Your New Jersey auto insurance rates can be as turbulent as taking a turn on the Kingda Ka. While you may not get whiplash gathering quotes, you just might feel jerked around if you're not prepared for the outcome. In 2007, residents of The Garden State paid an average of $1,104 for their auto insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). That's more than $300 more than what was the U.S. average. The good news is you just might see less than average New Jersey auto insurance rates if you search out discounts and shop around for great coverage. Get prepared for the ride by understanding some of New Jersey's auto insurance facts.

Are You Covered?
The State of New Jersey requires you to have liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. These coverages will allow you to drive legally in The Garden State, but most of you understand the importance of having additional coverage. Based on 2007 data compiled by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 72 percent of insured drivers purchase collision coverage and 76 percent buy comprehensive coverage on top of their liability coverage. Whether you purchased these coverages because your car loan provider requires it or if you simply realize you require additional coverage, rest assured you've made the right decision. Minimum coverage can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs not only if you are involved in an accident, but if your vehicle gets damaged from weather conditions, potholes, vandalism or by backing into something like a fire hydrant. New Jersey auto insurance doesn't come cheap, according to the Insurance Information Institute, Garden State dwellers paid an average of $1,104 for their car insurance in 2007, but repairing or replacing your vehicle could break your bank account.

Ways to Save
Be sure you're getting the best coverage and most-competitive New Jersey auto insurance rates by using a free service like LocalInsurance to do the detective work. But understand what discounts are up for grabs beforehand. Most insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who protect their vehicles with anti-theft devices like warning, immobilizing or tracking devices. Auto insurance companies are likely to check your credit report before presenting you with a set rate. It's good to check your credit report to avoid any surprises. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to provide you with a free copy of your credit report on an annual basis. Additionally, if you've taken a driver's safety course, maintained a clean driving record, or want to combine your auto and homeowners insurance policies, you'll see savings when you collect quotes for New Jersey auto insurance rates.

Take a Free Ride
While your auto insurance rates might now be as low as North Dakota's (the least expensive state for auto insurance in 2007, according to the I.I.I.), you can surely save a couple hundred dollars by seeking help from professionals who are in the business of finding affordable, high-quality coverage. LocalInsurance is a free service that does exactly that. Simply fill out a quick and easy form on LocalInsurance.com and you'll have several quotes for New Jersey auto insurance rates sent directly to your computer.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in New Jersey, visit these useful links: