New Jersey Home Insurance: Costs, Coverage and How to Save
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New Jersey has experienced many weather and climate disasters, with the state’s 130-mile Atlantic coastline leaving homeowners especially exposed to nor’easters, hurricanes and coastal flooding.
Whether you’re protecting a beachfront property or a home further inland, having the right coverage matters. Bundling your home and car insurance is easy with Jerry. It’s free to compare quotes and we’ll help you switch insurers once you’re ready, all online. Plus, our licensed agents are just a call away if you’d rather talk to a real person.
Based on cheapest quotes shown for all Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Bundle home + car and save up to 40%.
What New Jersey homeowners pay right now
Home insurance costs in New Jersey depend on a number of things, including your home’s age and rebuild cost, your claims history and your property’s exposure to risks like coastal storms, flooding and harsh winter weather.
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Jerry can help you find competitive prices and strong coverage regardless of those factors. Take a look at some recent examples below of real customers who saved by bundling their home insurance with Jerry:
Recent bundling quotes
Based on Jerry customers who found savings in the past 45 days. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Key takeaway: Home insurance rates in New Jersey are shaped by your home’s age, rebuild costs and exposure to storms, but shopping around can make a real difference.
Mix and match home and car insurance with Jerry
One of the smartest ways to save on home insurance in New Jersey is bundling with your car insurance. Combining home and auto insurance with the same carrier can save you a significant amount. Depending on the insurer, bundling discounts typically range from 5%-25%, but with Jerry they could be as high as 40% off both policies combined.
Here’s what makes Jerry different: You don’t have to use the same insurer for both.
Jerry’s mix-and-match approach lets you pair the best home insurance rate with the best auto insurance rate, even from different carriers. That way, you’re not stuck overpaying on one policy just to get a bundle discount on the other.
Mix and match with Jerry to build your perfect bundle.
Best home insurance in New Jersey
There’s no single “best” home insurance company in New Jersey. It depends on your home, your budget and what kind of coverage you need. For example, homeowners along the Jersey Shore may need separate windstorm and flood policies, while those in areas like Mercer County or North Jersey may be more focused on winter storm protection or coverage for aging home systems.
That said, our data shows some clear trends among New Jersey homeowners. Here are the most popular home insurance companies Jerry customers pick:
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Why the variety? New Jersey homeowners prioritize different things. Some want the lowest premium, many care most about a smooth claims process and others look for strong digital tools or local agent support.
Also check: The best car insurance in New Jersey
Jerry recommends: The easiest way to find the right coverage is to compare home insurance quotes in the Jerry app. We find competitive quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you can find the best coverage at the right price.
Factors that affect home insurance costs in New Jersey
From coastal storms to aging infrastructure, where and what you own in New Jersey plays a big role in what you pay. Here’s what stands out most and how to stay protected.
🌊 Coastal storms and nor’easters
With 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, New Jersey is regularly hit by nor’easters and the occasional hurricane. These storms bring high winds, storm surge and heavy rain that can cause significant property damage, especially in Shore towns like Long Beach Island, Ocean City and Cape May. Standard policies typically cover wind damage, but storm surge and flooding require separate coverage.
🌊 Flood risk
Flooding is one of the most common and costly risks for New Jersey homeowners, affecting both coastal and inland areas. Roughly 407,900 properties across the state face substantial flood risk today, and that number is expected to grow over the next 30 years. Standard home insurance does not cover flood damage, so homeowners in flood-prone zones should look into a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
❄️ Winter weather
New Jersey winters bring heavy snowfall, ice storms and freezing temperatures that can lead to frozen pipes, ice dams and roof damage. These hazards can result in costly claims, particularly for older homes with outdated plumbing or insulation. Insurers may factor in your home’s age and heating system condition when setting your premium.
🏠 Aging homes and older systems
New Jersey has a high number of older homes with outdated electrical, plumbing and heating systems. Homes with knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron pipes or aging roofs can be more expensive to insure and may face limited carrier options. Upgrading these systems can help lower your premium and make it easier to find coverage.
💰 Property values and rebuild costs
New Jersey has some of the highest property values in the Northeast, and rebuild costs have risen significantly in recent years. Your premium is heavily influenced by your home’s replacement cost, square footage and construction type. Homes in high-cost areas like Bergen County, Morris County or along the Shore will generally pay more for coverage.
Key takeaway: New Jersey’s mix of coastal storms, flood risk, tough winters and aging homes all factor into your rate. Understanding what drives your premium helps you find the right coverage.
Get bundling quotes in minutes, no calls needed.
Get the right coverage without overpaying
For New Jersey homeowners, the right mix of coverage can save money over time while keeping you protected when it counts.
Dwelling coverage is the foundation of your home insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure if it’s damaged by things like fire, wind, hail, lightning or vandalism.
Your dwelling coverage amount is based on your home’s rebuild cost — not its market value — as calculated by your insurer. Jerry can estimate your replacement cost right in the app, so you’ll know you’re covered for the right amount.
Here’s what New Jersey homeowners typically pay based on their home’s rebuild value:
$150-299k
dwelling coverage
Typical for smaller homes, condos or older properties.
$300-499k
dwelling coverage
Covers most mid-range homes.
