Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in New Jersey?

New Jersey car insurance averages $1,902 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DWI increase to $3,665, which is $1,763 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $4,832.

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in New Jersey?

The cheapest insurer after a DWI is NJM, with average premiums of $1,732. The next most affordable option is Plymouth Rock Assurance, where rates are $409 higher than those of NJM. Progressive offers the third-lowest car insurance rates for drivers with a DWI.

Driving under the influence is both dangerous and expensive. You'll face substantial fines and increased car insurance rates for many years. Because each insurer handles a DWI differently and sets its own pricing, comparing quotes from several companies is essential.

The table below lists theaverage car insurance rates after a DWI in New Jersey.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
NJM$1,318$1,732$2,014
Plymouth Rock Assurance$1,737$2,141$3,276
Progressive$2,187$2,654$4,306
Travelers$1,706$2,738$4,191
GEICO$1,563$3,171$4,633
Allstate$2,294$3,439$4,584
Farmers$2,254$4,399$6,741
State Farm$2,153$8,623$8,623

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in New Jersey?

If you're convicted of a DUI in New Jersey, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and DWI will stay on your record for 15 years.

If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most cases, insurance applies to the car rather than the driver, so your car insurance rates won't rise because the DWI will not appear on your driving record.

However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a DWI. Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.

How long does a DWI affect your insurance in New Jersey?

While a DWI may remain on your driving record forever, it doesn't affect rates forever. A DWI affects New Jersey car insurance and stays on your record for 15 years. Your car insurance rates should begin to decrease after several years with no further infractions on your driving record.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers pay more for car insurance than older, more experienced drivers because they have less time on the road. Although a DWI raises rates for any driver, a teen's insurance costs surge even higher after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DWI is $4,751.

These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:

  • For teens: NJM is the cheapest at $4,751.
  • For young adults: NJM offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $2,081.
  • For adults: NJM, with an average rate of $1,732.
  • For seniors: NJM has the most affordable average rate at $1,511.

This table shows how a DWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
NJM$3,807$4,751$94425%
GEICO$3,406$4,981$1,57546%
Travelers$3,815$5,853$2,03853%
Plymouth Rock Assurance$6,195$7,799$1,60426%
Progressive$10,556$10,566$100%
Allstate$6,892$10,690$3,79855%
State Farm$5,763$19,272$13,509234%
Farmers$9,664$19,834$10,170105%
NJM$3,807$4,751$94425%
GEICO$3,406$4,981$1,57546%
Travelers$3,815$5,853$2,03853%
Plymouth Rock Assurance$6,195$7,799$1,60426%
Progressive$10,556$10,566$100%
Allstate$6,892$10,690$3,79855%
State Farm$5,763$19,272$13,509234%
Farmers$9,664$19,834$10,170105%

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?

The cheapest city in New Jersey for car insurance with a DWI is Allenhurst, while the most expensive city is Garfield at an average of $4,675. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of a DWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic rates and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance rates since their cars are more likely to be damaged. Those higher rates are then raised significantly with a DWI.

This table lists the average car insurance rates after a DWI by city. Compare prices in major cities and rural areas to understand how your location influences your rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Allenhurst$1,784$3,367$1,58389%
Bloomfield$2,193$4,222$2,02993%
Clifton$2,344$4,611$2,26797%
East Brunswick$1,878$3,562$1,68490%
Fairview$2,511$4,674$2,16386%
Garfield$2,371$4,675$2,30497%
Hoboken$2,308$4,404$2,09691%
Jersey City$2,331$4,505$2,17493%
Matawan$1,868$3,519$1,65188%
Pleasantville$2,026$3,826$1,80089%
Trenton$2,138$4,252$2,11499%
Allenhurst$1,784$3,367$1,58389%
Bloomfield$2,193$4,222$2,02993%
Clifton$2,344$4,611$2,26797%
East Brunswick$1,878$3,562$1,68490%
Fairview$2,511$4,674$2,16386%
Garfield$2,371$4,675$2,30497%
Hoboken$2,308$4,404$2,09691%
Jersey City$2,331$4,505$2,17493%
Matawan$1,868$3,519$1,65188%
Pleasantville$2,026$3,826$1,80089%
Trenton$2,138$4,252$2,11499%

How to get car insurance after a DWI in New Jersey

Insurers will label you a high-risk driver after a DWI, but you can still secure car insurance. Finding suitable coverage following a DWI conviction may require some additional effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a DWI, your insurer will likely continue your policy; however, your premiums will increase at renewal time.

If you need car insurance after a DWI or want the lowest available rates, be sure to compare multiple companies. Request quotes from various insurers to identify the most affordable choice in New Jersey, since each company determines its own rates after a DWI.

New Jersey DWI insurance requirements and penalties

A DWI in New Jersey means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers.

A DWI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.

The table below indicates New Jersey DWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BACAdministrative license suspension after a first offenseLimited driving privileges during suspensionIgnition interlocksOpen container lawsRepeat offender laws
0.13 monthsNoneMandatory for all convictionsYesYes
0.13 monthsNoneMandatory for all convictionsYesYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?

A DWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, although the timeframe varies by state. In some states, like California, a DWI can impact your premiums for as long as 10 years.

In New Jersey, drivers can expect higher car insurance rates after a DWI and expect it to stay on their record for 15 years.

Tips to save money after a DWI

A DWI can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees and increased insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are still ways to lower your rates afterward.

New Jersey drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a DWI by:

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • One and two DWI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

New Jersey DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?

Depending on the state, a DWI can remain on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most cases, a DWI affects car insurance rates for only three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in New Jersey?

Most insurers will not cancel your policy after a single DWI, but your rates will rise sharply. However, multiple DWIs may lead your insurer to deny coverage. The higher the risk you present, the harder it becomes to secure car insurance.

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