and release
You may face up to 30 days in jail for a first conviction. A second offense can lead to a sentence ranging from 48 hours to 90 days, while a third offense can result in up to 180 days of incarceration. In extreme cases involving injury or death, additional criminal charges may apply.
Individuals arrested for DUI may be released once they are sober, typically defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under 0.05%, or after at least eight hours have passed since the arrest.
Impounding of vehicles
Under John’s Law, police are required to impound your vehicle for at least 12 hours following a DUI arrest. The duration of impoundment may be extended depending on local enforcement policies and whether the offense involves aggravating factors or repeat violations.
While New Jersey does not have fixed escalating impound times for second or third convictions statewide, courts may impose stricter conditions based on the case.
Suspension periods
License suspension varies based on the BAC level and prior DUI history. For a first offense with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10%, license suspension is typically three months. If the BAC is 0.10% or higher, suspension increases to seven to twelve months. A second DUI within 10 years leads to a two-year suspension, while a third results in a 10-year loss of driving privileges.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders face even stricter standards: a first DUI leads to a one-year disqualification, and a second offense results in permanent loss of CDL privileges. Hardship licenses are generally not available for CDL holders, though individuals may request limited driving privileges for essential needs like work or education.
DUI education requirements
Anyone convicted of a DUI must complete mandatory alcohol education through New Jersey’s Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). A first offense involves 12 to 48 hours of participation, typically scheduled over two consecutive days. Second-time offenders may be ordered to attend a 48-hour inpatient program or receive further treatment.
Offenders under 21 with a BAC of 0.01% or higher are also required to complete alcohol education programs and may be referred to additional substance abuse treatment. Those who refused BAC testing or had a BAC of 0.05% or higher may be required to complete a more intensive program to qualify for reinstatement of driving privileges.
How to Get the Best Cheap New Jersey Car Insurance With a DUI
Below you’ll find practical steps to help you secure the best possible car insurance rates in New Jersey after a DUI, and guidance for what to do if traditional companies decline your application.
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Understand your needs
Following a DUI in New Jersey, your insurance must meet higher state requirements, but it’s also wise to consider additional coverage if it fits your budget. Think about your income, driving habits, and where you live when deciding whether to add extras. We also provide an auto insurance coverage needs calculator to help you begin.
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Research costs and discounts
Before requesting quotes, get a sense of the average premiums for drivers with DUI records in New Jersey. While insurers typically won’t offer DUI-specific discounts, you can still save by requesting quotes online, signing up early, and completing a state-approved defensive driving course.
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Compare multiple providers
Although we’ve listed affordable providers as a starting point, nothing beats comparing quotes from multiple insurers. Just be sure every policy quote uses the same coverage limits.
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Use state high-risk car insurance programs if denied
If you’re refused coverage, the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Plan can help. This assigned-risk program ensures you can obtain coverage through approved providers even with a DUI on your record.
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Make lifestyle or vehicle changes
Improving your credit score can significantly lower your premiums; in New Jersey, drivers with poor credit and a DUI may pay an extra $1,500 annually compared to those with good credit. Also, choosing a car that’s cheaper to insure can help reduce costs further.
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Consider non-traditional coverage types
If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles a year, pay-per-mile insurance could offer substantial savings. Usage-based insurance programs that reward safe driving habits can reduce your premiums by as much as 40%.
Cheap DUI Insurance in New Jersey: Bottom Line
Overall, we found that Plymouth Rock Assurance, NJM, and Progressive are the cheapest car insurance providers for New Jersey drivers with a DUI. While this is what our research found, we still recommend that you compare rates for yourself, research costs, and decide what coverage you need beforehand, so you find the best deal.
DUI Insurance in New Jersey: FAQ
Below, we've provided MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about New Jersey DUI insurance.
Who has the cheapest car insurance for New Jersey drivers with a DUI?
For those with good credit, Plymouth Rock offers the cheapest overall rates in New Jersey for minimum and full coverage.
How much does a DUI increase rates in New Jersey?
Overall a DUI can increase your rates up to 78% for minimum coverage and 89% for full coverage compared to those without a DUI.
How much does DUI car insurance in New Jersey cost?
For minimum coverage DUI car insurance, the average rate in New Jersey is $221 monthly. For full coverage, it is around $369 per month.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for New Jersey's DUI Drivers
To determine the top companies for drivers with DUIs in New Jersey, MoneyGeek analyzed each company's financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services.
The rates above reflect a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with 12,000 annual miles. We modified this base profile to create the other profiles presented.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.
sources
- AIPSO. "New Jersey Automobile Insurance Plan." Accessed June 26, 2025.