Fact CheckedNerdy takeaways
Chubb is the top-rated insurer in New Jersey, offering the best coverage for high-value homes.
NJM is the best value choice with an average annual rate of $1,570, as compared to the state average of $2,030 per year.
Andover Companies offers the best coverage for most homes.
Amica is our top pick for consumer experience.
USAA is our highest-rated choice for military families.
New Jersey homeowners should consider factors like customer service, coverage and price when shopping for insurance. To help you find the best home insurance in New Jersey, we gathered and analyzed data from insurance companies around the state. Below are the insurers that came out on top.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state. Even if an insurer serves your state, it may not write policies for all homes in all areas.
The best home insurance in New Jersey
Best coverage for high-value homes
Chubb
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Perks to help you protect your home.
- Most consumers can't get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Why it’s worth a look: Chubb serves affluent homeowners with comprehensive coverage and useful extras. For example, it offers a service called HomeScan that can look for potential issues behind your walls. If you have a seasonal home in New Jersey, Chubb can check on it for you after a hurricane and help with any damage.
Standout feature: If your home is destroyed and you decide not to rebuild, Chubb offers a cash settlement option.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Chubb homeowners insurance review
Best value
NJM
- Includes coverage other companies charge extra for.
- Very low rate of consumer complaints.
- Many extra coverage options available.
- No app to manage your policy.
Why it’s worth a look: Among our top New Jersey home insurers, NJM had the most affordable rates. But it also has excellent coverage. NJM’s standard homeowners policies include guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home. That means the company will pay what it takes to rebuild after a disaster, even if your coverage limit is too low.
Standout feature: NJM’s policies include water backup coverage, which costs extra from most other companies. It pays for damage if your sump pump fails or a drain backs up into your home.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$400,000 | $1,120 |
$500,000 | $1,345 |
$600,000 | $1,570 |
$700,000 | $1,790 |
$800,000 | $2,020 |
» READ MORE: NJM homeowners insurance review
Best coverage for most homes
Andover Companies
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected.
- Includes more generous dwelling and personal property coverage than most insurers.
- Many additional coverage options to choose from.
- Limited online experience.
Why it’s worth a look: This regional insurer’s policies offer extensive coverage for your home. Besides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your house, you’ll also get “open perils” coverage for your belongings. That means your stuff is covered for a wider range of scenarios than it would be with a normal policy.
Standout feature: Most policies from Andover Companies come with a generous amount of ordinance or law coverage. This insurance pays to bring your home up to current building codes after a claim.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Andover Companies homeowners insurance review
Best consumer experience
Amica
- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Dividend policies can return a portion of your premiums.
- You can start a quote online but may have to finish the buying process by phone.
Why it’s worth a look: Amica stands out when it comes to customer service. Policyholders can get support in various ways, including by phone, via live chat or even in person. For those who prefer self-service, you can use the insurer’s website to file claims, pay bills and sign documents. The company’s customers seem happy, rating it highly in J.D. Power’s annual home insurance satisfaction surveys.
Standout feature: The Platinum Choice package is a good choice for homeowners who want comprehensive coverage. It includes higher limits plus extra coverage for your house and valuables.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Amica homeowners insurance review
Best for military families
USAA
- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Perks for military homeowners.
- Available only to active military members, veterans, some federal employees and their families.
Why it’s worth a look: USAA was founded to serve the military community. Its homeowners policies are available to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. If you have to file a claim for military uniforms or equipment, USAA won’t charge a deductible.
Standout feature: USAA’s policies can help with expenses after an identity theft incident. This coverage often costs extra from other insurers.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$400,000 | $1,515 |
$500,000 | $1,750 |
$600,000 | $1,970 |
$700,000 | $2,185 |
$800,000 | $2,405 |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. | |
» READ MORE: USAA homeowners insurance review
Other top home insurance companies in New Jersey
These home insurance providers are also worth a look.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
Not available | ||
$2,265 | ||
$2,615 |
How much does homeowners insurance cost in New Jersey?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in New Jersey is $2,030 per year, or about $169 per month. That's 42% less expensive than the national average of $3,510 per year for the same amount of coverage.
These rates are based on a sample home insurance policy with $600,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and no recent claims.
Did you know...
The dwelling coverage limit on your policy should be the amount it would take to rebuild your home, based on the cost of labor and construction in your area. It won't necessarily be the price you paid for the house or how much you could sell it for now. Use our calculator to estimate your home's rebuilding cost.
The median rebuilding cost for New Jersey homes is $571,714, according to data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm.
