Minimum Coverage Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. SR-22 certificates are typically required after a DUI, driving without insurance, multiple serious violations, or an uninsured accident causing injury. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission mandates SR-22 filing for 3 years from the reinstatement date. Drivers with points from speeding or minor violations rarely face SR-22 requirements but will see premium increases.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your New Jersey quote.
Get your New Jersey quoteHow Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New Jersey?
High-risk auto insurance in New Jersey costs significantly more than standard coverage due to the state's point system, SR-22 filing requirements, and carrier classification of post-violation drivers. Average premiums for high-risk drivers range from $200–$400/mo, compared to $100–$150/mo for clean-record drivers. Costs vary widely based on violation type: a DUI typically doubles or triples premiums, while a speeding ticket may add 20–40% for 3–5 years until points fall off.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI increases premiums 150–300%, while speeding 15+ mph over adds 20–40%
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$50 filing fee but signals high-risk status to all carriers
- Point accumulation: 6+ points typically trigger surcharges; 12+ points result in suspension
- Time since violation: premiums decrease significantly after 3 years of clean driving
- Carrier type: non-standard insurers charge more initially but may offer faster rate reductions than standard markets
- Urban vs. suburban location: Newark and Jersey City rates are 20–40% higher than rates in suburban Somerset or Morris counties due to accident frequency and theft rates
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. New Jersey's 25/50/25 minimum is the legal floor, but high-risk drivers should consider 100/300/100 or higher to protect assets in a second claim.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, and comprehensive. Required by lenders and essential for drivers who cannot replace their vehicle out of pocket after an accident or theft.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous liability coverage to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Required for 3 years after DUI, uninsured operation, or serious violations.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers rejected by standard insurers. Premiums are higher, but these carriers accept SR-22, DUI, lapses, and point violations.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. New Jersey requires 15/30 UM unless you reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident, regardless of who is responsible. Required by lenders and recommended for vehicles worth over $5,000.
