New Jersey teens pay an average of $365 per month for car insurance — significantly more than the average for all New Jersey drivers.
NJM offers the cheapest car insurance for New Jersey teens, with average rates of $279 per month. The insurer also offers a good student discount and a telematics program.
In 2024, 77 New Jersey drivers aged 16–20 were involved in fatal crashes, highlighting the importance of safe driving for teens.[1]
Cheapest car insurance for teens in New Jersey
Young drivers pay more than any other age group in a state where rates are already well above the national average. The average cost of car insurance in New Jersey for teens is $303 per month for liability coverage and $426 for full coverage.
These averages reflect the cost of teens purchasing their own coverage, but it’s often much cheaper to stay on a parent’s policy. In New Jersey, teens can save about $100 per month, or more than $1,200 per year, by remaining on a parent’s full-coverage policy instead of buying their own.
The table below compares average monthly quotes for teen car insurance in New Jersey based on Insurify data.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Full Coverage | Average Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| NJM | $245 | $198 |
| Plymouth Rock | $349 | $227 |
| Progressive | $430 | $300 |
| CSAA | $472 | $319 |
| GEICO | $489 | $382 |
| Allstate | $506 | $283 |
| Mercury | $524 | $381 |
| Liberty Mutual | $539 | $439 |
| Direct Auto | $591 | $323 |
| State Farm | $633 | $514 |
| Travelers | $880 | $713 |
Shop for New Jersey Car Insurance
Liability policies for teen drivers average $303/mo.
Best car insurance companies for teens in New Jersey
New Jersey has about 30 insurance groups offering auto coverage across the state.[2] We chose some of the best car insurance companies in New Jersey based on pricing, coverage options, customer reviews, and benefits for teen drivers.
NJM: Best overall for teens in New Jersey
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|
NJ Manufacturers's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 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.
NJM offers the cheapest rates for teens in New Jersey. It also had the second-highest customer satisfaction ranking from J.D. Power in the Mid-Atlantic region. Teens can lower their premiums further through NJM SafeDrive, a telematics app that rewards safe driving. NJM also has a good student discount for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or better.
A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Excellent Trustpilot rating
Fewer complaints than expected with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
No mobile app for policy management (SafeDrive only)
No advertised accident forgiveness
Limited availability if you move out of state for college or work
Plymouth Rock: Best for affordability for teens in New Jersey
| 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.
Plymouth Rock has the second-lowest rates for teens in New Jersey. It also offers a good student discount, a new driver family discount, and an away-at-school discount. Teens can receive a $50 taxi or rideshare reimbursement if they aren’t fit to drive, such as if they’re too tired or inebriated.
YUBI telematics program rewards safe driving
Highly rated mobile app
Fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
Slightly lower AM Best financial strength rating
New driver discount requires 24-month tenure
CSAA: Best for telematics for teens in New Jersey
| User Reviews | 4.6 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.5 /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. | $137/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 |
CSAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.3 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.3 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the professional customer service and quick claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and expensive premiums. Some also found the communication lacking and felt neglected.
CSAA’s MySafeDrive telematics program offers up to 10% off for participating, with up to 20% in savings at renewal for safe driving. It also includes a family-sharing feature that lets parents and teens review driving data together. CSAA offers a good student and multi-vehicle discount, which could offset teens’ high premiums in New Jersey.
24/7 customer service
Highly rated mobile app
Fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC
Doesn’t serve Essex, Morris, or Union counties
Poor Trustpilot rating
May find cheaper premiums from some competitors
Best car insurance discounts for NJ teens
Many insurers offer car insurance discounts for teen drivers, but savings opportunities vary by company. Below are examples of common discounts for teens:
Defensive driving course discount: New Jersey law requires insurers to offer a rate reduction of at least 5% for completing a defensive driving course.[3]
Good student discount: Insurers may offer savings for teens who maintain a strong grade point average. NJM, for example, offers savings for students who’ve made the dean’s list or honor roll, or who maintain a minimum B average or 3.0 GPA.
Distant student discount: About 37% of New Jersey high school graduates who enroll in college leave the state.[4] If you’re away at school without a car, your insurer may reduce your premium since you’re not driving regularly.
Driver training discount: As part of New Jersey’s GDL program, 16-year-olds can obtain their special learner’s permit by enrolling in a behind-the-wheel driver’s training course. You may qualify for a lower rate just for finishing it.
Find Car Insurance for Teens in New Jersey
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Why is car insurance so expensive for teen drivers in New Jersey?
Teens pay more than any other age group in New Jersey because they have less experience behind the wheel. Below are some of the biggest reasons for high car insurance rates for New Jersey teens:
Risky driving behavior: Young drivers are more likely to speed, engage in distracted driving, and drive impaired. New Jersey saw 77 crash fatalities among drivers aged 16–20 in 2024, according to state data.
Limited credit history: New Jersey law allows insurers to consider credit history when determining rates. Most teens haven’t built much credit yet, which insurers may view as a sign of a high-risk driver.
Insurance eligibility points: New Jersey automatically assigns every newly licensed driver three “insurance eligibility points” due to inexperience. Seven or more points within three years can make it harder to find affordable coverage on the voluntary market.
