State Requirements
New Jersey requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage (15/30/5). The state also mandates Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with a minimum of $15,000 per person. SR-22 filing is required for DUI offenses, driving while suspended, uninsured accidents causing injury or significant property damage, habitual traffic offenders, and court-ordered reinstatement following serious violations. New Jersey operates on a point system with a 12-point threshold for license suspension, but most point violations do not trigger SR-22 requirements.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your New Jersey quote.
Get your New Jersey quoteCost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in New Jersey costs $2,800–$5,200 annually on average, compared to $1,300–$1,800 for drivers with clean records. Rates vary significantly based on violation type: a single DUI increases premiums 180%–250%, while 6+ points from moving violations raise rates 60%–120%. New Jersey's mandatory PIP coverage and high population density in cities like Newark and Jersey City drive base rates higher for all drivers, with violations compounding those costs.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity: DUI increases rates 180%–250%, reckless driving 80%–140%, at-fault accidents 40%–90%
- Point accumulation: 6+ points raises premiums 60%–120% depending on carrier
- Location: Urban areas like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson have rates 20%–35% higher than suburban counties
- SR-22 requirement: Adds $800–$2,400 annually beyond the $15–$50 filing fee due to high-risk classification
- Coverage selection: New Jersey's choice no-fault system allows limited lawsuit option, which reduces premiums 15%–20% but restricts injury claim rights
- Time since violation: Premiums decline 10%–15% annually as violations age, with full recovery typically 3–5 years post-conviction
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 bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. New Jersey's 15/30/5 minimums are insufficient for most serious accidents, and high-risk drivers should consider 50/100/50 or higher to avoid personal asset exposure.
SR-22 Insurance
Proof-of-insurance filing required for 3 years after DUI, suspended license driving, or court order. The certificate costs $15–$50 to file, but the high-risk policy premium averages $2,800–$5,200 annually.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, PIP, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Required by lenders and recommended for vehicles worth more than $5,000 or drivers who cannot afford out-of-pocket repairs.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized policies for drivers with violations, suspensions, or SR-22 requirements. Non-standard carriers accept profiles standard insurers decline and offer flexible payment plans.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Optional in New Jersey but advisable given the state's 13–15% uninsured driver rate.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Mandatory in New Jersey; covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services up to policy limits regardless of fault. Minimum $15,000 per person.
