NJM submitted a Maryland personal auto filing requesting an overall 6% rate decrease, impacting 5,359 policyholders and approximately $14.5 million in written premium. The filing was submitted on May 5, 2026, with requested effective dates of July 15, 2026 for new business and August 15, 2026 for renewals.

NJM said the filing includes revisions to base rates, primary classification factors, discounts, and minor updates to Rule 12 of its personal auto program. While the company indicated a 7.3% rate need, it selected a lower overall decrease of 6%. Individual policy impacts could range from a 21.8% decrease to an 18.7% increase.

One notable change is the insurer’s early shopper discount. Customers who shop 22 or more days before their effective date and have no prior NJM history can receive factors as low as 0.720, representing about a 28% reduction from base rates. Combined with other discounts, the approach could support competitive new business growth while also raising potential adverse selection concerns.

The filing also increases the paid-in-full discount. The factor is moving from 0.92 to 0.90, effectively increasing the discount from 8% to 10% for customers who pay upfront.