Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New Jersey (2025)
NJM, USAA, and The General offer some of the best car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey.
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Written byEmily Guy Birken
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Plutus Award winner
Over 12 years writing about insurance and personal finance
Emily is a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer and former educator who makes complex financial topics easy to understand. She specializes in the science behind money habits and has written for outlets like The Huffington Post, Business Insider, and The Washington Post.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Table of contents
Car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey costs an average of $204 per month, which is more than the average monthly cost of $166 that people with clean driving records pay. Insurers may consider Garden State drivers a high risk after receiving a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, or a DUI.
Insurers charge higher rates to high-risk drivers because they’re more likely to file insurance claims, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for expensive premiums. If you’re a high-risk driver in New Jersey, here’s what you need to know about maintaining the car insurance coverage you need at an affordable price.
Quick Facts
After getting a DUI in New Jersey, you must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
New Jersey offers a list of state-approved online and in-person defensive driving courses that can help reduce the number of points on your record.
Remaining violation-free for one year subtracts three points from your license.
Who is a high-risk driver in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses a point system for driving records, assigning points depending on the type and severity of the violation. Riskier behavior, like driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit, results in more points than lesser violations, like failing to use a turn signal.[1]
If you get six or more points on your license within three years, you’ll be fined, and insurers may increase your rates. If you get 12 or more points on your record, the state will suspend your license.
You can subtract points from your New Jersey license by remaining free of any violations or suspensions for one year and by taking a state-approved defensive driving course.[2]
Find Cheap Car Insurance in New Jersey
Monthly rates start at $104 for drivers with an incident
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Best New Jersey auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
The cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers can vary depending on the driver’s specific traffic violations. Shopping around is the best way to find the right high-risk insurer for your needs.
New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM), USAA, and The General are three of the best New Jersey auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers, so it may make sense to start by getting quotes from them.
NJM Insurance: Best for discounts
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $93/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $131/mo |
3.9
A solid optionBased on 69 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about NJ Manufacturers
Drivers appreciate the friendly service and efficient claim handling but dislike the significant rate increases and overall high prices.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
New Jersey drivers
Good claims process
Robust discounts
How drivers feel about NJ Manufacturers
Drivers appreciate the friendly service and efficient claim handling but dislike the significant rate increases and overall high prices.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
New Jersey drivers
Good claims process
Robust discounts
Reviews (12)
Joanne
March 12, 2025
Verified Review
Too Expensive
It's too expensive.
Rosalie
March 11, 2025
Verified Review
Pleased with NJM
I had a good experience and found them very helpful. However, I'm not happy that the insurance rate increases all the time. I only drive 2,000 miles a year, have no DUIs, no accidents, and no tickets. So, I wonder why the insurance rate goes up.
Patty
March 4, 2025
Verified Review
Significant Rate Increase
They increased my annual rate by $325.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.19A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
High-risk drivers in New Jersey can potentially save money on their insurance with New Jersey Manufacturers, which offers a three-year discount after enrolling in a defensive driver course. The insurer only offers this perk in the Garden State. You can also take advantage of discounts for paperless payments, vehicle safety features, and paying in full, which can further reduce your insurance premiums as a high-risk driver.
Pros
High J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region
Multiple discounts available
Excellent Trustpilot rating
Cons
Accident forgiveness not available
No 24/7 customer phone support
No mobile app
USAA: Best for military members
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $47/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $98/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,067 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,181)
Debra
May 15, 2025
Verified Review
Only Okay
Customer service is pretty hands-off. Our homeowner's policy went up a huge amount this year. I'll need to go shopping again, which is not what I like to do.
Alfred
May 15, 2025
Verified Review
Satisfied
I have over 50 years with USAA, which reflects a certain level of satisfaction.
Laurens
May 15, 2025
Verified Review
Expensive but good
Rates keep climbing.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA provides affordable insurance to veterans, active-duty military members, and qualifying family members. It also offers a number of discounts and a telematics program that can save drivers money. This makes USAA an affordable choice for any high-risk drivers among the more than 285,000 veterans and 61,000 active-duty service members, National Guard members, and their families who call New Jersey home.
Pros
Excellent J.D. Power customer and claims satisfaction ratings
Access to banking and investment products
Savings of up to 30% with SafePilot program
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Available only to military members, veterans, and qualifying family members
Low customer review rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website
The General: Best for drivers with a DUI
| User Reviews | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $107/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $208/mo |
3.5
A solid optionBased on 862 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about The General
Customers appreciate the ease of payment and availability of ID cards but are dissatisfied with the high premiums and poor customer service. They also report issues with claims handling and unexpected rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Robust mobile app
SR-22 insurance
How drivers feel about The General
Customers appreciate the ease of payment and availability of ID cards but are dissatisfied with the high premiums and poor customer service. They also report issues with claims handling and unexpected rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Robust mobile app
SR-22 insurance
Reviews (466)
Tori
May 11, 2025
Verified Review
Great deal
Great experience. Fast, easy, and reliable.
