The car, truck, or SUV you are seeking coverage for is a significant factor when shopping around for the cheapest coverage for drivers with a bad driving record. Vehicles with high performance, a lack of safety features, or high incidents of liability claims will cost quite a bit more to insure than safer, lower-performance models.
The next table features insurance rates for a number of the most budget-friendly automobiles to insure in New Jersey.
| Make and Model | Estimated Cost for Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Honda Accord EX 4-Dr Sedan | $5,760 |
| Honda CR-V EX 2WD | $5,932 |
| Ford Escape XLT 2WD | $5,995 |
| Toyota Prius | $6,396 |
| Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Off-Road Package 4WD | $6,883 |
| Chevrolet Impala LS | $7,018 |
| Honda Civic LX 4-Dr Sedan | $7,067 |
| Ford Focus SES 4-Dr Sedan | $7,073 |
| Toyota RAV4 Limited 2WD | $7,098 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan Hero | $7,107 |
| Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD | $7,098 |
| Toyota Camry XLE | $7,130 |
| Dodge Ram 3500 Crew Cab Laramie 2WD | $7,176 |
| Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD | $7,185 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2WD | $7,196 |
| GMC Sierra SLE Crew Cab 4WD | $7,205 |
| Hyundai Elantra Blue 4-Dr Sedan | $7,325 |
| Ford Edge Sport 2WD | $7,350 |
| Nissan Rogue S AWD | $7,411 |
| Ford Fusion Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $7,422 |
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Cost estimates assume single male driver age 30, two speeding tickets, two at-fault accidents, $1,000 deductibles, and New Jersey minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Table data does not factor in specific garaging location which can raise or lower auto insurance rates significantly.
Looking at the data, you can expect models like the Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota Prius are likely to be the cheaper vehicles to insure for bad drivers. The cost of auto insurance will be higher anyway just because there is more claim risk for drivers with a bad driving record, but overall those makes and models will probably have the best insurance prices possible.
Establishing which companies offer the lowest-priced car insurance rates for drivers with a bad driving record will take a bit more effort than just getting one or two price quotes. Every insurance provider has their own formula to determine premium rates, so we need to take a look at the most affordable car insurance companies in Newark, NJ.
It’s a good idea to know that Newark car insurance rates are based on many factors that may substantially change the price you pay for coverage. Improving your credit score, buying another vehicle, or having a fender bender can cause premium changes that can make some companies cheaper than competitors.
Find the Best Cheap Insurance for Imperfect Drivers
21st Century quotes some of the most affordable car insurance rates in Newark at around $1,111 a year. Travelers, New Jersey Manufacturers, Penn National, and Palisades are also some of the cheaper Newark, NJ auto insurance companies.
As shown above, if you buy coverage from Penn National and switched to Travelers, you may see a yearly savings of approximately $193. Insureds with Palisades might save as much as $250 a year, and California Casualty insureds might realize rate reductions of up to $306 a year.
It’s important to note that these policy prices are averaged across all types of insureds and vehicles and and are not calculated with a specific location for drivers with a bad driving record. So the auto insurance company that is most affordable for your situation may not even be in the top 19 companies shown above. That point stresses why you need to get rate quotes from many companies using your own driver data and vehicle information.
Ending up with a good quality insurance provider can be challenging considering how many different companies insure vehicles in New Jersey. The company rank data in the next section could help you select which auto insurers you want to consider purchasing a policy from. The rankings below include major nationwide insurance companies, so companies that focus mainly on New Jersey business are not taken into consideration for this list.
Top 10 Major Auto Insurers in Newark Ranked by Claims Service
- Progressive
- USAA
- Liberty Mutual
- GEICO
- State Farm
- Nationwide
- Allstate
- 21st Century
- The Hartford
- Farmers Insurance
Top 10 Major Auto Insurers in Newark Ranked by Customer Satisfaction
- The Hartford – 93%
- Progressive – 90%
- 21st Century – 89%
- USAA – 87%
- Mercury Insurance – 87%
- State Farm – 87%
- Travelers – 87%
- Safeco Insurance – 86%
- AAA Insurance – 86%
- American Family – 85%
Careless driving habits raise car insurance rates
One of the best ways to get the best car insurance rates in Newark for bad drivers is to be a careful driver and maintain a clean driving record. The example below demonstrates how traffic citations and accident claims can increase premium costs for different age groups. The premium estimates are based on a single male driver, full coverage, $1,000 deductibles, and no other discounts are factored in.
The data charted above shows the average cost of car insurance in New Jersey per year with no accidents or violations is $2,681. Get one speeding ticket and the average cost hikes up to $3,029, an increase of $348 each year. Now include one accident along with the one speeding ticket and the annual cost of car insurance for drivers with a bad driving record goes up to an average of $3,998. That’s an increase of $1,316, or $110 per month, just for not maintaining a clean driving record!
How to find more affordable auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record
It’s not impossible to find cheaper rates, and here are a few thrifty solutions that can help Newark drivers find cheap auto insurance.
- Drive a car with a high safety rating
- Do not get into accidents
- Serious violations like DUI or reckless driving can increase rates dramatically
- Higher comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles will save money
- Improve your credit score
- Shop around for cheaper prices often
That last tip is notably valuable, as we discussed in the prior information. Prices charged by companies change constantly, so don’t be hesitant to buy from a new company if a lower-cost policy is available. Staying with the same company for years is fine, but it isn’t a good idea if that stubbornness costs you a small fortune year after year. Spend a few minutes and compare prices to find cheaper insurance for drivers with a bad driving record in Newark.
If you prefer to get help from a professional when comparing insurance rates for drivers with a bad driving record, the agencies below can help you make a decision which is the best policy. To find a Newark insurance agent closest to you, click the link after the list.
- Te Freuler
274 Chestnut St – Newark, NJ 07105 – (973) 274-0500 - Preferred Choice Insurance Agency
225 Newark Ave – Jersey City, NJ 07302 – (201) 616-7644 - ESTIR Inc
326 Bloomfield Ave – Newark, NJ 07107 – (973) 481-5300 - Gary’s Insurance Agency Newark
1 Bloomfield Ave – Newark, NJ 07104 – (973) 483-3500