Car Insurance New Jersey
Accidents can happen to anyone, and auto insurance helps cover costs like medical bills, vehicle repairs, and even legal fees, so you don’t have to face those expenses alone. Similar to most states, New Jersey requires every driver to carry a minimum level of coverage to ensure that everyone on the road has some financial protection when the unexpected happens. Mercury is here to help you understand your options and find the best coverage for your needs.
New Jersey Car Insurance Requirements
Here’s what every driver must have to legally drive in New Jersey:
- Bodily injury liability: This covers medical costs and legal fees if you’re responsible for an accident that injures another person. The minimum requirements are $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability: This covers any damage you cause to someone else’s property, like their car or home. The minimum required coverage is $55,000 per accident.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP covers your medical expenses after an accident, no matter who was at fault. The minimum requirement is $15,000 per person/per accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage helps you if you’re hit by a driver without enough insurance or no insurance at all. It can provide coverage up to your chosen liability limits.
There are also optional auto insurance coverages you can get to add more protection to your policy, including:
- Collision protection: This helps pay for repairs if your vehicle is damaged in a crash.
- Comprehensive coverage: This covers non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance in New Jersey?
Full coverage car insurance in New Jersey typically means your policy includes the state-mandated requirements and optional coverages such as collision protection and comprehensive coverage. It’s an excellent option if you want greater peace of mind knowing you’re protected from both accidents and unexpected events on and off the road.
How Much Is Car Insurance in New Jersey?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of full coverage car insurance is $2,587 per year and $1,067 per year for minimum coverage. These are just averages, so your rate can be lower or higher depending on factors such as location, age, and driving history.
Is New Jersey a No-Fault Car Insurance State?
Yes, New Jersey is a no-fault car insurance state. This means that if you’re involved in an accident, your own insurance policy will cover your medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to ensure that drivers and passengers get timely medical care without the need to determine fault before coverage kicks in.
Get Car Insurance Savings & Discounts in New Jersey
Mercury provides numerous ways to lower your premium. Here are some of the discounts available to help you save:
- Multi-Car Discount: Got more than one vehicle? Insure them under the same policy and save up to 17%.
- 3-Year Accident/Violation-Free Discount: If you’ve been accident-free and have no violations in the last 35 months, you could save up to 8%.
- New Business 5-Year Accident-Free Discount: New to Mercury? If you haven’t had an accident in the past five years, you could qualify for up to a 16% discount.
- Paid in Full Discount: Pay your policy in full upfront, and you can enjoy up to a 15% discount.
- Automatic Payment Discount: Enroll in automatic payments and save up to an additional 6%.
- Electric Vehicle Discount: If you have an electric vehicle, you can get up to a 5% discount.
- Defensive Driver Discount: If you complete a state-approved defensive driving course, you can receive a 5% discount
- Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle your auto insurance with your homeowners or renters insurance and save up to 17% on your policy.
These are a few ways you can save. Contact a local New Jersey agent to see which discounts you can be eligible for.
How to Get Car Insurance in New Jersey
Ready to get started with affordable, reliable car insurance? Contact a local Mercury agent to discuss your options and get a personalized quote. You can also start a quote online or call us at (800) 507-5349
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in New Jersey
When it comes to car insurance rates in New Jersey, several factors come into play. Here’s a look at what influences your premium:
- Driving record: If you have a clean record with no accidents or traffic violations, you’re likely to get lower rates. On the other hand, tickets or accidents can increase your premium.
- Location: Drivers in more populated areas, like Jersey City or Newark, might see higher rates due to the increased risk of accidents, theft, or vandalism compared to those in more rural areas.
- Vehicle type: Expensive or newer vehicles generally cost more to insure because they’re more costly to repair or replace. Vehicles with strong safety ratings might help reduce your premiums.
- Age and experience: Teen or less experienced drivers often face higher insurance rates. As you gain more experience and maintain a clean driving record, your rates can decrease over time.
- Coverage levels: The more coverage you choose, the higher your premium will be. While opting for full coverage offers more protection, it also increases your costs.
- Credit score: In New Jersey, insurers may consider your credit score when determining rates. Drivers with higher credit scores typically get better rates because they’re viewed as more financially responsible.
Top Rated Auto Insurance in New Jersey
Mercury Insurance has a long history of delivering best-in-class coverage and excellent customer service. Since our founding in 1962, we’ve been committed to providing affordable auto insurance while maintaining a reputation for reliability and trust. Over the years, Mercury has earned several prestigious awards that reflect our dedication to our customers. Read about their experiences.
- Forbes has recognized Mercury as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies multiple times.
- In 2021, Mercury was named Best Insurer for Overall Satisfaction in the Shopping Segment of the J.D. Power U.S. Digital Experience Study.
- Mercury was also recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Insurance Companies in America for 2022.
Here’s what real drivers love about Mercury Insurance:
Mercury Insurance Coverage in New Jersey
Here are the products Mercury offers to New Jersey residents:
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New Jersey Insurance FAQs
What is the average monthly payment for car insurance in New Jersey?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of full coverage car insurance is $2,587 per year and $1,067 per year for minimum coverage.
Is car insurance expensive in New Jersey?
The cost of insurance in New Jersey is slightly higher than the national average. According to Bankrate, the national average for full coverage is $2,388 per year for full coverage and $664 per year for minimum coverage.
Do you need insurance to register a car in New Jersey?
Yes, you need proof of insurance to register a car in New Jersey.
How much car insurance do I need in New Jersey?
You need to carry at least the minimum coverage requirements, but this may not be enough protection for your needs. Contact us today, and we can help customize a policy for you.
Can I have out-of-state car insurance in New Jersey?
No, you can’t have out-of-state car insurance if you live in New Jersey.
Can you get car insurance without a license in New Jersey?
Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance in New Jersey even if you don’t have a driver’s license. For example, you might own a car but have a designated driver, or you could be getting coverage for a vehicle you’re not currently driving but want to protect from theft or damage. If you’re in this situation, it’s a good idea to work with an insurance agent who can help guide you through the process.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in New Jersey?
According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, driving without car insurance can result in fines, community service, a license suspension, and insurance surcharges.
Can you buy a car without insurance in New Jersey?
You may be able to purchase a car without insurance, but you can’t drive it since New Jersey requires all drivers to carry car insurance at all times.
How to lower my car insurance in New Jersey?
Here are some helpful tips to save on your auto insurance:
- Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates, so it’s worth comparing quotes from multiple providers.
- Bundle your policies: Combining your car insurance with other policies, like homeowners or renters insurance, can lead to significant discounts.
- Increase your deductible: Raising your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — can lower your monthly premiums. Just be sure you can afford the higher deductible if you need to file a claim.
- Maintain a clean driving record: The better your driving history, the lower your premiums. Avoid traffic tickets and accidents to keep your rates down.
- Take advantage of discounts: Many insurers, including Mercury, offer discounts for things like being a good student, having a safe driving record, using automatic payments, or even paying your premium in full.
What are helpful resources for New Jersey drivers?
Here are some helpful resources for New Jersey drivers: