Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage). Drivers convicted of DUI, accumulating 12 or more points within 2 years, driving uninsured after an accident, or restoring a suspended license typically must file SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The MVC requires continuous coverage for the entire filing period—any lapse triggers license re-suspension and restarts the clock.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New Jersey?
High-risk insurance in New Jersey costs $230–$400/mo for drivers with DUI convictions, serious violations, or SR-22 requirements, compared to $110–$180/mo for clean-record drivers in the same age and location brackets. Rates peak immediately after the violation, plateau during the SR-22 period, then begin dropping 6–12 months after the filing ends if you maintain continuous coverage and avoid new tickets. The New Jersey personal injury protection (PIP) requirement adds $40–$80/mo to all policies regardless of risk tier, creating a higher floor for post-violation drivers.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type—DUI adds 80–150% to premiums, while a 12-point suspension adds 50–90%
- Time since violation—rates drop 15–25% at the 3-year mark when SR-22 ends, another 20–30% by year 5
- Personal injury protection (PIP) tier selection—New Jersey's standard PIP ($15,000 medical) adds $50–$90/mo; limited PIP reduces this by $20–$30/mo
- Urban vs suburban location—Newark and Jersey City high-risk rates run 20–35% higher than Morris County or Ocean County due to theft and accident frequency
- Carrier specialization—non-standard carriers like Dairyland and The General dominate the SR-22 market in New Jersey, while standard carriers like Geico and Progressive re-enter after the filing ends
- Defensive driving course completion—New Jersey allows up to 2-point reduction through state-approved courses, which can lower premiums 5–10% during the SR-22 period
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Sources
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission — SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance — Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Standards
- New Jersey Statutes 39:6-23 through 39:6-25 — Financial Responsibility and Proof of Insurance