Below are the average rates for policies with various dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$400,000 | $1,480 |
$500,000 | $1,760 |
$600,000 | $2,030 |
$700,000 | $2,305 |
$800,000 | $2,565 |
The rates above are for homeowners with good credit. In New Jersey, policyholders with poor credit pay an average of $3,655 per year — an increase of 80%.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in New Jersey by city
The amount you pay will depend on where you live in the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Atlantic City is $3,715 per year, while Newark homeowners pay $2,590 per year, on average.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Atlantic City | $3,715 | $310 |
Bayonne | $2,115 | $176 |
Camden | $2,535 | $211 |
Clifton | $1,915 | $160 |
East Orange | $2,790 | $233 |
Elizabeth | $2,050 | $171 |
Fair Lawn | $1,630 | $136 |
Fort Lee | $1,725 | $144 |
Garfield | $1,710 | $143 |
Hackensack | $1,680 | $140 |
Hoboken | $2,185 | $182 |
Jersey City | $2,360 | $197 |
Kearny | $2,045 | $170 |
Linden | $1,955 | $163 |
New Brunswick | $1,765 | $147 |
Newark | $2,590 | $216 |
Passaic | $2,330 | $194 |
Paterson | $2,540 | $212 |
Perth Amboy | $1,940 | $162 |
Plainfield | $1,800 | $150 |
Sayreville | $1,755 | $146 |
Trenton | $2,215 | $185 |
Union City | $2,475 | $206 |
Vineland | $2,265 | $189 |
West New York | $2,110 | $176 |
The cheapest home insurance in New Jersey
Here are the insurers we found with the cheapest rates for a variety of dwelling coverage limits.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
New Jersey Skylands
Not rated
$730
Cumberland Mutual
Not rated
$1,030
$1,120
$1,120
Selective
Not rated
$1,130
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
New Jersey Skylands
Not rated
$865
Cumberland Mutual
Not rated
$1,290
$1,345
Selective
Not rated
$1,350
Franklin Mutual
Not rated
$1,395
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
New Jersey Skylands
Not rated
$1,010
Cumberland Mutual
Not rated
$1,565
$1,570
Selective
Not rated
$1,580
Franklin Mutual
Not rated
$1,585
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
New Jersey Skylands
Not rated
$1,135
Franklin Mutual
Not rated
$1,775
$1,790
Selective
Not rated
$1,800
Cumberland Mutual
Not rated
$1,840
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
New Jersey Skylands
Not rated
$1,290
Franklin Mutual
Not rated
$1,955
Selective
Not rated
$2,000
$2,020
Narragansett Bay
Not rated
$2,100
Cheap homeowners insurance in New Jersey by claims history
Here are the cheapest home insurance companies in New Jersey for homeowners who've filed a recent claim.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
New Jersey Skylands | Not rated | $1,345 |
$1,570 | ||
Franklin Mutual | Not rated | $1,585 |
Cumberland Mutual | Not rated | $1,710 |
Preferred Mutual | Not rated | $1,720 |
These rates are based on a sample homeowner with good credit, $600,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Cheap homeowners insurance in New Jersey by credit score
Here are the cheapest home insurance companies in New Jersey for homeowners with poor credit. Read more about how your credit scores impact home insurance rates.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
New Jersey Skylands | Not rated | $2,100 |
US Coastal | Not rated | $2,435 |
$2,615 | ||
Selective | Not rated | $2,705 |
Franklin Mutual | Not rated | $2,825 |
These rates are based on a sample home insurance policy with $600,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and no recent claims.
Common discounts
Make sure to ask your home insurance company about any discounts you may be eligible for. Here are some of the most common:
Many insurers offer savings if you buy more than one policy, such as home and car insurance. See our picks for the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Got a burglar alarm, smoke detectors or a smart device that alerts you if you have a leak? Safety and security features like these could earn you a discount.
Sign up for paperless billing or set your premiums to autopay, and you could get a discount.
Many insurance companies give discounts to customers who’ve gone a certain number of years without filing a home insurance claim.
Some insurers offer discounts to new policyholders or reward those who’ve stuck around for a while.
Teachers, doctors, members of the military and others may be eligible for discounts from certain insurers.
Learn more about common home insurance discounts.
Common New Jersey home insurance problems
Below are some issues New Jersey homeowners should be aware of.
Tropical storms and thunderstorms. These types of storms can cause wind, flood and even hail damage. While most home insurance policies cover wind and hail, they usually won’t pay for flood damage. If you live near the coast or in another area prone to flooding, you may want to buy separate flood insurance.
To check your flood risk, start with the federal government’s flood maps. However, these maps don’t always capture all types of flood risk. You may want to check another source such as First Street, a company that models climate hazards. Enter your address at the top of the page to see your home’s flood risk rating.
Hurricane or windstorm deductibles. Your homeowners policy may have a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible that’s higher than the one for other types of claims. These deductibles are often a percentage of your home’s dwelling coverage limit rather than a flat dollar amount. Say your home is insured for $500,000 with a 5% windstorm deductible. You’d have to pay for the first $25,000 of wind damage from a storm. To find your deductibles, check your homeowners declarations page or call your agent.
