Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in New Jersey in 2025
New Jersey law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 39, vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout the state. The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and annual registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
The compulsory insurance requirement applies to all motor vehicles registered or principally garaged in New Jersey.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without required insurance constitutes a violation of New Jersey law and may result in fines, community service, license suspension, insurance surcharges, and vehicle impoundment. Driving an uninsured vehicle carries penalties that increase with subsequent violations.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
225 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone: (609) 292-6500
Official Website: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
New Jersey law establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance through two distinct policy types. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. New Jersey requires drivers to maintain coverage that meets statutory minimum amounts as established by P.L.2022, c.87.
Standard Policy Minimum Coverage
| Coverage Type | Current Minimum (2023-2025) | Minimum (Effective January 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total | $70,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 per person | $15,000 per person |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Up to liability limits | Up to liability limits |
Basic Policy Minimum Coverage
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Property damage | $5,000 per accident |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 per person, per accident |
| Bodily injury liability (optional) | $10,000 for all persons, per accident |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to all registered vehicles. New Jersey law mandates personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage in addition to liability coverage. The state does not require collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, though lenders typically mandate these coverages for financed vehicles. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be offered at amounts up to the selected liability limits.
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
20 West State Street, P.O. Box 325, Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 292-7272
Official Website: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
New Jersey requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, vehicle information, and insured's name and address
- Electronic insurance identification card displayed on cellular telephone, tablet, or computer
- Paper insurance card meeting specifications of at least 20 pounds cardstock weight with dimensions between three inches by five inches and five and a half inches by eight and a half inches
New Jersey law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accidents, vehicle inspections, or spot checks. Failure to present an insurance identification card or electronic form may result in fines. Operators must keep the card in the vehicle or be able to produce the electronic format before inspections, when involved in accidents, when stopped for traffic violations, or during police spot checks.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
New Jersey law provides limited exceptions to the mandatory insurance requirement. Insurance coverage exemptions apply only to specific categories of vehicles and operators under state statutory provisions.
- Vehicles owned by governmental entities may qualify for self-insurance under applicable regulations
- Corporations demonstrating sufficient financial ability to satisfy claims may obtain self-insurance certification
- Vehicles covered by alternative financial responsibility mechanisms approved by the Department of Banking and Insurance
All other vehicles registered or principally garaged in New Jersey must maintain the three mandatory types of insurance coverage. The state does not permit individual drivers to self-insure or substitute bonds for insurance coverage. New Jersey law requires substantially all private passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles to carry insurance policies from companies licensed to do business in the state.
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in New Jersey or when renewing an existing registration.
New residents must establish New Jersey insurance coverage and register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency or before current licenses and registration expire, whichever occurs first. New residents must transfer out-of-state titles and registrations during this period. Registration requires valid New Jersey insurance from a company licensed to do business in the state.
New Jersey motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the Motor Vehicle Commission website, by mail, or in person at Motor Vehicle Commission agencies. Online renewals require active insurance coverage with a company reporting to the state verification system. The Motor Vehicle Commission confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions. Registration renewal becomes effective immediately upon online completion.
