Personal Lines
Personal Auto Insurance
Coverage for every driver in your household, every vehicle on your property, and every road you travel.
More Than the Minimum
Personal auto insurance is required by law in all states, but the minimum required coverage and the right coverage for your situation are two very different things. For example, New Jersey's minimum liability limits ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury) can be consumed in a single serious accident, leaving your personal assets exposed to any judgment above that amount. We see this gap regularly, and it's entirely preventable.
New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means your own policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your medical expenses after an accident regardless of who caused it. The coverage level you choose for PIP, the deductible, and the coordination with your health insurance all significantly affect both your premium and your out-of-pocket exposure. Getting this piece right matters more in NJ than in most states.
Auto insurance rates are highly individualized: driving record, vehicle type, garaging location, annual mileage, and household drivers all affect what you pay. Working with an independent agency means we can shop your profile across multiple carriers to find the right fit, not just the cheapest option. The cheapest policy and the right policy are rarely the same thing.
Key Facts
-
Uninsured motorist coverage is critical in all states
-
Comprehensive and collision cover your own vehicle
-
Rental reimbursement and roadside add-ons available
-
Named driver exclusions can affect household coverage
Bodily Injury Liability
Pays for injuries you cause to another person in an accident. This is the coverage that protects your assets when you're at fault and someone else is hurt.
Property Damage Liability
Responds to damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property. If you hit another car, a fence, or a building, this is what pays for it.
PIP (No-Fault Medical)
Personal Injury Protection pays your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident in New Jersey, regardless of who caused the collision.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
Protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages. Essential in New Jersey, where uninsured drivers are common.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault. Required by most lenders when your car is financed or leased.
Comprehensive Coverage
Responds to theft, hail, fire, vandalism, flooding, and animal strikes. If your car is damaged by anything other than a collision, this is what responds.
Rental Reimbursement
Responds to a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim. A small add-on that makes a real difference when your car is in the shop for days.
Roadside Assistance
Provides towing, flat tire service, battery jump-starts, and lockout assistance when you're stranded. Often available for a few dollars per month.
Gap Coverage (Financed Vehicles)
If your car is totaled and you owe more than its market value, gap coverage pays the difference between the loan balance and the insurance payout.
What's Not Covered
Business or Commercial Use
Using your personal vehicle to deliver goods, haul equipment for clients, or operate any business beyond basic commuting typically isn't covered. Commercial auto coverage handles that exposure.
Excluded Drivers Listed on the Policy
If a household member is formally excluded from your policy, there is no coverage if that person drives your vehicle and causes an accident. Named exclusions are serious and permanent while listed.
Rideshare Driving (Uber, Lyft)
Once you turn on the rideshare app, your personal auto policy gaps out. A rideshare endorsement or separate commercial policy is required to cover that period.
Intentional Damage
No insurance policy covers intentional acts. If you deliberately damage a vehicle, your own or someone else's, the claim will be denied.
Racing or Track Use
Taking your vehicle to a track event, drag race, or organized speed competition voids coverage for that incident. Even recreational track days count.
Mechanical Breakdown
Engine failure, transmission problems, and normal wear and tear aren't covered by auto insurance. A vehicle service contract (extended warranty) handles those repairs.
Personal Belongings Stolen from Your Car
A laptop, camera, or bag stolen from your vehicle isn't covered by auto insurance. Your homeowners or renters policy covers personal property, including items stolen from a car.
Let's Make Sure You're Actually Protected
A quick coverage review can reveal gaps you didn't know were there. We'll walk through what you have, what you need, and where your exposure is.