Auto insurance in New Jersey was a long time nightmare for drivers, who faced the highest premiums in the nation, and watched many insurers simply leave the state because of the high cost of doing business there. Things have come around a bit, and some companies that had earlier abandoned the Garden State have returned. Rates are more in line with those found in other states just a few years ago.
Regarding driving styles in New Jersey – they remain within the bounds of the Northeastern U.S. in terms of the type of styles found in that region. A driver needs to be assertive in traffic-bound centers, and if you make eye contact, you will often get a break to enter the road. New Jersey drivers are fairly courteous.
As for insurers, as already noted there have several companies that have returned to writing New Jersey policies, so it is not as difficult to find coverage as it was in past decades. Still, some companies offer continuing coverage to existing customers, but refuse to write new policies. There has been some interplay between the insurance companies and the State Government that has been semi-hostile and most of these grandfathered policies were dictated by New Jersey.
One company that offers good coverage at a good price is Amica. The catch is, you need to have a near-flawless driving record to get a policy from this company.
The ubiquitously-advertised GEICO has returned to doing business in New Jersey, after a long hiatus. They are worth getting a quote from, but not necessarily the least expensive because of marketing costs.
State Farm still apparently is accepting new policies, as is Palisades Insurance Group, which insures quite a few New Jersey drivers.
Returning to driving styles in the state of New Jersey, you should be aware of the fact that there are still a number of driving circles in cities and towns in the state. If you are from out-of-state, the general rule is that when several roads feed into a circle, drivers already on the circle have the right of way. If you are approaching a circle, come to a stop if necessary (those behind you will understand) and press the pedal down when you can get out into the circle.
Do not be surprised if you are driving the Turnpike or Garden State Parkway at substantial speed in the passing lane, if someone blows right by in the “slower” lane.
In New Jersey, “keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel!”