Winter storms. Winter weather can cause various problems for your home, including bursting pipes and fallen trees. A standard homeowners policy may cover some of these issues. For example, if heavy snow knocks a tree onto your roof, that damage would likely be covered. But if the tree simply falls in your yard, your policy may not pay to remove it.
Tornadoes. New Jersey sees just two tornadoes a year, on average, but they can be devastating. A standard homeowners policy covers damage from windstorms, which include tornadoes. However, it may not cover damage to your trees or landscaping. Learn more about homeowners insurance and tornadoes.
Leaking oil tanks. If your property has an underground storage tank for heating oil, check your homeowners coverage. Some New Jersey home insurers will refuse to pay for damage on your property if the tank leaks. You may be able to get a certain amount of liability coverage for the tank. So if someone sues you because a leak damages their property, the company would help cover the costs.
Common optional coverage
A standard homeowners policy can sometimes fall short, so it's worth looking for ways to make it more comprehensive. For example, we recommend asking if your insurer offers extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home. These add-ons give you extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than you expect to rebuild your home after a disaster. Having this coverage can be a useful hedge against inflation.
Here are a few additional types of coverage you may want to buy.
Floods are the most common weather disaster in the U.S. and can happen anywhere, not just coastal areas. You can buy flood insurance through the federal government or from private companies. Learn whether you need flood insurance.
Homeowners policies generally won’t cover damage if a drain backs up into your home or your sump pump fails. Adding water backup coverage can help with these issues.
Homeowners policies may cover your stuff on an actual cash value or replacement cost basis. With actual cash value, the policy will pay less for older items that have lost value over time. To get enough of a claim payout to buy brand-new items, opt for replacement cost coverage.
If you have expensive jewelry, fine art or other valuables, you may need extra insurance for them. Learn more about scheduled personal property coverage.
Service line coverage pays to fix damaged water, gas, sewer or other underground lines on your property.
If your HVAC system or another major appliance fails, equipment breakdown coverage can help pay for repairs.
New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association
The New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association (NJIUA) was established in 1968 by the state’s legislature to help homeowners get insurance, especially in rural areas.
The NJIUA offers the following coverage to residential applicants:
Dwelling coverage up to $500,000.
Personal property coverage up to $250,000.
As the state’s insurer of last resort, NJIUA asks homeowners to seek out options in the private market before applying for a policy through the association. Liability coverage isn’t available, and certain perils like flood and theft aren’t covered.
Learn more about how to find the best flood insurance, especially if you live in one of New Jersey’s coastal areas.
Like most FAIR plans, policies from the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association are actual cash value only. That means that if you make a claim, you’ll be offered what your home and belongings were worth, not the full cost to replace or rebuild them.
Get home insurance quotes in minutes
Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you.New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
New Jersey’s Department of Banking and Insurance can help people who have questions or complaints about their home insurance. You can get information online or call the agency’s consumer hotline at 800-446-7467.
By law, you must receive a coverage summary when you buy or renew your New Jersey homeowners insurance policy. This document explains what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
How we review home insurance
Our editorial team considers these factors when rating homeowners insurance companies:
This part of our star rating is based largely on consumer complaints to state regulators, as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. When available, we also include each company’s performance in the most recent J.D. Power Home Insurance Study. Other factors in our consumer experience score include customer-friendly features such as online claims filing and quotes.
We use AM Best and Demotech ratings to confirm each insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Companies score higher if they offer many common endorsements and include more comprehensive coverage in their standard plans. In particular, we look at features such as extended coverage for the structure of your home and replacement cost coverage for personal belongings.
We evaluate how many of the most common home insurance discounts each company offers.
See our complete homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Unlike auto insurance, homeowners insurance isn’t required by law in New Jersey. But if you have a mortgage, your lender will probably require you to buy a policy. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
Standard home insurance covers the full structure of your house, including the roof. Whether the policy will pay to repair or replace your roof depends on the cause of the damage. As long as the roof was damaged by something your policy covers — such as fire or heavy snow — your policy will generally pay for repairs. (A deductible will apply.) But homeowners insurance won’t cover damage due to negligence or simple wear and tear. Learn more about home insurance and roof leaks.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.ONJSC at Rutgers University. Tornadoes in New Jersey: 1950 to Present. Accessed Feb 20, 2026.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts, claims process and website functionality. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews or star ratings.
Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:
Consumer experience (40%).
Financial strength (30%).
Coverage (25%).
Discounts (5%).
Read our full home insurance ratings methodology for more details.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in ZIP codes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$600,000 in dwelling coverage.
$60,000 in other structures coverage.
$300,000 in personal property coverage.
$120,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
In states where credit is a rating factor, we changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
In select states, we added a single wind damage claim to see rates for homeowners with a claim on their record.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period.
NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Rebuilding cost methodology
The median home rebuilding cost referenced above is based on 2025 replacement cost data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm. Actual replacement costs may vary based on factors like location, square footage, construction materials, the age of your home and local labor costs.