Art
May 10, 2025
Verified Review
Good
If you're stuck trying to find insurance, then give them a chance. Otherwise, they're expensive.
Sharon
May 9, 2025
Verified Review
Not happy with the general
I have yet to receive a paper copy of my policy. I have no proof of insurance as I have requested. I don’t know my coverage amounts except for being told it is full coverage.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.69A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
The General specializes in car insurance for high-risk drivers who can’t find affordable insurance coverage. Since The General specifically insures high-risk drivers, it can often be the best option for New Jersey drivers with serious traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence. New Jersey takes DUIs very seriously, requiring drivers who commit one to forfeit their license until they install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
Pros
Excellent Trustpilot rating
Flexible payment options
Accepts a wide range of credit records
Cons
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
High premiums for lower-risk drivers
Limited policy customization
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability. The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
Cheapest car insurance in New Jersey with an at-fault accident
An at-fault accident can indicate risky behavior on the road, which is why insurance premiums often increase after an accident.
But you can still find cheap car insurance in New Jersey after an at-fault accident if you compare quotes from multiple insurers. Consider starting your comparison shopping with these insurers.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| CSAA | $112 | $193 |
| NJM | $137 | $192 |
| Mercury | $221 | $292 |
| State Farm | $282 | $396 |
| Progressive | $283 | $492 |
| GEICO | $319 | $364 |
| Travelers | $370 | $521 |
| Allstate | $467 | $657 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance in New Jersey with a DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Insurers charge much higher premiums to high-risk drivers with a DUI compared to people with a clean driving record.
The table below lists some of the cheapest car insurance options for New Jersey drivers with a DUI.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| CSAA | $129 | $223 |
| NJM | $139 | $196 |
| Mercury | $236 | $312 |
| Progressive | $333 | $578 |
| State Farm | $344 | $483 |
| GEICO | $367 | $418 |
| Travelers | $444 | $625 |
| Allstate | $565 | $794 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest auto insurance in New Jersey with a speeding ticket
Driving above the speed limit increases your chances of getting into an accident, which is why your insurance rates typically increase after receiving a speeding ticket.
The insurers listed below offer some of the cheapest auto insurance for New Jersey drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| CSAA | $104 | $179 |
| NJM | $132 | $185 |
| Mercury | $209 | $276 |
| Progressive | $265 | $459 |
| State Farm | $268 | $376 |
| GEICO | $303 | $345 |
| Travelers | $353 | $497 |
| Allstate | $445 | $625 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Shop for High-Risk Insurance in New Jersey
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How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey
If you’re a high-risk driver struggling to find affordable car insurance, consider using these strategies to find a cheaper policy:[3]
Compare quotes
Getting quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the best policy for your needs at the lowest price.
Check for discounts
You may be able to lower your premiums through discounts, such as bundling, auto pay, affiliation discounts, and discounts for safety features.
Work with an independent insurance agent
An independent agent may be able to find cheaper policies or options than you can discover on your own.
Take a defensive driving course
You may qualify for a rate reduction after completing a New Jersey state-approved defensive driving course.
How to improve your driving record in New Jersey
Improving your driving record is one of the best long-term methods of lowering your insurance costs. Here are some ways you can clean up your record as a high-risk driver:
Slow down. Staying within the speed limit not only protects you from speeding tickets, but it lowers your chances of getting into an accident.
Learn defensive driving. New Jersey offers a list of state-approved defensive driving courses that can teach you how to stay safe on the road.
Seek legal counsel. After receiving a traffic violation or ticket, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in traffic law can help you reduce the impact on your driving record.
Improve your credit. Insurers may charge higher rates to drivers with poor credit history, so working to improve your credit can help lower your insurance costs and improve your finances at the same time.
New Jersey high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
If you’re a high-risk driver looking for insurance in the Garden State, the additional information below can help as you research your coverage options.
Which driver is considered high-risk in New Jersey?
Insurers typically consider New Jersey drivers who get six or more points on their license within a three-year period to be high risk. Additionally, any traffic violations or incidents, including speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs, can classify you as high risk.
How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in New Jersey?
Car insurance companies in New Jersey look at each driver’s driving record — especially any points on their licenses, as well as age, credit history, location and more — to calculate the driver’s risk status.
What is the cheapest insurance company for New Jersey high-risk drivers?
CSAA offers the cheapest coverage for high-risk drivers in New Jersey, with liability rates averaging $104 per month. But the cheapest insurer for you will depend on the specific violations on your record and other factors.
How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in New Jersey?
The price for high-risk auto insurance varies from one driver to another in New Jersey, although the average overall monthly cost is $204.
How long are you considered a high-risk driver for insurance?
It can vary depending on the specific risk factors involved. Points on your license, traffic tickets, and convictions can stay on your record for years, but defensive driving courses and maintaining a record with no new violations can improve your risk assessment.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Nj.gov. "NJ Points Schedule."
- Suspensions and Restorations. "NJ MVC."
- Driver Programs. "NJ MVC."
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Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.
Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger's, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.
She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.
Emily has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.