Cheap Car Insurance for Teen Drivers in New Jersey (2026)

NJM is the cheapest insurer for New Jersey teens, with liability policies averaging $198 per month.

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Carley Clark
Written byCarley Clark
Carley Clark
Carley ClarkInsurance Writer
  • 5+ years experience in personal finance writing

  • Personal finance blogger

Carley Clark is a freelance financial writer based in Michigan. Carley learned how to translate complex financial data into actionable information even before she became a freelance writer – she was a revenue auditor for a Michigan-based casino.

She’s been a freelance writer since 2020, and her work has appeared in well-known brands including CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, and FinanceBuzz. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University. She’s been an Insurify contributor since August 2025.

When she’s not writing content that helps readers make informed insurance decisions, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and going for walks with her dog. 

John Leach
Edited byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
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John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

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MacKenzie Korris
Reviewed byMacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

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Quick Facts
  • 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.

The below rates in New Jersey are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
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
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time New Jersey car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in New Jersey may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Liability policies for teen drivers average $303/mo.

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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
Details
4.2
Best choice in New JerseyBased on 154 verified driver reviews and ratings
NJ Manufacturers's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service3.83.6
Discounts3.52.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.42.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in New Jersey for
New Jersey drivers
Good claims process
Robust discounts
Showing recent national reviews
Darlena
Verified Review
Great insurance, but too costly
Be prepared to pay, because NJM Insurance Co. is not cheap.
David
Verified Review
Boo NJM
I was a customer for 25 years until they raised my premium by over $300 a year.
John
Verified Review
Excellent
Okay, but I want a lower rate.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
711
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.19
A.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

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.

Pros
  • A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating

  • Excellent Trustpilot rating

  • Fewer complaints than expected with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

Cons
  • 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
Details
3.9
A solid option in New JerseyBased on 317 verified driver reviews and ratings
Plymouth Rock's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.43.2
Customer service3.03.6
Discounts2.92.9
Policy transparency3.43.1
Value3.02.9
How drivers feel about Plymouth Rock

Drivers appreciate the competitive rates and efficient customer service but dislike the frequent rate increases and the mandatory tracking app.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in New Jersey for
Unique loyalty rewards
Group discount programs
Competitive pricing
Showing 5 reviews from New Jersey driversSee all 139 Plymouth Rock reviews
Pamela
Verified Review
F for Customer Service
They didn’t ask me if I wanted online communication; they just did it. Every time I need to access my account, it’s locked, and I have to either reset my password or call in and speak to someone through the automated system. I complained to customer service, and I have to remember each month because my policy has been canceled due to their failure to process it, so I was reinstated. It feels like it’s designed on purpose.
Jack
Verified Review
Haven’t found a better rate yet
Call and compare your rates.
Ruth
Verified Review
Loyalty or Cost Savings
Having trouble talking directly to my agent and getting new prices/info. Haven't had serious issues with them, but prices will determine if I stay.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
618
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.29
A.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).
NR
Why we picked this company

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.

Pros
  • YUBI telematics program rewards safe driving

  • Highly rated mobile app

  • Fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC

Cons
  • 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
Details
4.6
Best choice in New JerseyBased on 2,365 verified driver reviews and ratings
CSAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.33.2
Customer service4.43.6
Discounts4.32.9
Policy transparency4.23.1
Value4.32.9
How drivers feel about CSAA

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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in New Jersey for
AAA members
Customer service
Membership perks
Showing recent national reviews
Todd
Verified Review
Good rates at AAA/MEEMIC
Great rates, friendly customer service.
Charles
Verified Review
Do Your Homework
Check rates first, then choose.
Shannon
Verified Review
Total Disappointment
Contact and conversation prior to completing the deal are great. I personally feel insulted by the lack of cooperation after requesting a complete outline and explanation for my completely overcharged policy. I know for a fact that my driving and claims history is exceptional as I am a former state trooper and US Air Marshal. I am currently paying more with one vehicle insured than I previously paid for two. I have yet to receive the phone call as requested to explain the high rates given my professional background and history. To say I am frustrated with MEEMIC (AAA) is grossly understated.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
664
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.28
A.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

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.

Pros
  • 24/7 customer service

  • Highly rated mobile app

  • Fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC

Cons
  • 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 accidentOptional $10,000Standard only
Property damage liability$25,000 per accident$5,000Both
Personal injury protection$15,000 per person, per accident$15,000Both
Uninsured motorist coverageRequired and can’t exceed your liability limitsNoneStandard 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
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time New Jersey quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.

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

  1. New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "Teen Driver Safety."
  2. Insurers that Write Private Passenger Auto in New Jersey. "NJDOBI."
  3. Cornell Legal Information Institute (LII). "N.J. Admin. Code § 11:3-24.3 - Rate Reduction Filing Requirements."
  4. New Jersey Statewide Data System. "Where Students Go: Postsecondary Student Migration In and Out of New Jersey."
  5. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). "New Jersey – 2024 – III.B. Overview of the State."
  6. 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • 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.

Carley Clark
Written byCarley ClarkInsurance Writer
Carley Clark
Carley ClarkInsurance Writer
  • 5+ years experience in personal finance writing

  • Personal finance blogger

Carley Clark is a freelance financial writer based in Michigan. Carley learned how to translate complex financial data into actionable information even before she became a freelance writer – she was a revenue auditor for a Michigan-based casino.

She’s been a freelance writer since 2020, and her work has appeared in well-known brands including CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, and FinanceBuzz. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University. She’s been an Insurify contributor since August 2025.

When she’s not writing content that helps readers make informed insurance decisions, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and going for walks with her dog. 

John Leach
Edited byJohn LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

Featured in

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MacKenzie Korris
Reviewed byMacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

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