New Jersey is a state with more than 6.6 million licensed drivers, making it a competitive market for car insurance. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best car insurance provider. In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team have conducted thorough research and analysis to rank the top car insurance companies for New Jersey drivers. We have compared industry standings, coverage options, costs, discounts, and customer experiences to determine the best options for drivers in the Garden State.
Why You Can Trust The MarketWatch Guides Team
The MarketWatch Guides Team is dedicated to providing reliable information to help consumers make informed decisions about their car insurance. Our comprehensive rating system evaluates auto insurance providers based on various factors, including industry standing, availability, coverage options, costs, discounts, and customer experiences. After 800 hours of research and analysis, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies for New Jersey drivers.
What Is the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey?
Based on our research, the top car insurance companies for New Jersey drivers are Travelers, Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and NJM Insurance. These companies offer competitive rates, comprehensive coverage options, and excellent customer service. Travelers ranks highest in our analysis, followed closely by Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and NJM Insurance.
Compare New Jersey Auto Insurance
To compare auto insurance providers in New Jersey, we evaluated their performance in five key categories: industry standing, availability, coverage options, costs, and discounts, and customer experiences. Based on our analysis, we have ranked the top car insurance companies in New Jersey as follows:
- Travelers
- Geico
- State Farm
- Progressive
- NJM Insurance
Each of these companies offers unique benefits and features, so it’s essential to compare them based on your specific needs and preferences.
Customer Experience
Customer experience is a crucial factor when choosing a car insurance provider. State Farm received the highest score for customer experience, followed by Geico, Travelers, Progressive, and NJM Insurance. These companies have a track record of providing excellent service and support to their customers in New Jersey.
Best Car Insurance Companies in New Jersey
- Travelers
- J.D. Power rating: 860
- AM Best financial strength rating: A++
- BBB rating: A
- Pros: Accident-forgiveness coverage, bundle options, strong financial backing
- Cons: Lower customer ratings on BBB
Travelers offers a wide range of coverage options, including add-ons like rental car coverage, roadside assistance, and new car replacement. With a long history in the industry and high customer satisfaction ratings, Travelers is a top choice for New Jersey drivers.
- Geico
- J.D. Power rating: 834
- AM Best financial strength rating: A++
- BBB rating: A+
- Pros: A++ financial rating, usage-based insurance discount, affordable rates
- Cons: Average claims satisfaction ratings, limited local agents
Geico is known for its competitive rates and a variety of coverage options. The company also offers a usage-based insurance program called DriveEasy, which can help drivers save money based on their driving habits.
- State Farm
- J.D. Power rating: 851
- AM Best financial strength rating: A++
- BBB rating: C-
- Pros: Good discounts for students, usage-based insurance discount
- Cons: Mixed customer reviews, lower BBB rating
State Farm is a well-established insurance provider with a range of coverage options and discounts for drivers. While it has received mixed reviews from customers, State Farm has a strong financial rating and a commitment to customer service.
- Progressive
- J.D. Power rating: 827
- AM Best financial strength rating: A+
- BBB rating: A
- Pros: Wide selection of coverage options, usage-based insurance discount
- Cons: Average customer service ratings, higher rates for some drivers
Progressive offers a variety of coverage options, including roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and custom parts coverage. The company has a strong financial rating and a reputation for providing quality insurance products.
- NJM Insurance
- J.D. Power rating: 844
- AM Best financial strength rating: A+
- BBB rating: C-
- Pros: Numerous discounts, SafeDrive program, other insurance products
- Cons: Limited information on website
NJM Insurance has been in business for over 100 years and offers a range of coverage options for New Jersey drivers. The company has a strong financial rating and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
How To Find the Best Car Insurance in New Jersey
When searching for the best car insurance in New Jersey, consider the following tips:
- Compare discounts offered by different insurers.
- Choose the right coverage options for your needs.
- Enroll in a usage-based insurance program to save money.
- Maintain a clean driving record to keep your premiums low.
- Avoid coverage lapses to prevent rate increases.
- Read online reviews to learn about other customers‘ experiences.
- Bundle policies to save on premiums.
New Jersey Car Insurance Requirements
New Jersey requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, including liability coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). Drivers can choose between a basic policy and a standard policy, each with different coverage limits. It’s essential to understand the state’s insurance requirements and choose the right policy for your needs.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Jersey
The average cost of car insurance in New Jersey is $2,513 annually for full coverage and $1,332 annually for minimum coverage. Geico offers the most affordable rates for both minimum and full coverage policies in the state.
New Jersey Car Insurance Costs by Age Group
Car insurance rates in New Jersey vary by age group, with younger drivers typically paying higher premiums. Geico offers the most affordable rates for drivers in every age group, making it a top choice for drivers of all ages.
New Jersey Car Insurance Costs by City
Car insurance premiums in New Jersey also vary by city, with urban areas typically having higher rates due to increased risks. Hillsborough has the lowest average annual rates for full coverage, while Irvington and Newark have the highest rates.
New Jersey Car Insurance Discounts
Many car insurance companies offer discounts to help drivers save on their premiums. Common discounts include multi-policy, good student, safe driver, and pay-in-full discounts. Be sure to ask each insurer about available discounts to maximize your savings.
Best New Jersey Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
When choosing the best car insurance in New Jersey, consider factors such as coverage options, costs, discounts, and customer service. Travelers, Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and NJM Insurance are among the top choices for drivers in the state. It’s essential to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best policy for your needs.
FAQ: Best Auto Insurance in New Jersey
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What is the best car insurance to have in New Jersey?
The best car insurance companies in New Jersey are Travelers, Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and NJM Insurance. -
What is the average cost of car insurance in New Jersey?
The average cost of car insurance in New Jersey is $2,513 annually for full coverage and $1,332 annually for minimum coverage. - Which company offers the most affordable car insurance rates for New Jersey drivers?
Geico offers the most affordable rates for New Jersey drivers, making it a top choice for cost-conscious consumers.
Our Methodology
Our ratings are based on extensive research, including industry standing, coverage options, costs, discounts, and customer experiences. We have evaluated dozens of auto insurance providers to determine the best options for New Jersey drivers. Our methodology ensures that our rankings are objective and accurate, providing valuable information to help consumers make informed decisions about their car insurance.