Temporary Car Insurance in New Jersey (2025)
GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive are the cheapest temporary car insurance companies in New Jersey.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
)
Written byA.M. Steinbach
)
Full-time writer for 5+ years
Two-time Emmy Award nominee
A Harvard graduate, Mark has worked as a freelance personal finance and tech writer. He’s also written for Saturday Night Live.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byKatie Powers
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
){kind=small}
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Table of contents
Some New Jersey drivers may only need temporary car insurance in certain situations, such as for a quick weekend trip or a weeklong business trip.
A standard car insurance policy typically lasts six to 12 months. New Jersey drivers pay average rates of $161 per month for standard liability and $225 for full-coverage car insurance, which exceeds the national averages of $104 for liability and $184 for full coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about your temporary car insurance options in New Jersey.
Quick Facts
Popular pay-per-mile and usage-based options, like Hugo and Mile Auto, aren’t available in New Jersey.
One way to get temporary car insurance is by canceling a standard policy early, which most insurers allow. But you may have to pay a cancellation fee.
Some low-income drivers in New Jersey can qualify for the state’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) program, which costs $365 per year, or $1 per day.
Best temporary car insurance in New Jersey
Most New Jersey auto insurers don’t offer temporary car insurance with terms of less than six months, but you still have options. Many insurers will let you cancel your standard policy early without a fee.
Here are three of the best short-term car insurance coverage options in New Jersey.
GEICO: Best for overall value
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $245/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. | $272/mo |
3.9
A solid optionBased on 12,093 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (6,463)
Nancy
Verified Review
Overpay
Reviewed in Arizona on August 2025
Because of my accident a few years back, they continue to charge me $163.12 a month. It doesn't seem like my monthly rate will ever change.
Carlos
Verified Review
Will never make another policy with GEICO
Reviewed in Massachusetts on August 2025
I had a bad experience with GEICO. In 17 years of being insured, I never filed a claim, never had an accident, and never received a ticket. Both my wife and I are excellent drivers. Two months ago, my credit card was cloned, so it was canceled and reissued. In the meantime, that month's payment didn't go through, and while waiting for my new card, GEICO canceled my policy. Once I received my new credit card, I contacted the company, but they told me my 17-year-old account was closed and that I needed a new policy. They issued the same policy but charged me an additional $250 to reissue it, or $500 more per year. I contacted them, and the answer was, "Sorry, it's a new policy, and that is our policy; there's nothing we can do," and the supervisor gave the same response. After 17 years without any accidents and never missing a payment, I was penalized without any consideration.
Amy
Verified Review
Shouldn't be paying high premiums
Reviewed in Kentucky on August 2025
I've been insured with them for years, but my rate continues to increase despite having no tickets or at-fault accidents. I can't find anything cheaper either. I used to sell insurance and received cheaper rates when I was younger and had more chances of accidents or tickets than now.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.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
GEICO offers some of the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey. Canceling a standard policy early is one way to get temporary car insurance. Fortunately, GEICO won’t charge a cancellation fee if you decide to end your policy early.[1]
GEICO also offers non-owner car insurance, which is a useful option for drivers who need car insurance on a temporary basis.
Pros
Low rates
Offers non-owner insurance
Cons
No pay-per-mile insurance option
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New Jersey
State Farm: Best for non-owner insurance
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.3 /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. | $387/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. | $417/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 11,427 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (6,091)
Bobby
Verified Review
Not Happy
Reviewed in Oregon on August 2025
The price just keeps going up.
Megan
Verified Review
Horrible
Reviewed in Michigan on August 2025
They only care about money and they increase my insurance every 6 months. I started out at $120 and now my insurance is over $200 a month.
Dale
Verified Review
SOS
Reviewed in Nevada on August 2025
Like all auto insurance policies, it starts low but increases annually.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84A.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
If you’re borrowing a car from a friend or driving a car you don’t own, you might want non-owner insurance. If so, State Farm is a popular option. While State Farm is one of the more expensive insurers in New Jersey, the company’s wide selection of coverage makes it a good choice for drivers seeking flexibility.
