How to find cheap car insurance quotes in New Jersey
Saving money on car insurance is a great way to keep your auto-related expenses as low as possible. Unfortunately, there’s no single “cheapest” auto insurance provider out there—instead, you have to shop around for the best priced personalized motorist coverage.
Fortunately, Jerry Insurance Agency is here to help. We assist New Jersey drivers with a valuable insurance comparison app, which efficiently reviews and analyzes multiple quotes, allowing you to quickly select the customized policy that meets both your needs and your budget.
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Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol West | $170 | Joshua, 24, Salem, NJ | Pontiac Grand Prix | 25/50 | No |
| Bristol West | $638 | Darrell, 28, Glassboro, NJ | Nissan Altima 2.5 | 25/50 | No |
| Bristol West | $486 | Eugenia, 27, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ | Honda Accord Hybrid Exl | 25/50 | Yes |
| Bristol West | $392 | Calvin, 37, Bayonne, NJ | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport | 25/50 | No |
| Progressive | $233 | William, 28, Howell, NJ | Kia Stinger Gt2 | 25/50 | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance companies in New Jersey
To determine who offers the cheapest car insurance rates in New Jersey, Jerry conducted the most extensive insurance shopping survey in the industry.
What did we find? Unfortunately, no single car insurance company has the best or cheapest rates for every driver. Instead, your coverage rates are highly personalized based on your individual needs and circumstances, and will vary greatly from your friends’ and neighbors’.
For example, some research finds that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance rates in NJ, but many users report that these low introductory rates increase significantly after a claim is filed, making the premiums much less affordable.
Generally, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Travelers, and Nationwide rank among the most popular auto insurance providers in the state. The chart below shows what New Jersey residents had to say about these and other auto insurance companies.
| Insurance Company | Date | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | November 1, 2024 | 5 | “They’re great” -Clarence |
| National General | October 28, 2024 | 5 | “I love it!” -Raymond |
| National General | October 24, 2024 | 5 | “needless to say I needed a quick and easy insurance plan, this came in clutch. Took me less than 10 mins to set up.” -Nettie |
| The General | October 24, 2024 | 4 | “Simple just a little high priced” -Belle |
| State Farm | October 20, 2024 | 5 | “Really good ins. Easy to make a claim “ -Catherine |
If you want to compare multiple providers quickly and painlessly, use a car insurance comparison app or website.
Jerry is a trusted insurance agency with a user-friendly app for motorists, which can be used to obtain fast and free quotes and explore various options for car insurance coverage.
Minimum car insurance requirements for liability and full coverage in New Jersey
Almost all U.S. states require drivers to carry some sort of car insurance coverage—but the amount and type varies. Each state will articulate what basic policy you need to legally hit the road. Additionally, we recommend adding on optional forms of coverage for customized protection, especially if your state’s requirements are relatively low.
Cheapest minimum liability coverage in New Jersey
Thanks to a new law that took effect in January 2023, the current minimum coverage requirements for standard liability insurance in New Jersey are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
- $15,000 per person in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in New Jersey?
Liability coverage is the part of car insurance that pays for the injuries or damage you cause in an at-fault accident, but there’s a good chance that the damage will exceed the 25/50/25 limits established by New Jersey insurance laws.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to purchase a more robust liability insurance policy.
The bottom line: Jerry experts recommend 100/300/100 liability coverage for optimal protection—even if you forego full coverage.
Cheapest full coverage New Jersey auto insurance quotes
New Jersey doesn’t legally require drivers to carry full coverage car insurance (although auto loan providers typically require it before completing a vehicle sale), but that doesn’t mean the coverage isn’t valuable.
Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision coverage to pay for damages to your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident, or in a non-collision related event (like vandalism, natural disasters, and even theft).
Below you’ll find a list of samples of affordable full coverage policies that Jerry users secured.
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/50 | No | Bristol West | $170 | Joshua, 24, Salem, NJ | Pontiac Grand Prix |
| 25/50 | No | Bristol West | $638 | Darrell, 28, Glassboro, NJ | Nissan Altima 2.5 |
| 25/50 | Yes | Bristol West | $486 | Eugenia, 27, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ | Honda Accord Hybrid Exl |
| 25/50 | No | Bristol West | $392 | Calvin, 37, Bayonne, NJ | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport |
| 25/50 | Yes | Progressive | $233 | William, 28, Howell, NJ | Kia Stinger Gt2 |
Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in New Jersey
New Jersey car owners can expect to spend an average of $250 per month and $2,996 per year on full-coverage car insurance, or $190 per month and $2,346 per year on liability-only coverage. This is slightly above the national average.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these numbers are just estimated averages. The actual rates you’ll pay depend on a wide variety of factors, including your vehicle type, driving record, claims history, exact location, credit score, and more. Thus, your insurance costs could be significantly more or less than the averages articulated above.
