Auto insurance requirements in New Jersey
Here's the minimum coverage New Jersey requires to drive legally — and what those numbers actually mean.
| Coverage | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury (per person) | $35,000 |
| Bodily injury (per accident) | $70,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
| Personal injury protection | Required |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required |
Bodily injury minimums rose to 35/70 on January 1, 2026, completing a phased increase begun in 2023; choice no-fault state with PIP required on standard policies.
Verified July 2026.
Requirements change. Confirm with your state's insurance department before making decisions.
What these numbers mean
Liability minimums are usually written as three numbers, like 25/50/25. The first is the most your insurer pays for one person's injuries, the second is the total it pays for everyone's injuries in a single accident, and the third covers damage you cause to other people's property.
In New Jersey, the 35/70/25 minimum means your policy covers up to $35,000 for one person's injuries, $70,000 for all injuries in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Is the minimum enough?
The minimum keeps you legal, and for some drivers — an older car, few assets to protect, a tight budget — it can be a reasonable starting point.
That said, a serious accident can cost more than these limits, and anything above them comes out of your own pocket. Higher liability limits often cost less than people expect, so it's worth comparing a minimum policy against one with more room.
New Jersey uses a no-fault system: after an accident, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills first, no matter who caused it. Lawsuits over injuries are limited to more serious cases, which is why PIP is part of the required coverage here.