Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New Jersey (2025)

NJM, USAA, and The General offer some of the best car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey.

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Car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey costs an average of $223 per month, which is more than the average monthly cost of $202 that people with clean driving records pay. Insurers may consider Garden State drivers a high risk after receiving a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, or a DUI.

Insurers charge higher rates to high-risk drivers because they’re more likely to file insurance claims, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for expensive premiums. If you’re a high-risk driver in New Jersey, here’s what you need to know about maintaining the car insurance coverage you need at an affordable price.

Who is a high-risk driver in New Jersey?

New Jersey uses a point system for driving records, assigning points depending on the type and severity of the violation. Riskier behavior, like driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit, results in more points than lesser violations, like failing to use a turn signal.1

If you get six or more points on your license within three years, you’ll be fined, and insurers may increase your rates. If you get 12 or more points on your record, the state will suspend your license.

You can subtract points from your New Jersey license by remaining free of any violations or suspensions for one year and by taking a state-approved defensive driving course.2

Best New Jersey auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers

The cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers can vary depending on the driver’s specific traffic violations. Shopping around is the best way to find the right high-risk insurer for your needs.

New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM), USAA, and The General are three of the best New Jersey auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers, so it may make sense to start by getting quotes from them.

NJM Insurance: Best for discounts

USAA: Best for military members

The General: Best for drivers with a DUI

  • When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability. The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.

Cheapest car insurance in New Jersey with an at-fault accident 

An at-fault accident can indicate risky behavior on the road, which is why insurance premiums often increase after an accident.

But you can still find cheap car insurance in New Jersey after an at-fault accident if you compare quotes from multiple insurers. Consider starting your comparison shopping with these insurers.

Cheapest car insurance in New Jersey with a DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Insurers charge much higher premiums to high-risk drivers with a DUI compared to people with a clean driving record.

The table below lists some of the cheapest car insurance options for New Jersey drivers with a DUI.

Cheapest auto insurance in New Jersey with a speeding ticket 

Driving above the speed limit increases your chances of getting into an accident, which is why your insurance rates typically increase after receiving a speeding ticket.

The insurers listed below offer some of the cheapest auto insurance for New Jersey drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.

How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey

If you’re a high-risk driver struggling to find affordable car insurance, consider using these strategies to find a cheaper policy:3

How to improve your driving record in New Jersey

Improving your driving record is one of the best long-term methods of lowering your insurance costs. Here are some ways you can clean up your record as a high-risk driver:

  • Slow down. Staying within the speed limit not only protects you from speeding tickets, but it lowers your chances of getting into an accident.

  • Learn defensive driving. New Jersey offers a list of state-approved defensive driving courses that can teach you how to stay safe on the road.

  • Seek legal counsel. After receiving a traffic violation or ticket, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in traffic law can help you reduce the impact on your driving record.

  • Improve your credit. Insurers may charge higher rates to drivers with poor credit history, so working to improve your credit can help lower your insurance costs and improve your finances at the same time.

New Jersey high-risk drivers insurance FAQs

If you’re a high-risk driver looking for insurance in the Garden State, the additional information below can help as you research your coverage options.

  • Which driver is considered high-risk in New Jersey?

    Insurers typically consider New Jersey drivers who get six or more points on their license within a three-year period to be high risk. Additionally, any traffic violations or incidents, including speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs, can classify you as high risk.

  • How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in New Jersey?

    Car insurance companies in New Jersey look at each driver’s driving record — especially any points on their licenses, as well as age, credit history, location and more — to calculate the driver’s risk status.

  • What is the cheapest insurance company for New Jersey high-risk drivers?

    CSAA offers the cheapest coverage for high-risk drivers in New Jersey, with liability rates averaging $116 per month. But the cheapest insurer for you will depend on the specific violations on your record and other factors.

  • How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in New Jersey?

    The price for high-risk auto insurance varies from one driver to another in New Jersey, although the average overall monthly cost is $223.

  • How long are you considered a high-risk driver for insurance?

    It can vary depending on the specific risk factors involved. Points on your license, traffic tickets, and convictions can stay on your record for years, but defensive driving courses and maintaining a record with no new violations can improve your risk assessment.

Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken

Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.

Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger's, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.

She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.

Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.

Emily has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.