Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in New Jersey?
Yes. If you get a DWI in New Jersey, your car insurance rates will go up because insurers see you as a higher risk. If you have a clean record, the average rate is $3,122. After one DWI, the average rate jumps to $6,300, an increase of $3,178.
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 $8,469.
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in New Jersey?
The cheapest insurer after a DWI is NJM, with rates averaging $3,156. The next cheapest insurer is Progressive, a difference of $405 from NJM. GEICO has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DWI.
Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a DWI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.
This table shows average car insurance rates after a DWI in New Jersey.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJM | $2,373 | $3,156 | $3,687 |
| Progressive | $3,069 | $3,561 | $5,817 |
| GEICO | $2,597 | $3,784 | $5,491 |
| Travelers | $2,522 | $4,128 | $6,363 |
| Allstate | $3,311 | $4,970 | $6,578 |
| Plymouth Rock Assurance | $4,534 | $5,372 | $7,284 |
| Farmers | $2,726 | $8,975 | $16,379 |
| State Farm | $3,997 | $16,203 | $16,203 |
People ask
What happens when you get a DWI in New Jersey?
If you're convicted of a DWI in New Jersey, the consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, and car insurance rates will increase for 10 years.
If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
If someone else gets a DWI while driving your car, the DWI goes on their driving record, not yours. Your insurance rates will not go up just because of their DWI. However, your rates could increase if that driver causes an accident and you file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing.. Your insurer may also review your policy if that person lives with you or regularly drives your car.
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?
A DWI affects your car insurance rates in New Jersey for about 10 years. However, the DWI may stay on your official driving record longer. Your rates will start to go down after a few years if you avoid new violations and keep continuous coverage.
Insurance companies check your driving record when setting your rates. Each company has its own rules for how long it considers a DWI.
If you keep a clean record, your rates should gradually decrease. Still, the exact timing depends on your insurer, state rules, and your overall driving history.
People ask
Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DWI?
It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DWI, 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 DWI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates..
How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?
Younger drivers pay higher insurance rates than mature drivers since they lack experience behind the wheel. While a DWI increases rates significantly, younger drivers' car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a DWI is $5,605.
These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:
- For teens: GEICO is the cheapest at $5,605.
- For young adults: NJM offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $3,867.
- For adults: NJM, with an average rate of $3,156.
- For seniors: NJM has the most affordable average rate at $2,741.
This table shows how a DWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.
| Company | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $3,751 | $5,605 | $1,854 | 49% |
| NJM | $5,402 | $6,731 | $1,329 | 25% |
| Travelers | $5,867 | $9,000 | $3,133 | 53% |
| Plymouth Rock Assurance | $8,116 | $9,696 | $1,580 | 19% |
| Allstate | $9,874 | $15,377 | $5,503 | 56% |
| Farmers | $12,422 | $39,281 | $26,859 | 216% |
| State Farm | $11,890 | $39,924 | $28,034 | 236% |
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?
The cheapest city in New Jersey for car insurance with a DWI is Trenton, while the most expensive is Newark at an average of $8,569. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of whether you have a DWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance premiums because their cars are more likely to be damaged. Those higher rates are then raised significantly with a DWI.
This table shows average DWI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.
| City | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton | $3,377 | $7,030 | $3,653 | 108% |
| Clifton | $3,643 | $7,608 | $3,965 | 109% |
| Jersey City | $3,738 | $7,728 | $3,990 | 107% |
| Bayonne | $3,752 | $7,859 | $4,107 | 109% |
| Camden | $3,807 | $7,986 | $4,179 | 110% |
| Paterson | $3,951 | $8,188 | $4,237 | 107% |
| Passaic | $4,028 | $8,335 | $4,307 | 107% |
| East Orange | $3,979 | $8,379 | $4,400 | 111% |
| Elizabeth | $4,003 | $8,420 | $4,417 | 110% |
| Newark | $4,142 | $8,569 | $4,427 | 107% |
How to get car insurance after a DWI in New Jersey
Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver, but you can still get car insurance after a DWI in New Jersey. You can stay with your current insurer or look for companies that cover high-risk drivers. Start by checking if you need to file any state forms, then compare quotes from several insurers.
If you have car insurance and get a DWI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.
If you need car insurance after a DWI or want to find the lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in New Jersey, since each insurer offers different 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. In New Jersey, you will need an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company that shows the state that you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by law. While an SR-22 doesn't increase your car insurance rates, the cause behind the form does.
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 BAC | 0.1 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 3 months |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | None |
| Ignition interlocks | Mandatory for all convictions |
| Open container laws | Yes |
| Repeat offender laws | Yes |
*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, but it may be longer depending on the carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims.. Rates may decline at each renewal after the DWI, as long as you have no additional violations.
Keeping continuous coverage and avoiding further violations will help your rates improve over time.
Even after your insurer stops factoring in the DWI, it may still appear on your driving record.
Review your policy and compare quotes at each renewal to find better rates over time.
Tips to save money after a DWI
You can save money after a DWI by comparing quotes, avoiding additional violations and taking advantage of discounts. While these steps will not remove the DWI, they can help reduce your overall costs.
While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay.
- Raise your deductible to lower rates
- Look for car insurance discounts, like multi-policy and vehicle safety feature savings
- Keep your driving record clean going forward
- Take a defensive driving course
- Improve your credit score
- Compare rates from multiple companies
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through our data partner, Quadrant Information Services. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
Base rate averages are based on our full coverage data setand the following parameters:
- 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:
- Ages ranging from 16 to 75
- Rates after a DWI
New Jersey DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions
How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?
DWIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a DWI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.
Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in New Jersey?
Most insurers won't drop you after one DWI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple DWIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.
Do you need an SR-22 after a DWI in New Jersey?
Yes, you are required to obtain an SR-22 after a DWI in New Jersey as proof that you carry the minimum insurance required by law. Your insurer files the form with the state. The filing fee is generally small, but the DWI conviction that triggered the requirement can substantially increase your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods..
Can you get full coverage car insurance after a DWI?
Yes, you can get full coverage car insurance after a DWI, but it will generally cost more, and fewer insurers may be willing to offer it. Full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Comparing quotes from several companies can help you find the best coverage at a more affordable rate.
Compare New Jersey DUI car insurance rates with other states
You might also be interested in- New Jersey car insurance laws and requirements: What is changing in 2026
- Speeding ticket calculator in New Jersey
- Non-owner car insurance in New Jersey: Best and cheapest companies
- New Jersey gap insurance: Everything you need to know
- Low-income car insurance in New Jersey
- New Jersey car insurance coverage calculator
- New Jersey car insurance guide
- Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Jersey
- Cheapest home and auto insurance bundle in New Jersey
- Best and cheapest car insurance in New Jersey for 2026
