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, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, uninsured driving citations, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The SR-22 filing period typically runs 3 years from the violation date, and any lapse in coverage during this period restarts the requirement.
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 premiums in New Jersey are driven by violation type, years since the incident, location, and carrier appetite for non-standard risk. A DUI conviction typically increases rates by 70–150% over clean-record premiums, while at-fault accidents and suspended license reinstatements add 40–90%. Urban areas like Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City carry higher base rates due to accident frequency and theft rates, compounding the high-risk surcharge.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI increases rates 70–150%, reckless driving 50–90%, at-fault accidents 40–70%
- Years since violation: rates drop 15–25% each year after the first year post-violation
- Location: Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City average 20–35% higher premiums than suburban counties due to accident density
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $100–$250/mo to base premium for 3 years
- Carrier type: non-standard insurers price high-risk profiles 20–40% lower than standard market declinations
- Coverage level: full coverage costs 30–50% more than liability-only for the same high-risk profile
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a state-mandated filing that proves you carry continuous liability coverage. It is required for DUI convictions, uninsured driving, and license reinstatements in New Jersey.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk drivers and price violations more competitively than standard market insurers. These carriers offer flexible payment plans and same-day SR-22 filing.
Liability Insurance
Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. New Jersey requires 25/50/25 minimums, but lawsuits after serious accidents frequently exceed these limits.
Full Coverage
Full coverage combines liability, comprehensive, and collision. Lenders require it for financed vehicles, and it protects your vehicle after theft, weather damage, or accidents.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
UM coverage protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage after a hit-and-run or uninsured accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. It is required by lenders and recommended for vehicles worth more than $5,000.
