New Jersey has the unfortunate reputation of being one of the most
expensive states in which to live. While it may deter many people from wanting
to live here, there have been recent changes that have transformed Jersey car
insurance for the better. Now, New Jersey is right up there with every other
state in terms of being able to get affordable car insurance. However, our
lovely Garden State still has unique requirements by which all drivers need to
abide in order to reap these benefits.
Basic liability insurance adheres to the minimum requirements: $10,000
coverage for injury, and $5,000 coverage for property damage. You can upgrade
this package to a standard liability policy, which is what most people in our
state choose to do. It's got higher rates of coverage: $15,000 for injury and
$30,000 for property damage. A person who has an entire fleet of vehicles,
perhaps for a business or organization, and need to insure more than 25 have
the option to self-insure.
All drivers are expected to choose one of these options because New
Jersey has very dire consequences for driving without insurance. First-time
offenders will get a fine of up to $300 and will have a suspension on their
license. Community service time may also be issued. The fine goes up by a few
hundred dollars on subsequent offenses, and the suspension on the offender's
license goes from one year to two years. This could also result in doing time
in jail.
It's understandable if, for example, you just bought a brand new Ford in South New Jersey and you're
excited to get it on the road. But our advice to you is that unless you want to
get a fairly expensive fine and have your license suspended so you can't even
drive your shiny new vehicle, make sure it's insured by taking it for a joy
ride.