Updated: May 20, 2024
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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
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.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
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.
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:
Remember that the amount of coverage you purchase affects the cost of your car insurance.
| 1 | CompanyNew Jersey Manufacturers | Annual Premium$1,631 |
| 2 | CompanyProgressive | Annual Premium$1,732 |
| 3 | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$2,054 |
| 4 | CompanyAllstate | Annual Premium$2,096 |
| 5 | CompanyEsurance | Annual Premium$2,936 |
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:
Although minimum coverage may be cheaper than full coverage, it also offers less protection for accidents on the road.
| New Jersey Manufacturers | Minimum Annual Premium$932 |
| GEICO | Minimum Annual Premium$960 |
| Progressive | Minimum Annual Premium$998 |
| Allstate | Minimum Annual Premium$1,174 |
| Esurance | Minimum Annual Premium$1,624 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
A look-back period refers to how long your driving record shows your DUI violation. This period varies from state to state.
New Jersey’s look-back period is 10 years. Look-back periods are meant to discourage repeat offenses since incurring another DUI within the look-back period will subject you to more severe criminal penalties.
Full Coverage
$1,674
Full Coverage
$3,320This 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.
MoneyGeeks's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 26, 2024
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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:
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.
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.
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:
For drivers convicted of another DUI within ten years of the second, the following will apply:
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.
Some insurers may refuse to cover you or renew your license if you have a DUI on your record. Although car insurance is mandatory in New Jersey, insurers can legally do this since most providers are private businesses.
MoneyGeek’s analysis found that the cost of car insurance after a DUI increases by about 98%. Drivers with DUIs pay about $3,320 per year for full coverage car insurance, while those with clean records pay only $1,674 per year.
Drivers can purchase cheap post-DUI car insurance from New Jersey Manufacturers. It offers the lowest rates for full coverage and minimum coverage policies. NJM also ranks first in MoneyGeek’s grouping of New Jersey’s top car insurance companies.
A DUI in New Jersey can impact your car insurance rates for at least 10 years.
MoneyGeek’s guide provides you with a list of the top car insurance companies offering cheap coverage for drivers with DUIs on their records. Remember that these are average figures and your exact rates may vary. Shopping around for estimates can help you find the insurer offering the best possible deal.
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
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick 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 knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