Other types of New Jersey auto insurance
We highly recommend full coverage car insurance to most drivers, but there are several other types of optional coverage that could be beneficial to consider, too. Most reputable insurance carriers will offer:
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage
- Towing and labor coverage
- Rental reimbursement coverage
Gap insurance is also a common offering, and a great idea for individuals who recently took out a loan to purchase a vehicle. Gap insurance works to provide coverage in situations where the remaining loan amount exceeds the current value of the vehicle, ensuring financial protection if your car is declared a total loss or is stolen.
Non-owner car insurance is also an affordable option for those who do not own their own vehicle, but frequently rent or borrow someone else’s. This type of insurance provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage in the event of an at-fault accident, but remains low-cost because it does not cover damages to the vehicle you are driving or any expenses related to your personal injuries.
Learn more: Types of insurance
Car insurance premium by rating factors
There are lots of factors that will affect your New Jersey car insurance rates. For example, your driving record and claims history play a significant role in determining your insurance rates. Insurance providers may charge higher premiums if you have a history of accidents or traffic violations.
The location where you reside also affects your insurance rates. Drivers in cities generally face higher premiums compared to those in rural areas. Additionally, insurance rates can vary among different ZIP codes within the same city.
The type of vehicle you drive is another factor that influences insurance costs. Luxury cars, high-performance vehicles, and sports cars typically come with higher insurance premiums for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Your vehicle usage is taken into consideration as well. If you use your car for commuting to work or have a higher annual mileage, insurance companies may charge higher premiums compared to leisure usage.
Furthermore, your credit score can impact your insurance premiums. Drivers with higher credit scores usually enjoy lower rates, as it is seen as an indicator of financial responsibility.
How to find cheap New Jersey car insurance if you’re a high-risk driver
Your driving history plays a significant role in determining the quotes for your auto insurance. If insurance companies observe a track record of violations, they consider you to be a high-risk driver, resulting in higher insurance premiums being charged.
Cheapest car insurance for Colorado drivers with a speeding ticket
Speeding violations are typically categorized into different levels based on the extent to which the speed limit was exceeded. These levels often include 1-5 MPH over the limit, 6-10 MPH over the limit, 11-15 MPH over the limit, 16-20 MPH over the limit, and exceeding the speed limit by more than 21 MPH.
While receiving a speeding ticket is likely to result in increased insurance premiums, Jerry is an excellent resource for helping you find ways to minimize your costs.
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Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1-5 | Bristol West | $310 | Jesus, 25, Burlington, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Speeding 16-20 | Progressive | $1,237 | Gerald, 50, Glassboro, NJ | 50/100 | Yes |
| Speeding 1-5 | Bristol West | $382 | Abbie, 26, Freehold, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Speeding 16-20 | Bristol West | $2,464 | Francisco, 22, Newark, NJ | 100/300 | Yes |
| Speeding 16-20 | Bristol West | $445 | Bruce, 46, Trenton, NJ | 25/50 | Yes |
How to find cheap New Jersey auto insurance after a DUI
In the state of New Jersey, DUI violations are taken very seriously and thus generally result in a significant increase in car insurance rates compared to other violations.
Finding the cheapest options after a DUI often requires comparing car insurance quotes from multiple insurers, and Jerry can simplify the process of finding the lowest rates.
New Jersey SR-22 insurance
After a major driving violation in New Jersey, reinstating your driver’s license requires your insurance company to file an SR-22 form on your behalf. An SR-22 form, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a document that is required to prove that you have the minimum liability insurance coverage required by law.
It’s important to note that being classified as a high-risk driver will result in increased car insurance premiums. However, it doesn’t mean that your insurance costs have to become excessively expensive.
How to find cheap car insurance in New Jersey after an at-fault accident
Your car insurance rates are heavily impacted by your history of car accidents or claims. Insurance companies thoroughly examine your previous at-fault accidents to determine the level of risk you pose as an insured individual. If you have recently been involved in an at-fault accident, it is likely that your car insurance rates will see a significant increase.
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Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not At Fault | Progressive | $850 | Clayton, 29, Newark, NJ | 50/100 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Bristol West | $640 | Effie, 57, Trenton, NJ | 25/50 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Bristol West | $367 | Logan, 26, Hackensack, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Not At Fault | Progressive | $126 | Jon, 29, Paterson, NJ | 50/100 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Bristol West | $2,335 | Brian, 28, Newark, NJ | 25/50 | Yes |
FAQ
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Is New Jersey an at-fault state?
