Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in New Jersey (October 2024)


Plymouth Rock Assurance offers the cheapest rate for individual drivers with low income and poor credit at $88 per month. For families with low income, GEICO provides the most affordable rate at $73 per month.

New Jersey does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for low-income drivers. Finding the provider with the most affordable rate is one option to manage costs, and there are also ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance.

While minimum coverage will help you drive legally, there are downsides. For example, if you are in an at-fault accident, minimum coverage may not cover all the damages, leaving you to pay out of pocket.

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Cheapest for Individuals With Low Income

Plymouth Rock Assurance is the cheapest car insurance provider for individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in New Jersey with an average minimum coverage premium of $88 per month or $1,061 per year.

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Cheapest for Families With Low Income

GEICO is the cheapest car insurance provider for families with low-income in New Jersey with an average minimum coverage premium of $73 per month or $880 per year.

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Cheapest for Senior Drivers With Low Income

NJM is the cheapest car insurance provider for seniors with low-income and poor credit score in New Jersey with an average minimum coverage premium of $82 per month or $989 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed thousands of data points and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the New Jersey Department of Insurance to get the cheapest average costs for low-income drivers of New Jersey.

25,584Quotes Analyzed
 
12Companies Compared
 
53ZIP Codes

Does New Jersey Offer Low-Income Insurance?

Car insurance companies in New Jersey do not consider income when calculating your rates. Instead, they look at factors like age, driving record, credit history, and type of car. At-fault accidents and moving violations can also increase your rates. To find the cheapest rates, it's best to compare quotes from several insurance companies.

If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. Additionally, New Jersey offers pay-per-mile insurance, which is a great option for drivers who rarely drive. MoneyGeek rounded up the cheapest insurers for low-income drivers in New Jersey to help you save.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in New Jersey

To legally operate a vehicle in the Garden State, you're required to carry minimum car insurance requirements that include the following coverages:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
  • $15,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per person.

Choosing a liability-only car insurance policy in New Jersey helps cover expenses for the other driver if you're at fault in an accident but doesn't cover your own vehicle's damages. For broader protection, including your vehicle, you'll need full coverage car insurance, which encompasses both collision and comprehensive coverages. These safeguard against a range of incidents, from accidents to theft and natural disasters.

In scenarios such as frequent driving in areas with high traffic or theft rates, opting for full coverage can be particularly wise. For instance, residents of urban New Jersey locales may find full coverage beneficial due to increased risks. Understanding the risks and benefits of different coverages is crucial to choosing the right policy for your circumstances.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Individuals With Low Income in New Jersey

Credit history is crucial for low-income drivers as it can significantly impact car insurance premiums in New Jersey. Insurers view a poor credit history as a higher risk, leading to increased premiums. This makes it essential to understand how your credit-based insurance score affects your rates. The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with low-income and poor credit record in New Jersey are:

  • Plymouth Rock Assurance: $1,061 per year, $88 per month
  • GEICO: $1,069 per year, $89 per month

Drivers with good insurance credit, you can get the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey from:

  • GEICO: $478 per year, $40 per month
  • Plymouth Rock Assurance: $549 per year, $46 per month

Driving without insurance in New Jersey is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, fines ranging from $175 to $1,000 and other penalties.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Credit Score:Poor
Plymouth Rock Assurance$1,061$88
GEICO$1,069$89
NJM$1,176$98
Progressive$1,181$98
Amica Mutual$1,316$110
Foremost$1,640$137
New Jersey Skylands Insurance$1,651$138
Mercury$1,872$156
Allstate$1,895$158
Travelers$2,160$180
State Farm$3,212$268
Hanover$4,742$395
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in New Jersey

While your income doesn't directly change car insurance rates, your family situation does. In New Jersey, single parents face an annual premium that's $464 higher than what married couples with a teen pay. For couples, the rate is more affordable by $464 per year.

