Temporary Car Insurance in New Jersey (2024)
GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive are the cheapest temporary car insurance companies in New Jersey.
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Written byA.M. Steinbach
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Full-time writer for 5+ years
Two-time Emmy Award nominee
A Harvard graduate, Mark has worked as a freelance personal finance and tech writer. He’s also written for Saturday Night Live.
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
Some New Jersey drivers may only need temporary car insurance in certain situations, such as for a quick weekend trip or a weeklong business trip.
A standard car insurance policy typically lasts six to 12 months. New Jersey drivers pay average rates of $124 per month for standard liability and $215 for full-coverage car insurance, which exceeds the national averages of $104 for liability and $204 for full coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about your temporary car insurance options in New Jersey.
Quick Facts
Popular pay-per-mile and usage-based options, like Hugo and Mile Auto, aren’t available in New Jersey.
One way to get temporary car insurance is by canceling a standard policy early, which most insurers allow. But you may have to pay a cancellation fee.
Some low-income drivers in New Jersey can qualify for the state’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) program, which costs $365 per year, or $1 per day.
Best temporary car insurance in New Jersey
Most New Jersey auto insurers don’t offer temporary car insurance with terms of less than six months, but you still have options. Many insurers will let you cancel your standard policy early without a fee.
Here are three of the best short-term car insurance coverage options in New Jersey.
GEICO: Best for overall value
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $110/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $171/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 10275 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,648)
George
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Service
The prices increase every year. I would not recommend purchasing.
James
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Steer clear. They increase your rate at every renewal.
Edward
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Experience with Geico
Reliable.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
GEICO offers some of the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey. Canceling a standard policy early is one way to get temporary car insurance. Fortunately, GEICO won’t charge a cancellation fee if you decide to end your policy early.[1]
GEICO also offers non-owner car insurance, which is a useful option for drivers who need car insurance on a temporary basis.
Pros
Low rates
Offers non-owner insurance
Cons
No pay-per-mile insurance option
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New Jersey
State Farm: Best for non-owner insurance
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $202/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $315/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9040 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (4,970)
Charles
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
New Car Price
State Farm is preferred due to its loyalty and pricing. Despite my vehicle being 20 years old, the policy is priced as if it were 2 years old.
Ronald
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
They are forcing me to replace my house roof or they will cancel my policy.
David
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Too expensive
It's too expensive. They raise rates every six months, even though I've never filed a claim.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
If you’re borrowing a car from a friend or driving a car you don’t own, you might want non-owner insurance. If so, State Farm is a popular option. While State Farm is one of the more expensive insurers in New Jersey, the company’s wide selection of coverage makes it a good choice for drivers seeking flexibility.
Pros
Offers non-owner insurance
Rideshare and rental coverage available
Cons
No pay-per-mile insurance option
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New Jersey
Progressive: Best for discounts
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 819 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $209/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $350/mo |
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (5,796)
Elandra
November 20, 2024
Verified Review
I don't even drive 30 miles a month, yet I pay over $200 a month. I have a clean driving record. This company is not good.
I don't even drive 30 miles a month, yet I pay over $200 a month. I have a clean driving record. This company is not good.
Denise
November 20, 2024
Verified Review
Fraudulent Claims Filed
They permitted false claims to be filed, complete with fabricated police report numbers, and treated the client as if the claim was not fraudulently filed.
Steven
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
I'll Stay with Them, No One Can Beat Them!
They are the cheapest I have found!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.82A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Progressive is a great option for New Jersey drivers looking to save on coverage through discounts. The company has helpful driver-based discounts for safe drivers, good students, college students, and homeowners. It also rewards drivers for how they receive quotes and buy coverage, with discounts for online quotes, paperless policies, and automatic payments.
Potential policyholders can also use the Progressive Name Your Price tool to learn how much coverage they can buy with the amount of money they’re willing to spend each month.
Pros
Offers non-owner insurance
Below-average number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New Jersey
May charge a policy cancellation fee
We chose the best temporary car insurance companies above by comparing several New Jersey insurers’ IQ Scores, average rates, selection of insurance products, customer service record, J.D. Power scores, AM Best scores, and online customer reviews. For temporary insurance, we placed a special focus on short-term coverage options and cancellation fees.
