What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in new jersey

What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in new jersey

Auto Insurance Coverage in New Jersey

Whether you're new to New Jersey or you've lived in the Garden State for a while and are just shopping around for the best car insurance rate, you'll be glad you checked with GEICO. We've got many ways to help you save money and lots of useful information for New Jersey drivers just like you.

Take a look at the facts below as you consider the auto insurance coverage that's right for you. You can start your New Jersey car insurance quote online.

Standard vs. Basic Car Insurance Policies in NJ

There are two common types of New Jersey auto insurance policies: standard and basic. The standard policy (most popular) provides several coverage options as well as the option to buy additional protection. A basic policy, while cheaper, provides limited benefits.

As a New Jersey driver, you must have an insurance ID card for each vehicle on your policy and be ready to show it in case you:

  • Schedule a NJ vehicle inspection
  • Are involved in an accident
  • Are stopped by a police officer

Required Auto Coverage in New Jersey

According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, all vehicles in NJ must have Liability, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage.

  • Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Minimum coverage level is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability Coverage: Minimum coverage level is $5,000 per accident
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum coverage level is $15,000
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: Minimum coverage level is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage: Minimum coverage level is $5,000 per accident with a $500 deductible

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort for NJ Auto Insurance Policies

In New Jersey, you have the option to carry either Full or Limited Tort. With Full Tort, you retain the right to sue the negligent party for pain and suffering as a result of an accident, regardless of the severity of your injury. Limited Tort is a less expensive option because you agree to limit your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless you sustain a catastrophic injury.

If you are unsure of which option you prefer, you can always speak with a GEICO insurance expert. You can even swing by one of our local New Jersey offices and speak to one in person.

Important Information About Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims in New Jersey

Information about car insurance claims requirements for the State of New Jersey, as well as documents related to New Jersey's Decision Point Review Plan and Pre-Certification Plan can be reviewed in the link provided.

New Jersey Teen Driver Laws

What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in new jersey
In New Jersey, teens may apply for a student learner's permit at 16. After the new driver obtains his or her permit, he or she must drive supervised for at least six months. The driver may not be on the road between 11:01 PM and 5:00 AM, and must be accompanied in the passenger seat by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years old, has a valid NJ driver's license, and has at least three years of driving experience. Parents or guardians are allowed as passengers, but not siblings.

At 17, drivers may get their probationary license, which permits them to practice unsupervised driving. While the driver may be on the road unsupervised, the rest of the student learner's permit rules apply. When the driver turns 18, he or she is eligible for a full driver's license. Please make sure you notify us when any dependent or household resident obtains a license or a permit so we may review your policy coverages.

Through GEICO, student drivers with a "B" average or better may be eligible for a Good Student Discount. Check with a GEICO agent to verify requirements.

New Jersey Registration Information

If you are planning to visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office to get a license or register a vehicle, you will need to take certain documents.

New to the Garden State?

New Jersey law requires the following to take place within 60 days of your move or before your current documents expire, whichever occurs first.

  • Transfer your out-of-state license
  • Transfer your vehicle title
  • Register your vehicle

For more information on the requirements when moving to New Jersey visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission site.

New Jersey Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in new jersey

Get New Jersey Auto Insurance State Guides, Laws and Regulations before You Buy Insurance

Auto insurance is mandatory in New Jersey. At the bare minimum, NJ drivers must carry liability insurance. This covers your financial responsibility for damage you may do to others, or their property. This is called a “basic policy,” and can be bought from any insurer licensed to do business in the state.

Full coverage is not required by any NJ law, but many drivers feel more comfortable protecting their investment with this type of policy. In addition to your monetary responsibility for damages you cause, these policies help pay for damage to your vehicle caused by things like weather, theft, and uninsured drivers.

Key Takeaways

New Jersey law requires that you cover liability coverage of $15,000 / $30,000 / $5000. That means:

  • The insurance will pay $15,000 for injury to another person
  • Up to $30,000 if more than one person is hurt
  • And $5,000 of property damage

Introduction to New Jersey Auto Insurance Requirements

New Jersey auto insurance minimums exist to protect drivers financially in case of an accident. But many drivers feel they need more coverage than the state minimum. That’s because our modern vehicles are faster than ever, and more capable of causing damage to other people and their property.

NJ Auto Insurance Coverage Descriptions

New Jersey only requires that drivers carry a minimum of liability coverage. But other coverages are available. If you have a car payment or other lienholder, they may require that you carry “full coverage.”

  • Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you collide with anything, whether it’s another vehicle, a tree or a wall.
  • Comprehensive coverage pays for other types of damage to your vehicle, like hail, fire or theft.
  • Glass coverage is generally available in NJ. This comes with a separate deductible, because windshields are expensive and delicate.

New Jersey Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

$15,000 to $30,000 Personal Injury

This coverage helps to pay for medical care for one person who is injured. But it may not be enough coverage. With these limits, medical costs above $15,000 for one person, or $30,000 for two or more people become the responsibility of the at-fault driver.