The cheapest car insurance companies for married couples with a teen in The Garden State are:

  • GEICO: $880 per year; $73 per month
  • Travelers: $1,229 per year; $102 per month

For single parents with a teen, the most budget-friendly options are:

  • GEICO: $1,344 per year; $112 per month
  • Allstate: $2,406 per year; $201 per month

These rates show that married couples with a teen can secure minimum coverage auto insurance for less money compared to single parents. This difference highlights the importance of a good credit score, which can help any family type access more affordable car insurance premiums.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
GEICO$880$73
Travelers$1,229$102
Progressive$1,536$128
Allstate$1,587$132
State Farm$2,572$214
Foremost$2,904$242

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors With Low Income in New Jersey

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach your early senior years (typically around age 55 to 65), especially if you have a clean driving record.

The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low income and poor credit history are:

  • NJM: $989 per year; $82 per month
  • GEICO: $1,048 per year; $87 per month

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. In New Jersey, there are specific laws and guidelines for seniors getting car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Credit Score:Poor
NJM$989$82
GEICO$1,048$87
Plymouth Rock Assurance$1,060$88
Progressive$1,485$124
Amica Mutual$1,600$133
Foremost$1,622$135
New Jersey Skylands Insurance$1,668$139
Mercury$1,814$151
Allstate$1,897$158
Travelers$2,353$196
State Farm$3,017$251
Hanover$4,694$391
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates in New Jersey?

Many factors influence car insurance rates. Although your income doesn't affect the price directly, you might pay more if a low income leads to a poor credit record. Understanding these factors can help you find the best car insurance for your needs.

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    Driving record

    A clean driving history with no at-fault accidents or moving violations usually results in lower rates.

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    Age and gender

    Younger drivers, especially males, typically pay more due to higher risk than more experienced drivers.

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    Credit history

    Your credit history can affect your rates, with lower insurance scores often leading to higher premiums.

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    Location

    Where you live plays a role, with urban areas often having higher rates than rural areas due to more congested roadways, higher accident rates and incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism.

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    Vehicle type

    The make, model and year of your car impact insurance costs. Sportier or more expensive cars generally cost more to insure.

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    Coverage levels

    The higher your level of coverage, the higher your premiums.

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    Insurance company

    Different insurers have different underwriting methodologies and discounts, so it's important to compare quotes.

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    Claims history

    A history of filing claims can lead to higher rates. If you can afford to pay for your own repairs, it might behoove you not to file a claim.

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    Extreme weather events

    New Jersey is prone to severe weather events like hailstorms and ice storms, which can increase insurance claims and, in turn, rates.

How to Save on Car Insurance in New Jersey

There are several ways to find affordable car insurance in New Jersey. You can find good deals. Here are some tips to lower your car insurance premiums:

  1. 1

    Choose minimum coverage

    Opting for state-mandated minimum coverage can help you cut costs while still meeting legal requirements to drive. However, ensure you understand the coverage limits.

  2. 2

    Comparison shop

    Gathering quotes from multiple insurers and comparing rates and discounts can lead to the best deals. Shopping locally might offer the lowest rates in your state.

  3. 3

    Look for discounts

    Many insurers offer discounts for good students, safe drivers, military members, and bundling multiple policies. Always ask about available discounts when shopping for insurance.

  4. 4

    Increase your deductible

    Choosing a higher car insurance deductible decreases your monthly premium. Ensure you can afford the deductible if an accident occurs. This approach can result in significant savings.

  5. 5

    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    If available, pay-per-mile insurance is ideal for low-mileage drivers. You pay a base rate plus a per-mile fee, ensuring you only pay for the miles you drive.

  6. 6

    Bundle your policies

    Bundling homeowners or renters insurance with your auto policy often results in discounts. The best home and auto bundles can save you around $496 each year.

  7. 7

    Drive a cheaper car

    Your car’s make, model, and year impact insurance costs. Driving the cheapest cars to insure can save you hundreds of dollars annually on insurance.

FAQ: Low-Income Car Insurance in New Jersey

Finding affordable car insurance for low-income drivers in New Jersey can be difficult. Get answers to common questions about low-income car insurance options in the state.

Does New Jersey have a state-backed low-income car insurance program?

How can low-income families get affordable car insurance in New Jersey?

Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in New Jersey?

What are the benefits of usage-based telematics programs for drivers with low-income in New Jersey?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.