By Roberto Gomes | Updated October 2026. This guide compares published 2026 rate studies from ValuePenguin and NerdWallet with official information from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) and Insurance Research Council data published by the Insurance Information Institute. Prime Capital Report does not sell insurance and is not a licensed agent. Every price below is an average or median from the source named next to it, so your own quote will be different.
The best car insurance in New Jersey for most drivers in 2026 comes from three companies: GEICO for the lowest price, NJM for the best mix of price and service, and Plymouth Rock for drivers with a ticket. GEICO had the cheapest statewide full coverage rate in both studies we checked: $141 a month in ValuePenguin’s October 13, 2026 data and a $159 median in NerdWallet’s October 2026 analysis. NJM, at $168 a month in ValuePenguin’s data, is that site’s pick for best overall insurer. New Jersey remains an expensive state, and 2026 brought a new rule that matters for every renewal: the minimum liability limits on a Standard Policy rose to 35/70/25 on January 1, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Typical cost: ValuePenguin’s average is $249 a month for full coverage and $137 for minimum coverage (Oct. 13, 2026). NerdWallet puts the average at $307 a month (Oct. 2026).
- Companies to quote first: GEICO ($141 a month, ValuePenguin; $159, NerdWallet), NJM ($168; $184) and Plymouth Rock ($178; $200). Travelers was second-cheapest in NerdWallet’s data at $181.
- Best service pick: ValuePenguin names NJM the best New Jersey insurer. It says NJM gets 80% fewer complaints than expected for its size, based on NAIC data.
- New 2026 minimum: DOBI Bulletin 25-06 confirms that Standard Policies issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2026 need at least $35,000/$70,000 of bodily injury and $25,000 of property damage liability, plus $15,000 of PIP.
- Two policy types: The Basic Policy costs less but includes no bodily injury liability unless you add a $10,000 option, and only $5,000 of property damage coverage (DOBI).
- City matters: Full coverage averages $376 a month in Newark but $275 in Trenton and about $210 in several Jersey Shore towns (ValuePenguin).
How much does car insurance cost in New Jersey?
| Measure | New Jersey | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage, average per month | $249 | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Minimum coverage, average per month | $137 | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Full coverage, average per month | $307 | NerdWallet, Oct. 2026 |
| Gap between most and least expensive company (full coverage) | $206 a month | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Rank among states, minimum coverage | 3rd most expensive | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Rank among states, full coverage | 8th most expensive | ValuePenguin, Oct. 13, 2026 |
Sources: ValuePenguin, Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey in 2026? (updated Oct. 13, 2026; Quadrant Information Services data). NerdWallet, Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey for 2026 (rates refreshed October 2026). The two studies use different sample drivers and coverage limits, so their averages do not match.
Why the two averages differ: ValuePenguin prices a 30-year-old man with good credit and a 2018 Honda Civic EX, using 50/100/50 liability, 50/100 uninsured motorist coverage, $15,000 of PIP and $500 deductibles. NerdWallet prices a 35-year-old driver with a 2023 Toyota Camry LE, 100/300/50 liability, 100/300 uninsured motorist coverage and $1,000 deductibles. The useful signal is the ranking, and both studies put the same three companies near the top.
New Jersey drivers also face a growing uninsured-driver problem. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 14.1% of New Jersey drivers were uninsured in 2023. The Insurance Information Institute also lists New Jersey among the states with the largest increases from 2017 to 2023 (Triple-I). That is a good reason to add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to a Standard Policy.
Best car insurance companies in New Jersey
ValuePenguin: average rates for a 30-year-old driver
| Company | Full coverage (monthly) | Minimum coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $141 | $66 |
| NJM | $168 | $92 |
| Plymouth Rock | $178 | $85 |
| Progressive | $233 | $142 |
| Travelers | $259 | n/a |
| Allstate | n/a | $160 |
| New Jersey average | $249 | $137 |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026). “n/a” means the company was not in that top-five list.
NerdWallet: median rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Company | Full coverage (monthly) | Minimum coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $159 | $56 |
| Travelers | $181 | $99 |
| NJM | $184 | $72 |
| Plymouth Rock | $200 | $73 |
| Penn National | $213 | n/a |
| Progressive | n/a | $62 |
Source: NerdWallet (rates refreshed October 2026). NerdWallet analyzed 16 insurers across every New Jersey ZIP code.
