DUI Car Insurance in New Jersey

Most drivers in New Jersey pay higher insurance premiums for three to five years after a DUI conviction. The violation itself stays on their driving record for 10 years. Your insurer sets the exact surcharge period based on your driving history and risk profile.

Drivers with clean records pay around $172 a month for coverage. Drivers with a DUI pay about $343 a month. The $171 monthly difference explains why drivers with a DUI will have difficulty finding cheap rates.

Unlike most states, New Jersey doesn't require an SR-22 filing. Instead, you'll need to prove you carry the state's minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 and PIP: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident and $5,000 for property damage, plus personal injury protection (PIP). PIP requirements and full DUI insurance costs for New Jersey are covered in more detail if you read more.

New Jersey doesn't require SR-22 filings or special insurance certificates after a DUI conviction. Unlike most states, New Jersey requires drivers to carry only standard auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements. That means no ongoing paperwork, no proof-of-coverage filings that drag on for years, and no risk of license suspension if a policy lapses.

A DUI conviction in New Jersey can nearly double your monthly premium. Drivers with clean records pay around $172 per month on average, while those with a DUI pay about $343, a 99% increase that adds up fast.

Nationally, the picture looks somewhat better for drivers with DUI convictions. The average American pays $219 per month after a DUI compared to $122 with a clean record, representing an 80% increase. New Jersey's 99% jump exceeds this national benchmark by nearly 20 percentage points, making New Jersey among the most expensive places to insure a vehicle after a DUI.

Find out more: The average cost of car insurance in New Jersey

Based on MoneyGeek's scoring system, Plymouth Rock Insurance ranks as both the cheapest car insurance and best overall car insurance provider for New Jersey drivers with a DUI.

Plymouth Rock Insurance charges $145 a month for DUI drivers, $198 less than the state average of $343. That adds up to $2,376 in annual savings for drivers already paying elevated premiums after a DUI.

Plymouth Rock Insurance combines a $145 monthly rate with a 4.75 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. MoneyGeek's ratings weigh affordability, customer experience and coverage options, so the score reflects more than price alone.

Watch out for scam ads promising cash payouts for DUI-free driving records. Facebook ads claiming you can get money back for clean driving histories are fake programs designed to steal your personal information. No insurance company offers rebates for avoiding DUIs. Safe drivers do pay lower premiums than those with DUI convictions, but that's standard risk-based pricing. Insurers assess your driving history and charge higher rates for risky behavior, not bonus programs for good behavior.

There are other financial consequences tied to a conviction besides insurance rate increases. Required fines and fees can add up to thousands of dollars, so it’s important to plan ahead.

• Fines and fees. New Jersey courts require drivers to pay fines and state surcharges after a DUI conviction. First-offense fines range from $250 to $1,000, and increase with each subsequent violation. Mandatory fees add to that total, including $100 to the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund and $100 for alcohol education. Required programs such as the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) can add up to $280 more.
• Towing and impound fees. Police will tow your vehicle after a DUI arrest and hold it for at least 12 hours. Towing and storage fees to get your vehicle back run $250 to $500. The exact cost depends on your location and towing provider.
• Drug education and treatment. Drivers must complete 12 to 48 hours at the IDRC. Evaluation results may lead to referrals for further treatment. Program costs run $75 to $280 or more.
• DMV reinstatement fee. Getting your license back after a DUI suspension requires paying the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission a $100 license restoration fee plus a $150 DUI-related fee, for a minimum of $250. Multiple suspensions may trigger additional charges.
• Attorney fees and other costs. A DUI attorney can cost $2,000 to $10,000. Costs vary by case complexity. If your DUI involved an accident, you're also liable for property damage and medical expenses. Other potential costs include court fees and lost income. Ignition interlock device fees run $50 to $200 a month for up to 15 months.

We give practical steps to help you get the best car insurance rates in New Jersey after a DUI, and guidance for what to do if traditional companies decline your application.

These answers cover the most common questions about DUI insurance in New Jersey.

MoneyGeek examined records from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services to find the best providers for New Jersey drivers with DUIs. We reviewed financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims handling and affordability across companies.

These rates represent a 40-year-old male with both a clean driving record and a DUI conviction insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry LE driven 12,000 miles annually. We created variations of this base profile for additional rate comparisons.