If you’re a new driver in New Jersey, car insurance is likely to be a significant new expense. Most new drivers are young drivers and, in terms of assessing risk, insurance carriers treat them differently to experienced drivers.

Here are some tips for those looking to purchase car insurance in NJ for the first time:

• If you have yet to purchase a vehicle, think carefully about the type of car you’ll buy and get some insurance quotes for it before you buy. Certain types of cars are statistically more likely to be stolen or involved in accidents. Choose a mainstream car that has not been modified. Modified cars are bound to attract higher premiums, as are cars with expensive and hard to source replacement parts.
• Secure your vehicle. Fit it with a security device, be diligent about locking your vehicle, and if you have a garage available to you, use it. Perhaps most importantly, remove valuables from the car – especially global positioning systems – when you leave your vehicle. Wipe the suction mark from the windshield to remove any evidence of a GPS. A stolen vehicle can be more than an inconvenience – claims can increase your insurance premiums.
• Find out which insurance carriers target your age group. Different carriers have different target markets, and while insurers generally charge young drivers more (because they are over-represented in crash statistics) some charge much higher rates than others.
• Maintain a good driving record. Safe drivers save money on premiums in the long term.

If you’re a new driver looking for more affordable quotes for your car insurance in NJ, explore our Virtual Insurance Office further to discover your options on the best coverage deals available!