GEICO is the price leader. ValuePenguin found it cheapest for full coverage in nearly all New Jersey cities. Its $141 average is about 44% below the state average. NJM costs $27 a month more than GEICO in ValuePenguin’s data, but it automatically includes add-ons such as rental car reimbursement and new car replacement coverage. Other insurers usually charge extra for those. ValuePenguin says NJM placed third in J.D. Power’s claims satisfaction survey out of 21 large insurers. It also earned the second-highest score among 15 mid-Atlantic companies in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study, and it holds an A+ rating from AM Best. Plymouth Rock is a regional option worth quoting. It was third-cheapest for full coverage in ValuePenguin’s study and second-cheapest for minimum coverage.
You can check any insurer’s complaint record in the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search.
Military families should also get a USAA quote. NerdWallet notes that USAA is available only to military members, veterans, some federal employees and their families, so it doesn’t rank USAA with the other companies.
Car insurance rates by New Jersey city
| City | Average full coverage (monthly) | Cheapest company | Cheapest rate (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $376 | GEICO | $199 |
| Paterson | $363 | GEICO | $187 |
| Elizabeth | $362 | GEICO | $178 |
| Camden | $334 | GEICO | $157 |
| Atlantic City | $330 | GEICO | $176 |
| Jersey City | $326 | GEICO | $156 |
| Hoboken | $323 | GEICO | $156 |
| Trenton | $275 | GEICO | $157 |
| New Brunswick | $274 | GEICO | $149 |
| Vineland | $260 | GEICO | $134 |
| Long Branch | $233 | GEICO | $134 |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026). Rates are for full coverage for a 30-year-old driver with good credit.
Location makes a big difference. ValuePenguin says Newark and neighboring Irvington have the state’s highest rates, at $376 a month, or $127 more than the New Jersey average. The cheapest towns are along the Jersey Shore, including Bay Head, Brielle, Manasquan, Point Pleasant and Sea Girt, at about $210 a month. NerdWallet’s city figures tell the same story. For a 35-year-old with a clean record, GEICO had the lowest full coverage median: $2,227 a year in Jersey City and $2,870 a year in Newark. After an accident, NJM had the lowest Jersey City median ($2,908 a year), while Plymouth Rock was cheapest in Newark ($3,686) (NerdWallet, Oct. 2026).
Best car insurance in New Jersey by driver profile
Drivers with a ticket, accident or DUI
| Driver profile | Cheapest (ValuePenguin, monthly) | Runner-up | Cheapest (NerdWallet, monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One speeding ticket | Plymouth Rock, $178 | GEICO, $181 | GEICO, $159 |
| One at-fault accident | NJM, $183 | GEICO, $195 | NJM, $200 |
| One DUI | GEICO, $199 | Plymouth Rock, $216 | GEICO, $221 |
| Poor credit | NJM, $288 | Progressive, $391 | NJM, $313 |
Sources: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), full coverage, 30-year-old driver; NerdWallet (Oct. 2026), full coverage, 35-year-old driver.
ValuePenguin says New Jersey full coverage rates rise by an average of 29% after a first speeding ticket and 73% after an at-fault accident. The average after a crash is $433 a month. It also found a gap of more than $5,000 a year between the most and least expensive insurers for drivers who caused a crash. That is why you should shop around at renewal instead of accepting the new price. For minimum coverage after an accident or DUI, NerdWallet found Plymouth Rock cheapest ($75 and $73 a month). If you can’t find coverage on the regular market, NerdWallet points to the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Plan; DOBI’s auto pages include a search tool for PAIP producers who can place that coverage.
Young drivers
| Company | 18-year-old, liability only (monthly) | 18-year-old, full coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $96 | $191 |
| NJM | $222 | $365 |
| Travelers | $351 | $586 |
| Allstate | $413 | $1,024 |
| Farmers | $485 | $1,036 |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), rates for a teen on their own policy.
GEICO dominates the young-driver market in New Jersey. In NerdWallet’s data, it was also cheapest for 20-year-olds, at $186 a month for full coverage and $65 for minimum coverage. Joining a parent’s policy is usually the smarter move. NerdWallet’s May 2026 analysis found GEICO charged $315 a month to cover two parents plus a 20-year-old. That is $111 more than the two-adult policy alone. GEICO also offers a good student discount of up to 15%, according to ValuePenguin.
Seniors
NJM had the lowest full coverage median for older drivers in NerdWallet’s October 2026 data: $158 a month at age 60 and $161 at age 70. For minimum coverage, Progressive was cheapest at 60 ($53 a month) and NJM at 70 ($66). NerdWallet notes that some insurers give seniors a discount for completing a defensive driving course.