Cheapest short-term car insurance in New Jersey
While New Jersey drivers pay above-average car insurance premiums, you can still find affordable car insurance. Rates start as low as $86 per month for liability-only insurance. Factors like your age, vehicle type, marital status, coverage level, ZIP code, driving record, and more affect your rates.[2]
The table below outlines the cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey. The following insurers either offer a form of short-term insurance, including non-owner car insurance, or don’t have coverage cancellation fees.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $110 |
| State Farm | $202 |
| Progressive | $209 |
| Travelers | $261 |
| Allstate | $332 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in New Jersey
Liability-only quotes start at $86 per month
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Options for temporary car insurance
If you need car insurance only on a temporary basis, you have options. You can choose from pay-as-you-go car insurance, non-owner car insurance, pay-per-mile car insurance, and rental car insurance depending on your unique needs.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance: Best for safe drivers
Pay-as-you-go car insurance uses telematics to track your driving behavior and mileage. Your car insurance costs will be lower if you drive fewer miles and practice safe driving habits. With distracted driving on the rise, telematics has become a popular way for drivers to lower the chance of an accident or claim.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance usually has a base rate plus additional costs based on mileage. In some cases, your car insurance rates may rise if your mileage increases or if you don’t drive safely. Some drivers also might not want their insurer collecting their driving data. Telematics programs are voluntary and may be a good idea for low-mileage drivers.[3]
Non-owner car insurance: Best for borrowing a vehicle
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage whenever you drive a vehicle you don’t own. For instance, if you’re borrowing a friend’s car for a few days or renting a car, non-owner car insurance might fit your needs.
Non-owner car insurance has a six-month or 12-month policy term. It’s 37% cheaper than standard liability-only car insurance and 69% cheaper than full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data. Several major auto insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance, including GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate.
If you regularly borrow a car or use car-sharing services like Zipcar, a non-owner car insurance policy might come in handy. While non-owner policies have standard policy terms, they’re significantly cheaper than standard policies. This makes a non-owner policy the right financial choice for drivers who need insurance on a periodic basis.
Pay-per-mile car insurance: Best for low-mileage drivers
In recent years, brands like Mile Auto and Hugo have started offering pay-per-mile auto insurance. With Mile Auto, drivers send in their odometer readings at the end of the month. Then, the company determines rates based on how many miles policyholders drove.
Pay-per-mile car insurance is a good idea for low-mileage drivers. These auto policies are also more privacy-friendly, as your insurer isn’t tracking your driving behavior — just your mileage.
Unfortunately, very few car insurance companies offer pay-per-mile insurance. Hugo and Mile Auto aren’t currently available in New Jersey. Allstate’s pay-per-mile program, Milewise, is only available in six states.
Stored car insurance: Best for occasional drivers
Many car insurance companies offer a significant discount to drivers who store their vehicles for long periods of time. For example, USAA offers major discounts to deployed policyholders who won’t drive their vehicles for a while.
Some car insurance companies offer a separate car storage insurance product, which is essentially a comprehensive-only policy that protects your stored car in the event of severe weather or vandalism. Talk to an insurance agent for more information on stored car insurance.
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Pros and cons of temporary car insurance
Deciding on the right type of auto coverage to meet your needs as a driver is important. You’ll have to consider how frequently you drive, your annual mileage, how you like to pay for car insurance, and more.
Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of temporary auto insurance to consider.
Pros
Helps you out in short-term driving situations
Cheaper than a standard policy
Flexible options, from non-owner insurance to pay-as-you-go coverage
Cons
Many insurers don’t offer temporary insurance
Few one-day insurance options
You may still end up buying more coverage than you need
Temporary car insurance in New Jersey FAQs
New Jersey drivers have options when it comes to temporary car insurance. Here are some answers to questions you might have about temporary car insurance in New Jersey.
Can you get temporary insurance in New Jersey?
Standard car insurance policies in New Jersey are six to 12 months long. New Jersey drivers can get temporary insurance by canceling a standard insurance policy early, purchasing non-owner car insurance, or purchasing pay-per-mile car insurance.
How can you get $1-a-day insurance in New Jersey?
Low-income drivers in New Jersey may qualify for the state’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) program, which costs $365 per year and covers medical expenses after an accident. This isn’t a temporary insurance policy, and drivers must pay the $365 premium up front in one or two installments.[4]
Is temporary car insurance legit?
Only a few legit car insurance companies offer temporary policies. Most companies sell coverage only in term lengths of six or 12 months. If a company is offering policies with a shorter time frame, do your research to make sure the company isn’t a scam. Checking customer reviews and the Better Business Bureau website can give you some answers.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey?
NJM is the cheapest car insurance company in New Jersey, with an average rate of $86 per month for liability-only car insurance. Other cheap insurers include CSAA and Plymouth Rock, with respective average monthly liability rates of $88 and $92.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in New Jersey
Sources
- GEICO. "How to Cancel Your GEICO Car Insurance Policy."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Background on: Pay-as-you drive auto insurance (telematics)."
- State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. "Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP)."
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A.M. SteinbachInsurance Writer
A.M. is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content marketing strategist who's worked with major brands in insurance, tech, finance, and healthcare. He also contributes to The Average Joe, a personal finance newsletter that reaches over 250,000 daily readers. Since 2019, he's written for Insurify, breaking down a diverse range of insurance topics into crisp, readable prose.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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