Affordable auto insurance in New Jersey is something we can all appreciate. Finding the lowest rates isn’t straightforward, however. The most affordable car insurance for you will depend on many factors – most importantly, your vehicles, drivers, driving records and credit score. While looking for insurance yourself from one of the many insurance companies that sell insurance online is an option, every company is different, and may not represent the best option for you. An experienced, independent agent can help you quickly find the appropriate and most affordable auto insurance coverage for you and your family.
New Jersey Car Insurance Laws
First thing’s first: Familiarize yourself with the insurance laws in NJ. A good starting point is to know what type of insurance is mandatory in the Garden State. According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, all drivers must have proof of liability insurance at the time of registration. The insurance must meet the state minimum requirements of:
$15,000 for bodily injury or death of an individual
$30,000 for a single accident
$5,000 for property damage
Or $35,000 combined single limit for bodily Injury and property damage
$15,000 for personal injury protection
The most important part of your auto insurance coverage is the liability insurance. While coverage to repair and protect your vehicle is useful, liability insurance will protect your family and your assets in the case of a more serious accident. At Danskin Agency, we recommend that our clients choose the highest liability limits they can afford.
One word of caution: New Jersey laws are strict when it comes to lapsed coverage. First offenses could be fined $300 to $1,000. Subsequent offenses may result in a suspended license or community service. Don’t let your insurance lapse due to budget constraints. There are ways to make coverage affordable.
Tips for Finding Reasonable NJ Car Insurance
Start with your vehicle. Comprehensive and collision are dependent on the make and model of your car. So, the newer and more expensive the car, the higher the premiums. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, choose a less expensive one.
Take a higher deductible. A higher deductible will lower your premium. That said, if you are in an accident, you will have to pay more out of pocket before the insurance kicks in.
Maintain a good credit score. An insurance credit score is used to calculate your premium. A higher score means a lower monthly rate. If your credit score isn’t where it should be, work on repairing it for more competitive insurance rates.
Choose an independent agent. Brokers do have access to multiple insurance companies, but they’re not working directly for them; this can limit the discounts they give. An independent agent works for more than one company and can usually offer bigger discounts.
Ask about discounts. Discounts are effective at slashing insurance costs. Discounts may be applied for safe drivers, good students, retirees, members of certain organizations, low mileage usage and vehicles with installed safety features.
Drop some coverage. If you have an older vehicle, it may be worth it to drop comprehensive and collision. If the car is damaged in an accident, you still have the option to collect against the other driver’s liability if that driver is mainly at fault for the accident.
Car insurance is something we can all appreciate, especially when it is affordable. Luckily, Danskin Agency offers affordable car insurance. To learn more, call us today.