New Jersey car insurance requirements
New Jersey is a no-fault state, so every policy includes personal injury protection (PIP) for your own medical bills. DOBI’s Bulletin 25-06 (July 31, 2025) explains the second phase of P.L.2022, c.87. For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, minimum bodily injury liability rose to $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident. Property damage liability stays at $25,000. Insurers must also tell you at renewal if your limits were raised to meet the new floor (DOBI Bulletin 25-06). The bulletin notes that the increase does not apply to the Basic Policy.
Basic Policy vs. Standard Policy
| Coverage | Standard Policy | Basic Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | As low as $35,000/$70,000; as high as $250,000/$500,000 | Not included; $10,000 per accident available as an option |
| Property damage liability | As low as $25,000; $100,000 or more available | $5,000 per accident |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | As low as $15,000; $250,000 or more available; up to $250,000 for certain severe injuries | $15,000 per person, per accident; up to $250,000 for certain severe injuries |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | Available up to your liability limits | None |
| Collision and comprehensive | Available as options | Available from some insurers |
Source: DOBI, Standard Auto Insurance Policy and DOBI, New Jersey’s Basic Auto Insurance Policy (accessed October 2026).
DOBI says the Standard Policy is the type chosen by most New Jersey drivers. It describes the Basic Policy as an option “for those with few family responsibilities and few assets to protect (including income from a job).” The warning matters: with no liability coverage, DOBI says, you are responsible for the pain and suffering and some economic damages you cause. Your insurer will not provide a lawyer if you are sued, and your wages could be garnished if a court enters a judgment against you. For anyone who owns a home, has savings or earns a steady paycheck, the Standard Policy is the safer choice.
Limited vs. unlimited right to sue
On a Standard Policy you must also choose a lawsuit option. The choice covers you, your spouse and relatives living with you who don’t have their own auto policy. Under the Limitation on Lawsuit (limited right to sue) option, you agree not to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffer a loss of a body part, significant disfigurement or scarring, a displaced fracture, loss of a fetus, a permanent injury or death. Under the No Limitation on Lawsuit (unlimited) option, you keep the right to sue for pain and suffering for any injury. Either way, you can still sue for economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages (DOBI). ValuePenguin estimates that the unlimited option can cost about 75% more than the limited one. DOBI adds that the limited option applies by law if you don’t make a choice on the coverage selection form.
“Dollar a day” insurance (SAIP)
The Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) is for drivers who qualify for federal Medicaid with hospitalization. NerdWallet puts the cost at $360 to $365 a year. It covers emergency treatment after an accident and up to $250,000 for brain and spinal cord injuries, plus a $10,000 death benefit, according to ValuePenguin. It does not include liability or vehicle damage coverage.
Are New Jersey car insurance rates going up in 2026?
| Company | 2026 rate change | 5-year rate change |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | -3.2% | +42.9% |
| Palisades | -2.4% | +46.2% |
| State Farm | -0.8% | +77.3% |
| Progressive | 0.0% | +44.5% |
| NJM | +2.5% | +59.4% |
| Allstate | +3.1% | +65.4% |
| Farmers | +4.8% | +39.8% |
| American Family | +6.4% | +23.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin (Oct. 13, 2026), using DOBI rate filings compiled through S&P Global RateWatch; filing data current as of Oct. 6, 2026. A filing may apply only to some drivers or regions.
The picture is mixed. Several large insurers cut or held rates in 2026, but most still filed big increases over five years. State Farm’s rates rose 77.3% over that period, even though it trimmed them 0.8% this year. The new 35/70 minimum may also raise the bill for drivers who used to carry the old minimum limits, because their coverage goes up at renewal.
Car insurance discounts in New Jersey
- Newer car: NJM offers a discount if your car is less than 2 years old (ValuePenguin, Oct. 2026).
- Homeowner: GEICO offers a discount for owning a home, even if another company insures it (ValuePenguin).
- Telematics: ValuePenguin says drivers typically save 5% to 15% with GEICO’s DriveEasy program. Your rate could rise if the app records risky driving.
- Good grades: GEICO offers up to 15% off for students with good grades. Most insurers set the bar at a B average or a 3.0 GPA (ValuePenguin).
- Paying in full and adding coverage: NJM offers savings for paying the annual bill up front and for adding collision and comprehensive coverage (ValuePenguin).
- Defensive driving: DOBI lists defensive driving courses approved by the Motor Vehicle Commission. Ask your insurer whether it gives a discount for completing one.
How to save on car insurance in New Jersey
- Get quotes from GEICO, NJM and Plymouth Rock first, then add Travelers or Progressive. With a $206 monthly gap between the most and least expensive companies, comparing quotes is the biggest lever you have. Our guide on how to compare car insurance quotes walks through it step by step.
