NJM offers the cheapest insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey, with an average rate of $149 per month for liability coverage.
In New Jersey, 5.1% of drivers have an accident on their record, 2.74% have a ticket, and 0.48% have a DWI, according to Insurify data.
NJM offers New Jersey drivers a discount if they complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
Average cost of high-risk car insurance in New Jersey
The average cost of coverage for high-risk drivers in New Jersey is $228 per month for liability-only coverage and $320 per month for full coverage. Insurers look at your driving record to assess risk when calculating your insurance premiums.
New Jersey drivers who have an incident on their driving record, such as a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, or a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction, pay higher rates than drivers with clean records.
The following table shows the average monthly cost for New Jersey drivers with different driving profiles.
Driver Profile | Average Monthly Cost: Liability Only | Average Monthly Cost: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $182 | $256 |
| Speeding ticket | $244 | $343 |
| At-fault accident | $212 | $299 |
| DWI | $293 | $412 |
| SR-22 | $288 | $405 |
Shop for Car Insurance in New Jersey
Liability policies average $228/mo. for drivers with an incident
Cheapest car insurance in New Jersey by violation
NJM, Plymouth Rock, CSAA are three of the cheapest insurance companies for New Jersey drivers with violations on their records. Different violations, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DWIs, can influence how much you pay as a high-risk driver. DWIs typically result in the highest premiums.
Cheapest rates for high-risk drivers with DWIs in New Jersey
NJM offers the cheapest insurance rates for high-risk drivers with DWIs in New Jersey, with an average rate of $192 per month for liability insurance.
The rate of New Jersey drivers with a DWI on their record is 0.48%, according to Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With DWI | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With DWI |
|---|---|---|
| NJM | $237 | $192 |
| CSAA | $308 | $208 |
| Plymouth Rock | $323 | $210 |
| Progressive | $415 | $290 |
| GEICO | $431 | $337 |
| Direct Auto | $481 | $263 |
| Mercury | $484 | $352 |
| Allstate | $489 | $274 |
| Liberty Mutual | $490 | $399 |
| State Farm | $519 | $422 |
| Travelers | $672 | $545 |
Cheapest rates for NJ drivers with at-fault accidents
NJM has the cheapest liability-only insurance rates for New Jersey drivers with an at-fault accident, offering an average liability rate of $139 per month.
More than 5% of drivers in New Jersey have an at-fault accident on their driving record, according to Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With An At-Fault Accident | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With An At-Fault Accident |
|---|---|---|
| NJM | $171 | $139 |
| Plymouth Rock | $254 | $165 |
| CSAA | $272 | $184 |
| Progressive | $301 | $210 |
| GEICO | $353 | $276 |
| Allstate | $355 | $198 |
| Liberty Mutual | $405 | $330 |
| Direct Auto | $408 | $223 |
| Mercury | $426 | $310 |
| State Farm | $429 | $349 |
| Travelers | $566 | $459 |
Cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets in New Jersey
NJM offers the cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets in New Jersey, with an average premium of $159 per month for liability coverage.
In New Jersey, nearly 3% of drivers have a speeding ticket on their driving record, according to Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage With A Speeding Ticket | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only With A Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| NJM | $197 | $159 |
| CSAA | $274 | $185 |
| Plymouth Rock | $277 | $180 |
| Progressive | $346 | $241 |
| GEICO | $383 | $299 |
| Allstate | $407 | $228 |
| Direct Auto | $413 | $225 |
| Liberty Mutual | $426 | $347 |
| Mercury | $429 | $312 |
| State Farm | $448 | $364 |
| Travelers | $593 | $480 |
Best New Jersey auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only For Drivers With Moving Violations |
|---|---|
| NJM | $139 |
| Plymouth Rock | $165 |
| GEICO | $276 |
NJM, Plymouth Rock, and GEICO are some of our top picks for the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers in New Jersey. We chose these insurers because each offers some of the best rates, customer reviews, and claims satisfaction.
NJM: Best for claims satisfaction
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|
NJ Manufacturers's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.4 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the friendly service and efficient claim handling but dislike the significant rate increases and overall high prices.
New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM) Insurance Group is a regional insurer that operates in Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It’s a strong choice for high-risk drivers in New Jersey thanks to its competitive rates for drivers with DWIs, accidents, or speeding tickets.
NJM also boasts a high score for customer claims satisfaction according to J.D. Power, and an excellent score on Trustpilot, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
Wide range of discounts
High Trustpilot score
No accident-forgiveness insurance
No 24/7 customer phone support
Limited optional coverages
Plymouth Rock: Best for affordable rates
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $132/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. | $203/mo |
Plymouth Rock's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 2.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.0 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the competitive rates and efficient customer service but dislike the frequent rate increases and the mandatory tracking app.
If you’re looking for affordable coverage after an incident, Plymouth Rock Assurance offers some of the lowest average premiums. In addition to low rates, Plymouth Rock also has high customer reviews on Trustpilot. The company is a regional insurer in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
High Trustpilot score
Online quotes available
Gap insurance available
Available in only six states
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Scores below the J.D. Power regional average
GEICO: Best for discounts
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $221/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. | $283/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
GEICO doesn’t offer the lowest rates for New Jersey drivers with an incident, but it does offer a wide range of discounts that can help reduce monthly car insurance premiums.
