Car Insurance in New Jersey (NJ)
The average car insurance premium in New Jersey is $2,200 per year ($183/month), making it the #6 most expensive state for car insurance. This is $300 (16%) above the national average of $1,900. No-fault state. Highest population density in the US. Mandatory PIP and high traffic congestion drive up premiums. Within New Jersey, rates range from $2,000/yr in Cherry Hill to $2,800/yr in Newark.
Car Insurance Rates by City in New Jersey
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for 6 major cities in New Jersey, sorted by cost from highest to lowest. Urban areas typically have higher rates than the state average due to increased traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more frequent accidents.
| City | Avg. Annual | Avg. Monthly | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Highest | $2,800 | $233 | +$600 | +$900 |
| Paterson | $2,750 | $229 | +$550 | +$850 |
| Elizabeth | $2,700 | $225 | +$500 | +$800 |
| Jersey City | $2,600 | $217 | +$400 | +$700 |
| Trenton | $2,500 | $208 | +$300 | +$600 |
| Cherry Hill Lowest | $2,000 | $167 | -$200 | +$100 |
How New Jersey Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New Jersey with five states that have similar average car insurance premiums. This helps illustrate where New Jersey stands relative to comparable states.
| State | Avg. Annual | Monthly | Min Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (NJ) | $2,200 | $183 | $1,100 | $2,860 |
| California (CA) | $2,200 | $183 | $1,100 | $2,860 |
| Kentucky (KY) | $2,100 | $175 | $1,050 | $2,730 |
| Nevada (NV) | $2,100 | $175 | $1,050 | $2,730 |
| Colorado (CO) | $2,050 | $171 | $1,025 | $2,665 |
| Georgia (GA) | $2,000 | $167 | $1,000 | $2,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in New Jersey
How much is car insurance in New Jersey?
The average car insurance premium in New Jersey is $2,200 per year, or about $183 per month. This is $300 above the national average of $1,900/year. Minimum coverage averages $1,100/year, while full coverage averages $2,860/year. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Is New Jersey a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after an accident, each driver's own insurance pays for their medical expenses regardless of who was at fault, through mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. No-fault states generally have higher premiums because PIP adds to the cost of coverage. New Jersey's average of $2,200/year reflects this added cost.
What is the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey?
The cheapest option in New Jersey is minimum liability coverage, which averages $1,100 per year ($92/month). However, minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others and does not cover your own vehicle. To get the cheapest rates, maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible, ask about discounts (bundling, good student, safe driver), and compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurers. Among major cities, Cherry Hill has the lowest average at $2,000/year.
Which city in New Jersey has the highest car insurance rates?
Newark has the highest average car insurance premium in New Jersey at $2,800 per year ($233/month). This is $600 more than the state average. Urban areas like Newark typically have higher rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and more frequent accidents.
How can I lower my car insurance rate in New Jersey?
To lower your car insurance in New Jersey: (1) Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies, as rates vary significantly between insurers. (2) Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or higher to lower your premium. (3) Ask about discounts -- bundling home and auto, good student, safe driver, low mileage, and military discounts can save 5-25% each. (4) Maintain a clean driving record, as accidents and tickets can increase rates 20-50%. (5) Improve your credit score, as most states allow credit-based insurance scoring. (6) Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits for additional savings.
Find Your Car Insurance Rate
Use our car insurance rate lookup tool to find average rates for your specific city in New Jersey, or browse all 50 states to compare car insurance costs across the country. Remember that individual rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level -- these are state-level averages for general comparison.