New Jersey car insurance: minimums, prices and your estimate
New Jersey's Standard Policy requires at least $35,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $70,000 per accident and $25,000 of property damage (35/70/25) since January 1, 2026, plus $15,000 of PIP. A Basic Policy with $5,000 of property damage and $15,000 of PIP, and bodily injury coverage only as an option, also meets the law.
New Jersey uses a choice no-fault system. Both main policy types, the Standard Policy and the more limited Basic Policy, include personal injury protection (PIP), and Standard Policy buyers decide whether to limit their right to sue.
For policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2026, the Standard Policy minimum is 35/70/25, up from 25/50/25, and the minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist limits rose along with it.
- Legal minimum
- Standard Policy: 35/70/25 + $15k PIP. Basic Policy: $5k PD + $15k PIP
- Fault system
- Choice no-fault
- Personal injury protection
- Required, $15,000 minimum
- Uninsured motorist
- Required
- Underinsured motorist
- Required
- Credit-based pricing
- Allowed
- Gender-based pricing
- Allowed
- High-risk proof filing
- Check with NJ MVC
What drivers in New Jersey can expect to pay
Monthly ranges from our model, anchored to New Jersey's position in 7 published price studies from 2025 and 2026 ($3,695 a year for full coverage and $1,558 for minimum coverage for a standard adult driver; which studies). Suburban ZIP code, mid-size sedan a few years old.
| Driver | Estimated monthly | About per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, full coverage35, clean record, 100/300/100, $500 deductibles | $265-$351 | $3,695 |
| Adult, state-minimum coverage35, clean record, only what the law requires | $112-$148 | $1,558 |
| Young driver, full coverage20, own policy, clean record | $493-$739 | $7,390 |
| Senior, full coverage70, clean record | $254-$337 | $3,547 |
| After one at-fault accident35, full coverage | $398-$527 | $5,543 |
| After a DUI35, full coverage | $463-$695 | $6,947 |
| Poor credit35, clean record, full coverage | $473-$679 | $6,910 |
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Rules worth knowing in New Jersey
- The Basic Policy meets the legal minimum with $5,000 of property damage liability and $15,000 of PIP, plus optional bodily injury liability of $10,000 per accident. It has no uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and a limited right to sue.
- A Standard Policy must include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least the state minimum, and you can buy more, up to your liability limits.
- On a Standard Policy you choose a PIP medical limit from $15,000 to $250,000 or more, plus a deductible and whether your health insurer pays first. Whatever limit you pick, up to $250,000 is available for certain severe injuries, such as permanent or significant brain or spinal cord injuries.
- Standard Policy buyers also choose a lawsuit option: Limitation on Lawsuit limits your right to sue to certain injuries, such as a displaced fracture, significant scarring or a permanent injury, while No Limitation does not.
- Drivers eligible for federal Medicaid with hospitalization can buy the Special Automobile Insurance Policy, which covers medical care only and costs $365 a year.
- If you are told you need an SR-22 or other proof of insurance after a violation, confirm the requirement and how long it lasts with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Questions about New Jersey car insurance
What is the minimum car insurance in New Jersey?
New Jersey's Standard Policy requires at least $35,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $70,000 per accident and $25,000 of property damage (35/70/25) since January 1, 2026, plus $15,000 of PIP. A Basic Policy with $5,000 of property damage and $15,000 of PIP, and bodily injury coverage only as an option, also meets the law.
How much is car insurance in New Jersey per month?
For a 35-year-old with a clean record, our model puts full coverage at about $265 to $351 a month and state-minimum coverage at about $112 to $148. Age, record, car, ZIP code and the company you choose move the real number a lot.
Is New Jersey a no-fault state?
Yes, with a choice. Every New Jersey policy includes PIP, and on a Standard Policy you pick either the Limitation on Lawsuit option (cheaper, limits suits over minor injuries) or No Limitation.
Can insurers in New Jersey use my credit score?
Yes. Many insurers in New Jersey use a credit-based insurance score, so better credit usually means a lower price.
Do I need an SR-22 in New Jersey?
Only if a court or the state requires one, usually after a serious violation or a lapse. If you are told you need an SR-22 or other proof of insurance after a violation, confirm the requirement and how long it lasts with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.