Pros
Offers non-owner insurance
Rideshare and rental coverage available
Cons
No pay-per-mile insurance option
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New Jersey
Progressive: Best for discounts
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $344/mo |
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (7,004)
Malinda
Verified Review
My Opinion
Reviewed in Indiana on August 2025
When I ask questions, they answer them quickly. I love the online chat as well. Prices are decent compared to others.
Cynthia
Verified Review
I was looking for a lower rate, I didn't find one so I will stick with Progressive
Reviewed in Georgia on August 2025
Love the company. I have had only Progressive for my last vehicles over many years. I would tell a friend the best way to go with this company is 6 months at a time. You can unlock discounts faster, but if you slip on monthly payments, you start over on your discount cycle. Forget Snapshot; it doesn't send good information in rural areas like where I live in the Okefenokee Swamp, and Snapshot was not accurate at all. This can end up costing you in the long run.
Debbie
Verified Review
Progressive Insurance
Reviewed in Missouri on August 2025
They have always been great when I call to have them mail my cards and policy. I have never been in a situation where a claim needed to be filed, however.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97A.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
Progressive is a great option for New Jersey drivers looking to save on coverage through discounts. The company has helpful driver-based discounts for safe drivers, good students, college students, and homeowners. It also rewards drivers for how they receive quotes and buy coverage, with discounts for online quotes, paperless policies, and automatic payments.
Potential policyholders can also use the Progressive Name Your Price tool to learn how much coverage they can buy with the amount of money they’re willing to spend each month.
Pros
Offers non-owner insurance
Below-average number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New Jersey
May charge a policy cancellation fee
We chose the best temporary car insurance companies above by comparing several New Jersey insurers’ IQ Scores, average rates, selection of insurance products, customer service record, J.D. Power scores, AM Best scores, and online customer reviews. For temporary insurance, we placed a special focus on short-term coverage options and cancellation fees.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in New Jersey
While New Jersey drivers pay above-average car insurance premiums, you can still find affordable car insurance. Rates start as low as $95 per month for liability-only insurance. Factors like your age, vehicle type, marital status, coverage level, ZIP code, driving record, and more affect your rates.[2]
The table below outlines the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey. The following insurers either offer a form of short-term insurance, including non-owner car insurance, or don’t have coverage cancellation fees.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, August 12 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $221 |
| GEICO | $245 |
| Liberty Mutual | $297 |
| State Farm | $387 |
| Travelers | $500 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in New Jersey
Liability-only quotes start at $95 per month
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Options for temporary car insurance
If you need car insurance only on a temporary basis, you have options. You can choose from pay-as-you-go car insurance, non-owner car insurance, pay-per-mile car insurance, and rental car insurance depending on your unique needs.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for safe drivers
Pay-as-you-go car insurance uses telematics to track your driving behavior and mileage. Your car insurance costs will be lower if you drive fewer miles and practice safe driving habits. With distracted driving on the rise, telematics has become a popular way for drivers to lower the chance of an accident or claim.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance usually has a base rate plus additional costs based on mileage. In some cases, your car insurance rates may rise if your mileage increases or if you don’t drive safely. Some drivers also might not want their insurer collecting their driving data. Telematics programs are voluntary and may be a good idea for low-mileage drivers.[3]
Non-owner car insurance: Best for borrowing a vehicle
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage whenever you drive a vehicle you don’t own. For instance, if you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a few days or renting a car, non-owner car insurance might fit your needs.
Non-owner car insurance has a six-month or 12-month policy term. It’s 37% cheaper than standard liability-only car insurance and 69% cheaper than full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data. Several major auto insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance, including GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate.
If you regularly borrow a car or use car-sharing services like Zipcar, a non-owner car insurance policy might come in handy. While non-owner policies have standard policy terms, they’re significantly cheaper than standard policies. This makes a non-owner policy the right financial choice for drivers who need insurance on a periodic basis.
Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for low-mileage drivers
In recent years, brands like Mile Auto and Hugo have started offering pay-per-mile auto insurance. With Mile Auto, drivers send in their odometer readings at the end of the month. Then, the company determines rates based on how many miles policyholders drove.
