Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New Jersey

If you have infractions on your driving record in the Garden State, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents or a DUI, you may need to look for high-risk coverage from a New Jersey insurance company. Affordable insurance for high-risk drivers can take a little work to find, but by shopping around, you should be able to find a policy that works for your budget. 

Rates for high-risk car insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey car insurance rates are highly personalized. Your insurer considers multiple factors when determining your rate, including your driving record. Driving infractions can place you in the high-risk category, but simply being a young or new driver could also make you high risk in the eyes of certain carriers. To find the best car insurance for your needs, you may want to compare quotes from standard carriers and higher risk options to see which offers you the best quote. 

Below you can compare the average cost of coverage for certain high-risk factors, including which New Jersey carriers offer the cheapest average rates for these driver profiles. 

How do I know if I’m a high-risk driver?

A high-risk driver is someone that a car insurance company may designate as more likely to file costly claims. The factors that classify a driver as high-risk vary by carrier, but those with three or more moving violations or accidents within five years often fall into this category. You may also be considered higher risk if you have a coverage lapse in your insurance history or drive a vehicle associated with risky driving behavior (like a sports car). Most insurers also consider teen drivers and anyone with a DUI or license suspension to be high-risk.

How to lower your rate as a high-risk driver

The best strategy for lowering your insurance rates depends on what high-risk category you fall into. Teen drivers may benefit from looking for a carrier that offers student discounts, while someone with several speeding tickets could benefit from completing a driver safety course. To find cheap car insurance in NJ for high-risk drivers, consider the following tactics:

• Shop around and switch car insurance providers if another insurer is able to offer you a better rate. Compare car insurance quotes each year before your coverage renews to ensure you are still getting the best price.
• Ask for discounts based on your unique profile, such as those for students, for military or corporate affiliation or for having a newer car.
• Raise your deductibles. Assuming a greater degree of financial responsibility for future claims can reduce your premiums.
• Look for a carrier that offers accident forgiveness. While this will not lower rates following a recent incident, you may save yourself from increased rates in the future should one new at-fault accident occur.

Frequently asked questions

• How much car insurance do I need if I am a high-risk driver?
  

  New Jersey law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. As of 2023, NJ drivers needed to carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage, 25/50 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage and $15,000 of personal injury protection (PIP). Starting January 1, 2026, NJ minimum limits for liability and uninsured motorist coverage increase again to 35/70/25 of liability coverage, 35/70 of uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage and PIP limits will remain the same. If you’re not sure how much insurance you need beyond the state’s minimum requirements, talk to an insurance professional such as an agent or broker.

• How long does a DUI stay on my driving record in New Jersey?
  

  A DUI or DWI stays on your driving record in New Jersey forever. The state does have a 10-year step-down rule: if you go 10 years or more without a further infraction, your second charge will be treated like the first. Your insurer may have different rules, however. Most insurers consider a DUI when determining rates for three to seven years, but since the conviction remains on your state records for longer than this, your insurer could review and consider those records for longer, depending on their company policies.

• What is the best auto insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey?
  

  If you are a high-risk driver in New Jersey, you can likely still find insurance coverage from a number of local and regional carriers. Shop around and compare quotes to find insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget. According to Bankrate’s research, it may be worth looking into NJM, Plymouth Rock and Travelers in the wake of a ticket, accident or DUI. While you can expect to pay more for your monthly premium than a driver who does not have any marks on their record, there is likely coverage available that fits your needs.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2023 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.

Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 17-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents’ policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.