Since automobile insurance coverage is mandatory in New Jersey, residents must have it in order to drive. But they can lower their auto insurance rates and take advantage of discounts if they know where to go and what to look for. An informed consumer stands a better chance of finding auto insurance discounts than an uninformed consumer.

Access Tools Available to New Jersey Drivers

Besides maintaining a good driving record, raising the deductible and taking a safe driver course, New Jersey residents can take advantage of a tool that is provided by the New Jersey Department of Insurance. The tool helps drivers understand what an auto insurance underwriter looks for in drivers and offers insight into what drivers can do to lower their premiums. At the Department of Insurance website, you can access the Auto Insurance Purchasing Planner, which takes you through the underwriting process. Although the tool offers estimates of what you can do to save on auto insurance premiums, your actual costs are affected by your driving experience, credit rating and policy limits.

New Jersey Auto Insurance Shopping Guide

Once you go through the sample rating, print out the results and then get a copy of the Auto Insurance Shopping Guide, which is published by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. This 24-page pamphlet provides general and New Jersey-specific auto insurance information.

Finding the Right Insurance Company

Find an insurance carrier that will provide the necessary coverage based on the information you obtained from the Auto Insurance Purchasing Planner and the Auto Insurance Shopping Guide. The Department of Insurance website lists insurance companies that offer auto insurance policies. The list includes contact information for each company and notes whether or not the company is accepting new business. In addition to all of the tools provided by the state, drivers can obtain additional discounts by chatting with an insurance agent. Ask what type of discounts are offered to veterans or members of various associations, including teachers associations. Insurance companies have discounts that the average driver is not aware of. The only way to find out is to ask the agent. Besides developing good driving habits, gathering information and asking questions are the best ways for New Jersey drivers to obtain discounts on their auto insurance policies.

Source:

NJ Auto Insurance Purchasing Planner

NJ Auto Shopping Guide

NJ Teachers Association Discounts