New Jersey’s insurance environment: The state’s high population density, flood and hurricane exposure, and vehicle theft can increase rates for all drivers.[5] New Jersey’s uninsured motorist rate has increased in recent years, according to the Insurance Research Council, which can raise car insurance costs for everyone, including young drivers.
New Jersey car insurance requirements for teen drivers
To meet New Jersey car insurance requirements, you must carry either a standard or basic policy. A standard policy includes higher liability limits, while a basic policy is typically more affordable. Both policies have personal injury protection (PIP) to cover medical expenses regardless of fault.
Coverage Type | Standard Policy | Basic Policy | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $35,000 per person/$70,000 per accident | Optional $10,000 | Standard only |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident | $5,000 | Both |
| Personal injury protection | $15,000 per person, per accident | $15,000 | Both |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required and can’t exceed your liability limits | None | Standard only |
New Jersey also uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. GDL law requires teens to hold a learner’s permit and then a probationary license before they can get their driver’s license. They must also complete 50 driving hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
Consequences for teens driving without insurance in New Jersey
Driving without insurance in New Jersey can lead to a $300–$1,000 fine, community service, and a possible one-year license suspension for a first offense.[6] You’ll also have to pay a $750 surcharge over three years.
New Jersey’s zero-tolerance law imposes even stricter penalties on teens convicted of DWI. Any detectable alcohol can mean a 30-to-90-day license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol education.
How to get cheaper car insurance for teen drivers in New Jersey
Although teen drivers in New Jersey pay some of the highest rates, these tips could help lower your insurance costs:
Comparison shop
Costs can vary greatly between New Jersey insurers for identical coverage, according to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. Since rates for teens start so high, even a small percentage difference in savings could add up. That’s why the best way to lower costs is to request quotes from multiple insurers.
Maintain a clean driving record
Insurers assign new drivers three insurance eligibility points for inexperience. To stay in New Jersey’s voluntary market, you should avoid violations like speeding or at-fault accidents that could force you into the assigned-risk market.
Consider a basic policy or limited right to sue
Teens without many assets to protect might consider a basic policy, which costs less but offers less liability coverage than the standard policy. You can also opt for a “limited right to sue” with the standard policy, trading legal recourse for a lower premium.
Look into SAIP if eligible
Families receiving Medicaid with hospitalization coverage may qualify for New Jersey’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP). It costs $365 per year and covers only emergency room and catastrophic care.
Choose the right vehicle
When adding a teen to an auto insurance policy, ask your insurer to assign them to the least valuable vehicle. Research cars before buying — a hybrid vehicle may cost less to insure than a sports car. Consider gap insurance if you’re financing and rental car reimbursement if the vehicle’s ever in the shop after an accident.
Should your teen be on your policy or buy their own?
In most cases, it’s cheaper for a teen to join their parents’ policy than to buy their own. In fact, a separate full-coverage policy can cost about 33% more than adding a teen to a family policy in New Jersey, according to Insurify data.
Minors also generally can’t enter into a contract without consent from a parent or guardian. The table below shows the average cost difference in New Jersey between a teen joining a family policy and purchasing their own policy.
Policy Type | Average Monthly Cost | Average Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Teen on family policy | $314 | $3,769 |
| Teen on own policy | $419 | $5,025 |
| Cost difference | $105 | $1,256 |
A separate policy can make sense in certain scenarios, though. For example, if a teen owns a vehicle in their name or lives on their own and isn’t enrolled in school.
Cheap car insurance for teen drivers in New Jersey FAQs
New Jersey is home to more than 238,000 licensed teen drivers, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The answers below can help you find affordable coverage for teens.
What company has the cheapest car insurance for teens in New Jersey?
NJM offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in New Jersey. You should compare quotes from multiple insurers, though, since rates vary depending on the driver, coverage add-ons (such as roadside assistance), and discounts.
What factors affect car insurance rates for teens in New Jersey?
Teens pay higher rates because they’re more likely to speed, not wear seat belts, and drive distracted or impaired. New Jersey’s population density, weather risks, and auto theft rates also affect insurance costs, as well as your age, vehicle, and driving history.
Do you need auto insurance with a learner’s permit?
Yes, you must carry auto insurance coverage to drive legally in New Jersey. When you’re ready to get your learner’s permit, you should contact your parents’ insurer to add yourself as a listed driver.
How long can you stay on your parents’ car insurance?
New Jersey insurers typically don’t have a set age limit. You can usually stay on your parents’ policy as long as you live in their household and drive a vehicle they own, including while away at college. But if your vehicle’s in your name or you move to your own place, you may need to buy your own policy.
What car insurance discounts are available for teen drivers in New Jersey?
New Jersey mandates insurers provide a minimum 5% discount for completing a defensive driving course. Teen drivers may also qualify for good student, distant student, and driver’s education discounts. Savings vary by insurer, so it’s worth asking which discounts are available.
Sources
- New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "Teen Driver Safety."
- Insurers that Write Private Passenger Auto in New Jersey. "NJDOBI."
- Cornell Legal Information Institute (LII). "N.J. Admin. Code § 11:3-24.3 - Rate Reduction Filing Requirements."
- New Jersey Statewide Data System. "Where Students Go: Postsecondary Student Migration In and Out of New Jersey."
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). "New Jersey – 2024 – III.B. Overview of the State."
- FindLaw. "New Jersey Statutes Title 39. Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation 39 § 6B-2 – Penalties."
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.
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