N.J. auto insurance rates fall, still highest in U.S.

    The latest data are for 2007 and shows a 9.6% decline in automobile insurance premiums in the Garden State from the high of 2004.

    Auto insurance premiums in New Jersey are down for a third straight year.

    Listen:
    [audio: 091202pgautoinsurance.mp3]

    The latest data are for 2007 and shows a 9.6% decline in automobile insurance premiums in the Garden State from the high of 2004.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Assembly Insurance Committee Chairman Gary Schaer says reforms approved six years ago have created a more competitive environment.

    Schaer: By creating a level playing field, by encouraging companies to come in, we’ve seen a good decline in our rates. New Jersey unfortunately is still the highest of all states when it comes to rates but only by a little bit.

    The average rate paid by New Jersey drivers is about $1100 dollars. State Insurance Department officials say more coverage in policies and the higher risk of driving in a densely populated state limit just how much auto insurance costs will fall.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal