Auto Insurance Companies in New Jersey

While New Jersey residents have dozens of auto insurers to choose from, the 10 largest companies make up approximately 89% of the state's auto insurance market. By evaluating the top 10 companies, prospective policyholders shopping for auto coverage can assess most of the market. Below, we rank each company based on the size of its business in the state and highlight what makes them unique to New Jersey drivers.

1. Geico

Geico is the largest insurance company in New Jersey by a large margin. The company has a 20% market share on auto insurance in the state, 7% more than the runner up, New Jersey Manufacturers. While Geico is known for online sales, the company has five locations in New Jersey where you can purchase auto coverage in person. The offices are in Cherry Hill, Hackensack, Hamilton, Monmouth and Somerset-Middlesex.

Our Thoughts: In most states, Geico's largest drawback is that it doesn't have local insurance agents to assist customers. However, that isn't the case for drivers in New Jersey around the aforementioned cities. Furthermore, Geico differentiates itself by offering highly competitive rates, making it one of the best auto insurance companies in New Jersey.

2. New Jersey Manufacturers

New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM) is a regional insurance company headquartered in West Trenton, New Jersey. It has additional branches in Parsippany and Hammonton. To qualify for coverage through NJM, you must either be a state employee or employed by a member organization of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA).

Our Thoughts: NJM is one of the top insurance companies in the Garden State, with an unusually low number of complaints and great perks. For instance, all NJM policyholders get roadside assistance free of charge. More importantly, NJM is a mutual company, meaning profits can be returned to policyholders in the form of a dividend.

3. Allstate

Allstate boasts a high number of agents, with 22 in the Newark area alone. One of the best perks that Allstate offers in New Jersey is the Safe Driving Bonus. The bonus is awarded to drivers every six months they go without filing an auto insurance claim. While some insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, Allstate actually sends a check in the mail, which can be spent on anything.

Our Thoughts: Allstate's auto insurance rates are higher than the state average. Aside from the Safe Driving Bonus, the company doesn't offer many discounts. If you're interested in Allstate for its network of agents, there are other companies that may be a good fit, like State Farm.

4. Progressive

Progressive exited the insurance business in New Jersey in 1983 but made its return in 2005. Since then, the company has grown rapidly, and it now accounts for 11% of the state's auto insurance market. Progressive has a service center in South Plainfield and others within driving distance of some of the largest cities in New Jersey. These service centers serve as one-stop shops for damage estimates on vehicles, claims and repairs.

Our Thoughts: Progressive provides some of the cheapest rates for experienced drivers or those who have been involved in an auto accident. In exchange for Progressive's low rates and its long list of discounts, customers will have to put up with minor irritations, like long phone wait times. If you're OK with that trade-off, Progressive is an excellent choice for your auto insurance needs.

5. State Farm

Not only does State Farm have a network of agents across the state, it also offers 14 discounts for New Jersey drivers. The discounts are varied in nature, ranging from age-based discounts to vehicle-safety discounts. A large portion of State Farm's customers will likely qualify for at least a few discounts.

Our Thoughts: What differentiates State Farm from other insurers in New Jersey is its network of agents. Anyone looking for an insurance company with in-person agents who can answer questions will find it difficult to top State Farm's service. However, drivers more concerned with price over service will find that other companies offer more competitive quotes.

6. Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock operates only in New Jersey and four other states—Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, the company offers commercial and personal auto insurance coverage only. If the brand is unfamiliar, that's likely because Plymouth Rock was created in 2011 through the unification of several companies, including Palisades Insurance and High Point Auto Insurance. Today, the company has approximately 8% of the New Jersey auto insurance market.

Our Thoughts: Of the 10 largest auto insurance companies in New Jersey, Plymouth Rock offers the second cheapest auto insurance quotes. Plymouth Rock has received great reviews from current customers. Overall, Plymouth Rock is one of the best auto insurance companies for New Jersey drivers.

7. Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual has been in New Jersey for more than 100 years. The company opened its first office in the state in 1917. Today, it operates 15 offices around the state. Several of those offices participate in community service. For instance, employees in one of Liberty Mutual's Somerset offices sponsor the Rutgers University Homecoming each year and volunteer at Middle Earth in Bridgewater by planting flowers.

Our Thoughts: Drivers in New Jersey will find that Liberty Mutual offers average-priced auto insurance quotes. Policyholders often complain about frequent rate increases and a slow claims process. Overall, there are many other companies you should consider before selecting Liberty Mutual as your insurer.

8. USAA

USAA is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas and only offers policies to U.S. military members and their families. Despite the company's specific customer segment, it still manages to receive high marks from reviewers and industry experts. This is great news for those stationed at McGuire Air Force Base or Fort Dix.

Our Thoughts: Most people who qualify for coverage through USAA will find that the company offers low auto insurance rates and great customer support. Perhaps the best thing about USAA is that it aligns its benefits with the needs of military members. For instance, USAA offers a discount for stationing a vehicle within a military base.

9. Travelers

Travelers issued the first private auto insurance policy in the U.S. in 1897. The company has a long history and has pioneered many insurance-related milestones. For instance, Travelers was the first to offer discounts to owners of hybrid vehicles. In New Jersey, the company operates through a network of independent agents. To find an agent, you can refer to the directory on Travelers' website.

Our Thoughts: Travelers' rates aren't the most affordable. However, most people will find that the company's many discounts offset its average auto insurance quotes. Overall, Travelers is a decent choice, but you should shop around and compare quotes before signing up for a policy.

10. Farmers

Farmers has a long roster of agents in New Jersey's largest cities, including Edison and Newark. Customers in the state have access to several discounts, including a classroom discount for completing a state-approved driver training course. The discount lasts for three years, and even those who have previously completed the course might be eligible to receive the discount.

Our Thoughts: Farmers is a well-rounded insurance company that offers affordable quotes and great customer support. Farmers' agents will work with individual drivers and in the past have even found hidden discounts for customers. The company also provides a fast turnaround time when customers submit claims. Simply put, Farmers is one of the top auto insurance companies available in New Jersey.