Pay-per-mile car insurance is a good idea for low-mileage drivers. These auto policies are also more privacy-friendly, as your insurer isn’t tracking your driving behavior — just your mileage.
Unfortunately, very few car insurance companies offer pay-per-mile insurance. Hugo and Mile Auto aren’t currently available in New Jersey. Allstate’s pay-per-mile program, Milewise, is only available in six states.
Stored car insurance: Best for occasional drivers
Many car insurance companies offer a significant discount to drivers who store their vehicles for long periods of time. For example, USAA offers major discounts to deployed policyholders who won’t drive their vehicles for a while.
Some car insurance companies offer a separate car storage insurance product, which is essentially a comprehensive-only policy that protects your stored car in the event of severe weather or vandalism. Talk to an insurance agent for more information on stored car insurance.
Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Insurify partners with top companies to generate free quotes
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Deciding on the right type of auto coverage to meet your needs as a driver is important. You’ll have to consider how frequently you drive, your annual mileage, how you like to pay for car insurance, and more.
Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of temporary auto insurance to consider.
Pros
Helps you out in short-term driving situations
Cheaper than a standard policy
Flexible options, from non-owner insurance to pay-as-you-go coverage
Cons
Many insurers don’t offer temporary insurance
Few one-day insurance options
You may still end up buying more coverage than you need
Temporary car insurance in New Jersey FAQs
New Jersey drivers have options when it comes to temporary car insurance. Here are some answers to questions you might have about temporary car insurance in New Jersey.
Can you get temporary insurance in New Jersey?
Standard car insurance policies in New Jersey are six to 12 months long. New Jersey drivers can get temporary insurance by canceling a standard insurance policy early, purchasing non-owner car insurance, or purchasing pay-per-mile car insurance.
How can you get $1-a-day insurance in New Jersey?
Low-income drivers in New Jersey may qualify for the state’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) program, which costs $365 per year and covers medical expenses after an accident. This isn’t a temporary insurance policy, and drivers must pay the $365 premium up front in one or two installments.[4]
Is temporary car insurance legit?
Only a few legit car insurance companies offer temporary policies. Most companies sell coverage only in term lengths of six or 12 months. If a company is offering policies with a shorter time frame, do your research to make sure the company isn’t a scam. Checking customer reviews and the Better Business Bureau website can give you some answers.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey?
CSAA is the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey, with an average rate of $95 per month for liability-only car insurance. Other cheap insurers include Bristol West and NJM, with respective average monthly liability rates of $148 and $166.
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 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.
Related articles
)
Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in New Jersey Starting at $95
August 14, 2025
)
Best Car Insurance in New Jersey
August 13, 2025
)
New Jersey Dollar-a-Day Insurance (SAIP Plans)
August 14, 2025
)
Average Car Insurance Cost in New Jersey
August 12, 2025
)
Car Insurance Requirements in New Jersey
August 14, 2025
)
Rideshare Insurance in New Jersey
August 14, 2025
)
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New Jersey
August 14, 2025
)
Car Insurance After a DWI in New Jersey
August 14, 2025
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Trenton, NJ, Starting at $113
August 14, 2025
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Newark, NJ, Starting at $139
August 14, 2025
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Jersey City, NJ, From $105
August 14, 2025
)
A Guide to New-Car Insurance
August 14, 2025
)
Cheapest Six-Month Car Insurance Policies
August 13, 2025
)
How to Find Cheap Commercial Auto Insurance
February 14, 2025
)
How to Shop for Car Insurance
August 14, 2025
)
Best Commercial Truck Insurance Companies
August 13, 2025
Sources
- GEICO. "How to Cancel Your GEICO Car Insurance Policy."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Background on: Pay-as-you drive auto insurance (telematics)."
- State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. "Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP)."
)
A.M. SteinbachInsurance Writer
A.M. is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content marketing strategist who's worked with major brands in insurance, tech, finance, and healthcare. He also contributes to The Average Joe, a personal finance newsletter that reaches over 250,000 daily readers. Since 2019, he's written for Insurify, breaking down a diverse range of insurance topics into crisp, readable prose.
A.M. has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in