From multi-vehicle and multi-policy to defensive driving and online insurance quote discounts, GEICO offers many ways to save. GEICO also offers 24/7 customer service and has a strong financial strength rating, meaning it can afford to pay out customer claims.
Online quotes available
24/7 customer service
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating
Low Trustpilot score
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
No rideshare insurance available
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.
How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey
If you have a bad driving record but still want to find the cheapest rates in New Jersey, follow these tips:
Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Comparing quotes from multiple New Jersey insurance companies can help you find the best rate. If you’re struggling to find coverage, you can look into the New Jersey Personal Automobile Plan (NJPAIP).[1] This is the state’s car insurance program available as a last resort for high-risk drivers.
Ask about New Jersey-specific discounts. High-risk drivers may still qualify for car insurance discounts. Some New Jersey insurers offer savings when you bundle your home or renters insurance with your auto policy or insure multiple vehicles. New Jersey law requires insurers to offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course approved by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).[2]
Reduce coverage. If you own your car outright, like 74% of New Jersey drivers, and it’s a bit older, you might consider reducing the coverage you have to lower your premiums. For example, you could drop collision and comprehensive coverage if it’s no longer cost-effective. But make sure you evaluate what makes the most financial sense.
New Jersey minimum car insurance requirements for high-risk drivers
In New Jersey, high-risk drivers must meet the same minimum car insurance requirements as all other drivers. But high-risk drivers often pay higher insurance premiums, face surcharges, and may face license suspension. Unlike many other states, New Jersey doesn’t require SR-22 filings.
New Jersey offers drivers a choice between a basic and standard insurance policy. A basic policy is generally cheaper but provides more limited coverage. A standard policy offers higher liability limits and coverage options, but premiums are more expensive. The following table shows the minimum coverage required for high-risk drivers in New Jersey.[3]
Coverage Type | New Jersey Basic Policy Minimum Requirement | New Jersey Standard Policy Minimum Requirement | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | N/A | $35,000 | Pays for injuries to another person if you cause an accident |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | Optional $10,000 | $70,000 | Pays for the injuries of multiple people if you cause an accident |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident | $25,000 | Pays for damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | None | Up to the amounts selected for liability coverage | Pays for injuries or property damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 | $15,000 | Pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault |
Who is a high-risk driver in New Jersey?
Insurers might consider you a high-risk driver in New Jersey if your driving record contains at-fault accidents, a DWI, or speeding tickets.
New Jersey uses a points system to assign points to drivers for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record, you may face a license suspension. Six or more points within three years can result in a surcharge. Getting points on your license can also increase your insurance rates.[4]
For example, if law enforcement catches you exceeding the speed limit by 1–14 mph, you’ll get two points. Driving 15–20 mph over the limit can result in four points, and speeds exceeding the limit by 30 mph can result in five points.[5]
In New Jersey, a DWI also classifies you as a high-risk driver. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you’re driving while intoxicated by law.
Unlike many states, New Jersey doesn’t require SR-22 insurance to verify proof of coverage after certain traffic violations.
Compare New Jersey Car Insurance Quotes
Full-coverage policies for high-risk drivers average $320/mo.
How long will New Jersey consider you a high-risk driver?
New Jersey’s Driver History Abstract includes moving violations, points, accidents, and suspensions from the previous five years. How long the state of New Jersey considers you a high-risk driver depends on your insurer. Each company has its own guidelines for determining which accidents and violations, and over what time period, qualify a driver as high risk.
A speeding ticket might affect your insurance rates for three to five years. More serious violations, like a DWI, may classify you as a high-risk driver for five years or more. The effect of violations on your car insurance tends to ease over time, provided you avoid additional violations.
New Jersey high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
If you have a recent speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, or a DWI conviction, you might have questions about high-risk driver insurance in New Jersey. To learn more, check out the following information.
Who is considered a high-risk driver?
In New Jersey, getting six or more points triggers an MVC surcharge, and getting points may increase your insurance rates. If your driving history contains at-fault accidents, multiple speeding tickets, or a DWI conviction, insurers may consider you a high risk.
How long do insurance companies consider you a high-risk driver?
How long you’re considered a high-risk driver depends on the traffic violation and how your insurer defines a “high-risk” driver. Violations like a speeding ticket might affect your insurance rates for three to five years. More serious violations, such as a DWI, may cause insurers to classify you as a high-risk driver for five years or more.
What is the cheapest auto insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey?
NJM offers the cheapest auto insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey, with an average rate of $149 per month for liability insurance.
How can high-risk drivers in New Jersey lower their car insurance premiums?
High-risk drivers in New Jersey can lower their car insurance costs by looking for discounts, increasing deductibles, and eliminating unnecessary coverages. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can also help you reduce your car insurance premiums.
Sources
- Nj.gov. "Special Automobile Insurance Policy."
- New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance. "Controlling the Cost of Auto Insurance."
- New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance. "Standard Auto Insurance Policy."
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. "Suspensions and Restorations."
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. "NJ Points Schedule."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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 500+ 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.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)