- Choose your lawsuit option on purpose. The limited right to sue is cheaper, but understand what you give up before you sign.
- Don’t drop to a Basic Policy just to save money if you have assets or income to protect. DOBI’s own guidance warns about the risk.
- Check your renewal for the 2026 limit change. If your insurer raised your limits to 35/70, compare quotes at those same limits from other insurers.
- Wait for your renewal after a ticket or crash, then shop. ValuePenguin notes that your rate usually doesn’t go up until your current policy renews.
- Raise your deductible or drop collision on an older car. NerdWallet lists both as ways to cut the cost of full coverage.
Related guides
- How to compare car insurance quotes in 2026 (step-by-step)
- Best car insurance in Louisiana (2026)
- Best car insurance in Chicago (2026)
- Cheapest car insurance in Texas for 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company in New Jersey?
For most drivers, NJM offers the best balance of price and service. ValuePenguin names it the best New Jersey insurer, with an average of $168 a month for full coverage and 80% fewer complaints than expected for its size. GEICO is the cheapest in both major studies: $141 a month in ValuePenguin’s October 2026 data and a $159 median in NerdWallet’s.
How much is car insurance in New Jersey per month?
ValuePenguin’s October 2026 average is $249 a month for full coverage and $137 a month for minimum coverage. NerdWallet’s average is $307 a month. Your price depends on your city, driving record, credit and the policy type you choose.
What is the minimum car insurance required in New Jersey in 2026?
For a Standard Policy issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, you need at least $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident of bodily injury liability, $25,000 of property damage liability and $15,000 of PIP, according to DOBI. The Basic Policy has lower requirements: $5,000 of property damage liability and $15,000 of PIP, with bodily injury liability available only as a $10,000 option.
What is the difference between the Basic and Standard Policy in New Jersey?
The Basic Policy is cheaper but includes no bodily injury liability unless you add a $10,000 option. It also has only $5,000 of property damage liability and no uninsured motorist coverage. The Standard Policy starts at 35/70/25 liability, can go as high as $250,000/$500,000 and lets you add uninsured motorist, collision and comprehensive coverage. DOBI says most New Jersey drivers choose the Standard Policy.
Should I choose the limited or unlimited right to sue in New Jersey?
The limited right to sue lowers your premium, but you can sue for pain and suffering only after certain serious injuries, such as a displaced fracture, significant scarring or a permanent injury. The unlimited option keeps that right for any injury. ValuePenguin estimates that it can cost about 75% more. Both options still let you sue for economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages.
Which New Jersey city has the most expensive car insurance?
Newark and neighboring Irvington, at an average of $376 a month for full coverage in ValuePenguin’s October 2026 data. That is $127 more than the state average. Several Jersey Shore towns, including Bay Head, Manasquan and Sea Girt, are cheapest, at about $210 a month.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey after an accident?
NJM. ValuePenguin found it charged $183 a month for full coverage after an at-fault accident, less than half the $433 state average for drivers with an accident. NerdWallet also found NJM cheapest, with a $200 monthly median.
What is New Jersey’s dollar-a-day car insurance?
It is the Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP), available only to drivers who qualify for federal Medicaid with hospitalization. It costs about $360 to $365 a year and covers emergency medical treatment and certain severe injuries. It does not include liability or coverage for your car.
Sources
- ValuePenguin, “Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey in 2026?”, updated Oct. 13, 2026: https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-car-insurance-new-jersey
- NerdWallet, “Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey for 2026,” rates refreshed October 2026: https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/auto/cheap-car-insurance-new-jersey
- New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, “Standard Auto Insurance Policy”: https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/standardpolicy.html
- The same agency, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, “New Jersey’s Basic Auto Insurance Policy”: https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/basicpolicy.shtml
- Its New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Bulletin No. 25-06, “Auto Insurance Coverage Limits Pursuant to P.L.2022, c.87,” July 31, 2025: https://www.nj.gov/dobi/bulletins/blt25_06.pdf
- The department also publishes New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Auto Insurance consumer information (defensive driving courses, SAIP): https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/auto.htm
- Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists” (Insurance Research Council data for 2023): https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
- NAIC, Consumer Insurance Search (complaint data): https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm
This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Prime Capital Report is not an insurer, agent or broker, and the author, Roberto Gomes, is not a licensed insurance agent. Confirm coverage and prices with a licensed provider in New Jersey.
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Written by
Roberto Gomes, Founder and Editor
Roberto researches insurance and personal finance in the United States and Canada from insurers' policy documents, regulator data and public rate filings. He is not a licensed agent or adviser. How we research.
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