According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation‘s latest report, there were 276,861 crashes in the state in a single year. Distracted driving was the leading cause of crashes. If you caused an accident by texting or not paying attention behind your wheel, you could face reckless driving charges. High-risk drivers are those who have had one or more accidents, traffic tickets, or a DUI. You should expect to pay more for your New Jersey high-risk policy than the average car insurance.
Rates for high-risk New Jersey car insurance
It takes just a few minutes to buy auto insurance New Jersey. Comparing multiple quotes is a good way to get an idea of your rates. Our analysis of high-risk New Jersey auto insurance companies revealed that premiums rose according to the type and severity of the driving offense.
Rates for speeding tickets
Your driving record will be impacted by speeding in New Jersey. You could lose at least 3 points, or more. According to the rates of the top auto insurance companies in the state expect your premiums will increase by at least 10% following a speeding ticket. Rates will be affected for at least one-year after the increase. If you are not cited in any other moving violations, your points could drop after one year.
| Car insurance company | New Jersey’s average annual premium before a speeding ticket is for full coverage | New Jersey’s average annual premium after a speeding ticket is for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amica | $1,504 | $1,712 | 13% |
| Geico | $1,316 | $1,681 | 27% |
| NJM Insurance Group | $1,271 | $1,430 | 12% |
NJM Insurance Group’s premiums for safe drivers and people with a clean driving record are the most affordable.
Rates for an accident
Drivers who cause an accident are penalized more by some insurers than others. It is hard to predict if your New Jersey rates will rise unless you are involved in an accident. Palisades Insurance policyholders may experience a drop in car insurance costs after an accident.
| Car insurance company | New Jersey’s average annual premium before an accident for full coverage is $1,050 | New Jersey’s average annual premium for complete coverage after an accident is $1,050 | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJM | $1,271 | $1,287 | 1% |
| Palisades | $1,820 | $1,262 | 30% |
| State Farm | $1,244 | $1,834 | 47% |
Palisades Insurance’s car insurance rates dropped after an accident. This could be because the coverage was not geared towards safe drivers but rather high-risk drivers.
Rates for DUI
New Jersey drivers who have been charged with speeding tickets or an accident have seen their car insurance premiums rise. However, the data so far shows that they don’t necessarily pay more for it. DUI is an entirely different matter. A conviction for driving under the influence in New Jersey will result in a significantly higher car insurance premium.
| Car insurance company | New Jersey’s average annual premium before a DUI for full coverage | New Jersey’s average annual premium after a DUI for full coverage | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,469 | $2,067 | 40% |
| State Farm | $1,244 | $2,481 | 99% |
| Travelers | $1,320 | $2,906 | 120% |
Your premiums will likely continue to be high for many years. Points from a DUI conviction here in New Jersey are typically on your record for 10 or more.
Teen drivers: Rate
New Jersey has a lot of accidents caused by distracted drivers. The majority of distractions can be attributed to texting or smartphone usage. Teen drivers are more likely than adults to be distracted while driving by text messages, which can increase the chance of an accident. Insuring a young driver, who is more likely to be distracted via texting and phone use, can be more costly.
| Car insurance company | For full coverage, the average annual premium |
|---|---|
| NJM | $1,362 |
| State Farm | $1,991 |
| Tower Group | $1,625 |
16-year-old under their parent’s policy
Who are high-risk drivers?
An high-risk driver may be someone that an insurance company might designate as being more likely to cause a serious car accident. Speeding, drinking, and being distracted behind the wheel are some of the behaviors that could flag you as high-risk.
Bankrate’s high risk driver profile also includes drivers who are more likely to be in default of their car insurance. It includes teen drivers as well as policyholders who have had their coverage lapse in the past and could drive without vehicle insurance.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
Insurance rates can remain high as long your points are still on your driving record. For at least 10 years, you can expect to pay higher rates if you are convicted of DUI. To offset the high-risk driving costs:
- To erase points from your record, go to traffic school immediately after you have been cited.
- Switch insurance providers to save money.
- Register with a carrier that offers accident forgiveness, such as State Farm or Progressive, USAA Nationwide, Geico, USAA or USAA.
- Ask for discounts based upon your profile such as student, military, or newer cars.
- You can change your coverage level to one that is less expensive
To ensure that you get the best deal, compare car insurance quotes every year.
Questions frequently asked
What amount of car insurance do you need for high-risk drivers?
New Jersey drivers are required to have liability coverage of at least $15,000 per individual, $30,000 per accident in bodily injuries, $5,000 for property damage, and $5,000 for personal injury (PIP). You may need to purchase additional coverage if your chances of being in an accident are higher.
What length of time does a DUI stay on your driving record in New Jersey
In New Jersey, a DUI conviction could remain on your record for up to 10 years. You may wish to shop around for a lower car insurance rate if your rates rise sharply.