Car insurance in New Jersey, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, New Jersey car insurance isn't just something that drivers in the "Garden State" should have; it's something they
have.
New Jersey auto insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in New Jersey, you need car insurance in New Jersey. Here's what kind and how much, according to New Jersey state law:
Browse NJ auto insurance rates online
If you need New Jersey auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major New Jersey auto insurance companies, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.
I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from many a New Jersey auto insurance company at websites like
InsWeb,
Insurance.com,
InsuranceUSA and
InsuranceFinder, or from companies like
Progressive and
Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.
Solicit NJ car insurance quotes from national providers
Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in New Jersey and all provide competitive New Jersey car insurance rates.
I recommend: When they’re browsing car insurance companies, New Jersey drivers should start with the largest and most popular, including major providers like
AIG,
Allstate,
Chubb,
Farmers,
GEICO,
The Hartford,
Liberty Mutual and
State Farm. National associations like
AAA and
AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in New Jersey.
Get car insurance in New Jersey from local and regional companies
In New Jersey, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.
I recommend: For automotive insurance, New Jersey drivers should try New Jersey-based companies like
IFA Insurance Company,
New Jersey Skylands Insurance and
New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company. Also consider local programs, such as the
New Jersey Automobile Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in New Jersey, and the
Dollar a Day Auto Insurance Policy, or SAIP.
Use an independent agent to find New Jersey car insurance bargains
Buying car insurance in New Jersey via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.
I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in New Jersey, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey.
Choose NJ auto insurance companies that you can trust
Before doing business with New Jersey car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.
I recommend: If you subscribe to
Consumer Reports, you can check up on New Jersey car insurance companies. Another good resource is the
New Jersey Division of Insurance, which compiles statistics on complaints about
New Jersey auto insurance companies on its
automobile insurance page.