$500-749k
dwelling coverage
Typical for larger or newer homes.
$750k-1M
dwelling coverage
Common for high-value properties.
Key takeaway: Your dwelling coverage should match your home’s rebuild cost, not its market value. Jerry shows you real-time pricing at every level so you can find the right balance.
Learn more: What does home insurance cover?
4 ways to save on home insurance
Bundling your home policy with the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium, but it’s not the only one. New Jersey homeowners have several options to reduce costs without cutting coverage. Here are four worth looking into.
Jerry Agent Tip 1: Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Every insurer calculates rates differently, which means the same home can cost hundreds less to insure depending on who you’re with. In New Jersey, where the market includes dozens of regional and national carriers, the price gap between companies can be significant. Comparing quotes side-by-side with Jerry is the fastest way to find a better rate.
Recent quotes
Why it matters: Location matters, and two homeowners in New Jersey with similar homes can still pay very different rates. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side to help you find coverage that fits your home and budget.
Jerry Agent Tip 2: Stack discounts for a cheaper rate
From paying in full to getting security system credits, most homeowners qualify for at least a few discounts, and stacking them can add up to real savings. But insurers don’t always apply all of them, which is why Jerry automatically finds the discounts you qualify for.
Besides bundling, here are some common New Jersey home insurance discounts:
🔒 Security system discount
Installing safety devices like alarms, smart home systems and deadbolts can qualify you for a lower rate. Many carriers offer protective device discounts of up to 15% when you combine security systems like advanced burglar protection and automatic water leak valves.
🆕 New home discount
Newer homes are less likely to have costly claims, and insurers reward that. Depending on the carrier, homes built within the last 10 to 15 years may qualify for savings of up to 15% for the first year you’re with an insurance company.
💨 Wind mitigation discount
In a state that regularly gets hit by nor’easters and coastal storms, roof upgrades, storm shutters and reinforced connections can earn real credits. In some cases you could save up to 90% off the wind portion of your premium.
🎓 Claims-free discount
The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. Most insurers offer this discount after three or more claims-free years, with some offering savings of up to 20%.
🔧 Home renovation discount
Updated your electrical, plumbing or heating systems? This is especially valuable for New Jersey’s many older homes. Some carriers offer discounts when these systems have been replaced within the last 10 to 15 years, since modern systems reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
🏡 HOA or gated community discount
If your home is in a homeowners association or gated community, you may qualify for a lower premium. Insurers view these properties as lower risk due to added security and regular maintenance.
💳 Pay-in-full discount
Paying your full annual premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can earn you a discount with many carriers, typically between 5-10%.
⏳ Loyalty discount
Staying with the same insurer year after year can lead to increasing savings. Some carriers start rewarding loyalty after just one year, with discounts growing the longer you stay. But still, it never hurts to shop around when your policy is up for renewal.
📋 Quote-in-advance discount
Shopping early can pay off. Some insurers offer a discount of up to 15% when you get a quote before your previous policy expires.
🚭 Non-smoker discount
Since smoking increases the risk of house fires, some carriers offer lower rates to non-smoking households.
Key takeaway: Most homeowners qualify for multiple discounts, from bundling and security systems to claims-free credits. But insurers don’t always apply them automatically. Jerry can help you find all the discounts you’re eligible for to maximize your savings.
Jerry Agent Tip 3: Pick the right deductible
Your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — has a direct impact on your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 25%, depending on your location, insurer and home’s replacement cost.
A higher deductible means a lower premium, but more out of pocket if you file a claim. To find the right balance:
- Check what you can afford out of pocket. If a $2,000 expense after a storm would be manageable, a higher deductible could save you hundreds a year. If it would strain your budget, stick with a lower one.
- Consider how often you’d actually file a claim. Most homeowners only file a claim once every 8 to 10 years, so the premium savings can add up long before you ever pay that deductible.
The Jerry difference: Jerry lets you compare quotes for different deductible amounts to see how it affects your home insurance costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 4: Improve your credit score
In New Jersey, insurers can use credit-based insurance scores to help set your premium. Homeowners with good or excellent credit often save hundreds compared to those with fair or poor credit. One NJ-specific detail worth knowing: insurance scoring models in New Jersey cannot factor in unpaid medical bills, which offers some added protection for homeowners managing medical debt.
Improving your credit isn’t an overnight fix, but even gradual improvements could lead to a lower rate at your next renewal. To boost your credit score, focus on paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances below 30% of your limit and avoiding new credit applications before shopping for insurance. Building your credit score could take some time, but most people see meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments and lower balances.
If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry. Some insurers weigh credit less heavily than others, and Jerry can show you which carriers offer the best rates for your situation.
Key takeaway: The better your credit score, the lower your premium is likely to be. But regardless of your credit history, shopping around with Jerry can help you find a competitive rate.
Compare home + car bundles in one place, all online.
FAQ
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💰 How much does home insurance cost in New Jersey?
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🏠 Does New Jersey require homeowners insurance?
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🌊 Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in New Jersey?
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🛡️ What is the New Jersey FAIR Plan?
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📊 Does my credit score affect homeowners insurance rates in New Jersey?
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❄️ Does home insurance cover winter storm damage in New Jersey?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.