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in New Jersey
Apart from speeding tickets and DUIs, other violations such as reckless driving and driving with a suspended license can also result in increased car insurance costs in the Garden State.
We have curated a list of different driving violations and how we have assisted drivers in finding cheap auto insurance, despite these infractions.
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Violation
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Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Minor | Bristol West | $523 | Genevieve, 49, Jersey City, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Operating Vehicle without Permission | Progressive | $386 | Effie, 32, Newark, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Careless Driving | Bristol West | $265 | Danny, 38, Pennsauken, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Other Minor | Progressive | $215 | Caroline, 29, North Bergen, NJ | 25/50 | No |
| Careless Driving | Bristol West | $267 | Jonathan, 28, South Orange, NJ | 25/50 | No |
How to find cheap New Jersey car insurance based on your insurance history
Your insurance history plays a crucial role in determining your car insurance rates, particularly whether you currently have coverage or not.
Having a gap in your insurance coverage usually results in higher insurance rates. To assist our customers in making timely insurance payments and avoiding coverage lapses, Jerry sends payment reminders to eligible customers. These reminders are sent when a payment is approaching or if they have fallen behind on their payments
We have successfully helped countless customers who are currently uninsured or have experienced coverage lapses in finding affordable coverage.
How to find cheap New Jersey car insurance with a low credit score
New Jersey drivers with poor credit scores often face higher insurance costs compared to those with healthier credit ratings. Even though credit scores don’t directly affect how well you drive, insurance companies have observed a relationship between low credit and an increased frequency to file claims.
Generally, drivers with great credit scores (over 750) will pay approximately 20% less on car insurance compared to individuals with poorer scores (below 550).
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Credit Range
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Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <550 | Bristol West | $170 | Joshua, 24, Salem, NJ | Pontiac Grand Prix | 25/50 | No |
| 660-750 | Bristol West | $486 | Eugenia, 27, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ | Honda Accord Hybrid Exl | 25/50 | Yes |
| 750+ | Bristol West | $392 | Calvin, 37, Bayonne, NJ | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport | 25/50 | No |
| 660-750 | Progressive | $233 | William, 28, Howell, NJ | Kia Stinger Gt2 | 25/50 | Yes |
How to find cheap auto insurance in New Jersey for your age
Teen drivers are generally the least experienced motorists on the road, which means they’re a higher risk to insurance companies. Thus, young people tend to pay the highest rates, with their premiums decreasing after they reach the age of 25. (Conversely, rates will start to go up again once drivers reach the age of 75).
The best car insurance companies in New Jersey for young drivers
16 to 19 year olds pay the highest car insurance premiums in all of New Jersey, when compared to other age groups.
If you’re a teen driver with a newer vehicle (or an older driver with a provisional license) it’s important to invest in full coverage insurance, especially due to the higher likelihood of young drivers to be involved in a collision. Full coverage insurance may cost more, but it provides essential financial protection after an accident.
The best car insurance companies for senior drivers in New Jersey
While experienced adults tend to pay lower rates for car insurance, seniors aged 75 and over do tend to see their premiums start to increase again. This is because older people are proven to be more susceptible to accents, as well as more likely to sustain more serious injuries during a collision. Thus, insurance providers face substantial medical expenses at higher costs, and pass said costs onto the consumer.
How to find car insurance discounts in New Jersey for your motor vehicle
If you’re shopping for a vehicle that will keep your car insurance rates as low as possible, don’t opt for a luxury SUV or sports car. Instead, look at popular makes and models like:
- Honda Civic
- Nissan Rogue
- Ford Bronco
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Toyota Corolla
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Ce | Progressive | $49 | Clarence, 48, Boise, ID | State Minimum | No |
| Honda Civic Ex | Progressive | $105 | Brian, 25, Post Falls, ID | State Minimum | Yes |
| Honda Civic Sport | National General | $227 | Winifred, 22, Nampa, ID | State Minimum | Yes |
| Toyota Corolla | Progressive | $228 | Rodney, 18, Athol, ID | State Minimum | No |
| Honda Civic Lx | National General | $78 | Ivan, 57, Boise, ID | State Minimum | Yes |
Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car
Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?
Because new cars tend to be more expensive to repair and replace, the cost of insuring them is usually higher. We found that the average annual cost of full coverage car insurance on a vehicle that is four years old or newer will cost an average of 22% more than a full coverage car insurance plan for a vehicle that is more than a decade old.
How to find cheap car insurance in New Jersey in your city
Your location is another major factor that auto insurers consider when pricing out your auto insurance policy. Different geographic locations experience different weather patterns, have varying population densities, and suffer from different crime rates.
