New Hampshire is the only state that does not require you to have car insurance. However, that doesn't mean you should skip it altogether. Even though it's not mandatory, car insurance in New Hampshire can protect you in the event of an accident.
Without insurance, you're on the hook for potentially thousands of dollars if you cause damage to another vehicle or property. You'll have to pay for injuries, damages, and legal fees out of pocket. Car insurance protects you financially in these situations.
The Basics of Car Insurance in NH
If you do opt for car insurance in New Hampshire, you'll need to choose between the major coverage types:
Liability coverage pays for injuries and damages to others if you're at fault in an accident. It's a good idea to get at least the minimum required coverage.
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your own vehicle after an accident.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages from events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
You can also choose additional coverage like uninsured motorist coverage in case you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Shop around at different companies to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
While car insurance isn't required in New Hampshire, having the right coverage gives you financial protection and peace of mind. You never know when an accident might happen, so make sure you're prepared if it does.
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New Hampshire Car Insurance Laws and Regulations
In New Hampshire, auto insurance is mandatory for all drivers. The state requires you to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage in the event of an accident.
Liability coverage: The minimum required liability limits are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, up to $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This covers the other driver's injuries and vehicle damage. You'll want higher limits to fully protect your assets.
Uninsured motorist coverage: This covers you and your passengers for injuries caused by an uninsured driver. It's a good idea in case of a hit-and-run or accident with an underinsured driver.
Medical payments coverage: This pays for injuries to you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. Minimum required coverage is $1,000 per person. Higher limits provide more comprehensive coverage.
Collision and comprehensive coverage: These are optional but cover damage to your own vehicle. Collision applies to accidents, while comprehensive covers events like theft, fire or vandalism. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
New Hampshire is an "at-fault" state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is also responsible for damages. Fault is determined by traffic law and the specifics of the accident. Keep records of any accident you're in, including contact/insurance information for other drivers, photos, police reports and witness statements.
Following these regulations and understanding your coverage options will give you peace of mind that you and other New Hampshire drivers are properly insured in the event of an unfortunate incident.
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Getting Car Insurance Coverage in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not mandate auto insurance coverage, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it. Car insurance protects you financially in the event of an accident. Even though it’s not required in NH, most drivers still carry auto insurance.
When shopping for car insurance in New Hampshire, you’ll have the choice between liability coverage only or full coverage. Liability coverage only pays for damages to other vehicles or property. Full coverage, also known as comprehensive and collision coverage, provides protection for your own vehicle as well.
The state minimum liability coverage in NH includes:
Bodily Injury Liability: Covers injuries to other drivers or passengers in an accident you cause. The minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Property Damage Liability: Covers damage to other vehicles or property. The minimum is $25,000 per accident.
You can certainly carry higher liability limits for more protection. You should also consider:
Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damage to your own car from events like theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Collision coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from accidents.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage: Protects you if an at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
Medical Payments: Helps pay for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
Shop around at different insurance companies to compare quotes. Some of the major providers in New Hampshire include Geico, Progressive, Allstate and Liberty Mutual. Check their websites for quotes or speak to local agents.