$5,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Most vehicle accidents cause some amount of property damage, whether it’s to other vehicles on the road, real estate, or another person’s belongings. This coverage pays for these damages. If these damages are more than $5,000, the at-fault driver will need to pay the difference.

Does New Jersey Require Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

No. As of 2022, NJ drivers aren’t required to have this coverage. However, it’s included in most full-coverage packages, and might be available as an add-on or endorsement.

New Driving Laws in New Jersey

The Safe Passing Law is new as of 2022. If you see a vehicle pulled over on the shoulder, New Jersey drivers are required to change lanes if possible, or slow down and create at least four feet of space for safe passing. If you cannot create four feet of space, NJ drivers must slow down to 25 mph or less to pass the vehicle safely.

Penalties for Failure to Carry New Jersey Auto Insurance

New Jersey takes auto insurance regulations very seriously, and the penalties can be severe. The first time you’re found driving without insurance, your fine will be anywhere from $300 to $1,000, PLUS community service and a license suspension.

After that, you’ll be required to pay $250 every year for the next three years, totaling $750, in additional fines.

NJ drivers won’t accrue points on their license for the first instance of driving without insurance. However, after that, you will get nine (9) points on your driver’s license. This will make auto insurance awfully expensive.

How to Get the Cheapest New Jersey Auto Insurance

Most auto insurance will slowly increase your premium (price) over time. This is a marketing tactic, not your imagination. Therefore, it makes sense to call around and shop for auto insurance ever few years. Insurers will try to gain your business by offering a more competitive price.

Other ways to decrease your costs for NJ auto insurance are:

  • Increasing your deductibles if you have full coverage: The higher your deductible, the less your insurance will cost. However, this doesn’t apply to liability-only policies, and your lienholder may require you to carry a lower deductible.
  • Shaving away extra bells and whistles on your policy: For instance, if you own several vehicles, you may not need rental car reimbursement coverage.
  • Seeking a “bundle” if you have several insurance policies: Insurers may offer you a discount if you have several types of insurance with one provider.
  • Buying a price-per-mile policy: These auto insurance policies are best for low-mileage drivers who don’t drive much. Be prepared to report your mileage several times a year to the insurer.

Read More: 8 Simple Ways to Save You 90% On Your Car Insurance

New Jersey State Auto Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies rate drivers and vehicles by their risk level. Electric vehicles (EVs), fast foreign cars, very heavy vehicles, and unsafe drivers tend to cost the most to insure. When creating your contract and deciding on your premium, insurers will consider:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Type of vehicle
  • Value of vehicle
  • Age of vehicle
  • Years of driving experience
  • Prior history of claims
  • Points on your license
  • Tickets, moving violations and DUI
  • Your zip code and garage location

NJ Auto Insurance Rates by Carrier

We scoured the web to find the best New Jersey auto insurance rates. However, your final price will depend on the issues listed above.

Carrier Yearly Average Premium in New Jersey
GEICO $1,372
NJM $1,242
Selective $1,159
Travelers $1,453

For help finding New Jersey auto insurance quotes, contact us today or simply put your zip code below and hit “Get A Quote” !

New Jersey Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequent questions we hear about NJ auto insurance.

Is auto insurance mandatory in NJ?

Yes. New Jersey requires all drivers to keep at least a minimum amount of liability coverage. Failure to do so can lead to expensive fines, ongoing surcharges, points on your license and community service.

Do I need full coverage auto insurance?

No. New Jersey law states drivers must have full coverage auto insurance. However, your bank or lienholder may require it if you are still paying for the vehicle.

What is the cheapest auto insurance in New Jersey?

Our research suggests that Selective and GEICO offer the most affordable auto insurance policies. However, this can vary based on your driving history, type of vehicle, zip code and more.

How often should I shop for auto insurance?

You will save money by shopping around for auto insurance every few years. Spend some time getting quotes from other insurers. You might save a lot.

What is the minimum coverage for car insurance in NJ?

In New Jersey, minimum liability limits are expressed as 15/30/5. This means that all drivers need at least $15,000 liability coverage per person and $30,000 per accident with at least $5,000 property damage coverage.

What type of insurance is mandatory in New Jersey?

Auto insurance is mandatory in New Jersey, but the type and cost of that coverage can vary significantly. Every day, consumers are finding that there are options available to make it easier to comply with the law. The Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act mandated that a Basic Policy be available to all drivers.

What is the minimum amount of insurance coverage?

Here are the minimum liability insurance requirements (per California Insurance Code §11580.1b): $15,000 for injury/death to one person. $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person. $5,000 for damage to property.

What is considered full coverage in NJ?

Full coverage car insurance includes a minimum of $15,000/$30,000 liability limits (most consumers purchase $100,000/$300,000), $5,000 in property damage liability and the ability to buy PIP coverage limits from $15,000 to $250,000.