Keep in mind that this variable is highly specific. That is, people in different zip codes within the very same metropolitan area might pay different rates.
Discover how Jerry Insurance Agency has supported drivers in different cities across New Jersey in fulfilling their insurance needs.
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City
|
Customer
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackensack, NJ | Matthew | Bristol West | $568 | Honda Accord Sport | 25/50 | No |
| Irvington, NJ | Ricardo | Bristol West | $321 | Audi Q5 Premium | 25/50 | No |
| Newark, NJ | Clayton | Progressive | $850 | Jeep Cherokee Limited | 50/100 | Yes |
| Edgewater, NJ | Austin | Bristol West | $607 | Tesla Model Y | 50/100 | Yes |
| Trenton, NJ | Effie | Bristol West | $640 | Toyota Camry Ce | 25/50 | Yes |
How to lower the cost of car insurance in New Jersey
Here are some strategies to help lower your car insurance costs:
- Shop around and compare quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options that suit your needs.
- Increase your deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage can lower your premiums. Just make sure you can afford the deductible amount in case of an accident or claim.
- Bundle your policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with other insurance policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, with the same provider. Many insurance companies offer discounts for multiple policies.
- Take advantage of car insurance discounts: Inquire about available discounts and see if you qualify. These may include safe driver discounts, good student discounts, multi-car discounts, or discounts for anti-theft devices or safety features installed in your vehicle.
- Maintain a good driving record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations as they can increase your insurance rates. Safe driving over time can lead to lower premiums.
- Consider usage-based or pay-as-you-go insurance: Some insurers offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits and adjust premiums accordingly. If you drive less frequently or have safe driving habits, you may be eligible for lower rates.
- Improve your credit score: In some states, insurance companies consider credit scores when determining premiums. Maintain good credit by paying bills on time and reducing debt, as this can positively impact your insurance rates.
- Review your coverage regularly: Assess your current coverage to ensure it aligns with your needs. You may find that certain coverages are no longer necessary, allowing you to adjust your policy and potentially reduce costs
Remember, it’s essential to strike a balance between affordable premiums and adequate coverage to protect yourself financially in case of an accident or claim.
Why is car insurance so expensive in New Jersey?
Car insurance in New Jersey tends to be relatively expensive due to several factors:
- High population density: New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the United States. More people on the roads lead to increased traffic congestion and a higher likelihood of accidents, which can drive up insurance costs.
- Urban areas and high accident rates: Cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson have higher accident rates compared to rural areas. Insurance providers consider the accident frequency and severity in specific areas when setting premiums.
- Costly healthcare and medical expenses: New Jersey has relatively high healthcare costs, including medical treatments and auto-related injuries. Insurance companies factor in these expenses when determining premiums.
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage requirement: New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means that drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage provides medical benefits for injuries sustained in auto accidents, and the cost of this coverage can contribute to higher insurance premiums.
- Auto theft rates: Some areas in New Jersey have higher rates of auto theft, which increases the risk of vehicle loss or damage. Insurers may charge higher premiums to compensate for the elevated risk.
- Lawsuits and litigation: New Jersey has a higher prevalence of lawsuits and litigation related to auto accidents compared to other states. This can increase insurance costs as insurers need to allocate funds for potential legal expenses and settlements.
It’s important to note that insurance premiums can vary based on individual factors such as driving history, age, credit score, and the type of vehicle being insured. While the overall cost of car insurance in New Jersey may be higher, comparing quotes from different insurance providers and exploring available discounts can help you find the most competitive rates for your specific circumstances.
FAQ
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Who has the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey?
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How much is car insurance in New Jersey?
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Is New Jersey car insurance cheaper than New York?
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What increases car insurance rates in New Jersey?
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Do you need personal injury protection (PIP) in New Jersey?
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Does insurance follow the car or the driver in New Jersey?
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What is full coverage car insurance in New Jersey?
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How to get discounts on car insurance in New Jersey?
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How can I lower my car insurance in NJ?
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What is the minimum auto insurance coverage required in New Jersey?
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Is car insurance mandatory in New Jersey?
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What is the penalty for not having car insurance in New Jersey?
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Do you need car insurance to buy a new car in New Jersey?
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What is the recommended car insurance coverage in New Jersey?
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What is the average cost of car insurance in New Jersey?
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Do you need insurance to register a car in New Jersey?
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Can your car get towed for no insurance in New Jersey?
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Can you have out of state car insurance in New Jersey?
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Can you have both PIP and MedPay in New Jersey?
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Licensed Insurance Agent
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.
Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
