New Jersey residents should know the difference between the two types of coverage prior to making a decision on which to purchase. A basic policy only offers the bare minimums which are $5,000 for property damage liability and $15,000 in personal injury protection per person, per accident and up to $250,000 for certain injuries. Policies do not come with bodily injury liability, but may be purchased as an option at a maximum limit of $10,000. Uninsured motorist is not available to policyholders and the availability of comprehensive and collision is dependent on the insurer.

Standard policies are quite a bit more extensive and offer much more options to an insured. Bodily injury liability can be purchased at limits in the range of anywhere from $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident up to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident.

Also, property damage can be purchased at a limit as high as $100,000 compared to the maximum of $5,000 of basic policies, and personal injury protection can be obtained at limits ranging from $15,000 to $250,000. In addition, Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage is also offered which cannot be obtained through a basic policy. It may be wise for consumers to refer to the New Jersey auto insurance Shopping Guide before ultimately deciding on the policy they wish to purchase.