State Requirements
New Jersey mandates minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $5,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, caught driving uninsured, or facing serious license suspensions must file SR-22 certification with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The state's high insurance costs—already among the nation's highest—escalate sharply for drivers with violations, making carrier selection and coverage structuring critical for managing premiums.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your New Jersey quote.
Get your New Jersey quoteCost Overview
New Jersey already ranks as the second-most expensive state for auto insurance, with average premiums exceeding $1,900 annually for standard drivers. High-risk drivers face premiums 90–180% higher than standard rates, with DUI convictions adding $1,400–$2,800 annually and at-fault accidents adding $800–$1,600. Urban areas including Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson see the highest increases due to elevated claim frequency and litigation rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity—DUI convictions increase premiums 100–180%, while single at-fault accidents add 40–80%
- Time since violation—rates decrease 15–25% annually after 3 years of clean driving once SR-22 requirement ends
- ZIP code—Newark premiums run 35–50% higher than suburban Morris County for identical profiles
- Prior insurance lapses—coverage gaps exceeding 30 days add 25–60% to premiums even after reinstatement
- Credit-based insurance score—New Jersey allows credit rating in underwriting, affecting high-risk premiums by 20–40%
- Vehicle make and model—comprehensive and collision costs vary widely; theft-prone models in urban areas add 30–50% to physical damage premiums
Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle
Compare carriers that offer non-owner policies with SR-22 filing — required for reinstatement in most states.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous coverage to the New Jersey MVC. Required for 3 years following DUI, uninsured driving, or serious suspensions. Filing itself costs $15–$50, but limits carrier options and elevates premiums.
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. State minimums of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 leave massive exposure—medical bills from moderate accidents routinely exceed $50,000 in New Jersey's high-cost healthcare market.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by drivers with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Must be offered at limits matching your liability policy, though you can reject it in writing.
Personal Injury Protection
Mandatory no-fault coverage paying medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services regardless of fault. New Jersey requires $15,000 minimum, with options up to $250,000.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers specializing in high-risk profiles including DUI, SR-22 requirements, multiple violations, and lapses. These insurers accept drivers standard companies decline.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. Required by lenders on financed vehicles. High deductibles of $1,000–$2,500 help control premium costs for high-risk drivers.
