As in other states, New Jersey drivers must prove financial responsibility for accidents that occur. If you have a collision, you can seek compensation for injuries and property damages from your car insurance policy or a responsible motorist’s policy.
Before moving to the Garden State or getting your license here, make sure you comply with the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements.
Basic auto insurance policy
The state offers a basic policy with the bare minimum car coverage at an affordable price. This policy includes:
- $15,000 in personal injury protection per person per accident, with up to $250,000 in coverage for certain catastrophic injuries
- $5,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
- The option to add $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- Optional comprehensive and collision coverage
The basic New Jersey auto insurance policy does not provide uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which pays for damages when you have an accident with a person who has no car insurance.
Standard auto insurance policy
If you want protection beyond the basics, New Jersey also offers a standard tier of coverage. This type of policy includes:
- $15,000 to $250,000 in personal injury protection per individual per accident, with up to $250,000 in coverage for certain catastrophic injuries
- $5,000 to $100,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
- $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage, with available maximum of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident
- Optional comprehensive and collision coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage available up to the level of your liability coverage
If you have a New Jersey driver’s license and choose the basic auto insurance policy, you have a limited right to sue for damages in an accident. Individuals who have standard state auto coverage retain the right to sue for damages that exceed the responsible driver’s auto insurance policy.