Minimum car insurance in New Jersey.
What New Jersey requires, in plain words, and why the minimum may not be enough.
The minimum limits
In New Jersey, the minimum liability limits are written 35/70/25 (in thousands): $35,000 for injury to one person, $70,000 for injury to everyone in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
How the system works
New Jersey uses a no-fault style system, so your own policy pays part of your medical costs after a crash whoever caused it. The exact rules differ from the at-fault system used in most states.
Choice no-fault. Standard policy limits rose from 25/50/25 on Jan 1, 2026; PIP required. A basic policy allows PD of only $5,000 and no required BI.
What the minimum means in practice
Say a crash you cause injures three people. The New Jersey minimum pays at most $35,000 to any one of them and $70,000 in total, shared between all three. Any medical bills above that could become your responsibility. Property damage stops at $25,000.
If you drive without insurance in New Jersey
The Motor Vehicle Commission says driving an uninsured vehicle may result in fines, community service, license suspension and insurance surcharges. It lists a $250 annual surcharge for three years ($750 total) for operating an uninsured vehicle.
Proof of insurance
Insurers issue a paper or electronic New Jersey Insurance Identification Card for each vehicle, which must be kept in the vehicle or producible electronically and shown after an accident, when stopped, at a police spot check and before inspection.
Also worth knowing in New Jersey
New Jersey offers Standard, Basic and Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) options.
Your state regulator
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is the official place for consumer questions and complaints about insurers.
Questions
Is New Jersey a no-fault state?
New Jersey uses a no-fault style system for medical costs, with its own rules.