New Hampshire Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


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Updated: July 20, 2024

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New Hampshire's state minimum car insurance requirements include bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $25,000 for property damage liability. New Hampshire operates under an at-fault insurance system, and while insurance is not mandated for all drivers, those who choose to purchase it must meet these minimum coverage standards.

The average cost for state minimum coverage in New Hampshire is about $38 per month. Explore the cheapest car insurance in New Hampshire to find a policy that fits your budget and needs.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from New Hampshire Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of New Hampshire drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in New Hampshire as of June 2024.

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New Hampshire Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In New Hampshire, drivers are expected to maintain the following minimum coverage auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage
  • $1,000 medical payments coverage

Given that New Hampshire operates under a fault-based system, the amount you are at fault for an accident impacts your premium. The driver found responsible for the crash is liable for the damages incurred by other parties.

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DOES NEW HAMPSHIRE REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

New Hampshire does not mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum auto insurance requirements. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders often require these coverages to protect their investment in case of damages. In New Hampshire, anyone with a loan or lease on their vehicle should obtain collision or comprehensive insurance.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects New Hampshire's minimum car insurance requirements, including liability coverage. Remember, specific policy details vary based on the insurer's terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in New Hampshire

Age plays a pivotal role in determining minimum car insurance rates, with many insurers considering it the most significant factor. In New Hampshire, drivers aged between 22 and 29 face the highest premiums due to their relative inexperience on the road and higher risk profile compared to other age groups.

The table below presents the average cost for minimum coverage car insurance in New Hampshire, broken down by age category. It reflects how age influences the insurance rates, with the data helping to identify which age group pays more for basic car insurance protection.

22-29Annual Premium$759Monthly Premium$63
30-59Annual Premium$459Monthly Premium$38
60 +Annual Premium$534Monthly Premium$45

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in New Hampshire

For those seeking minimum coverage auto insurance in New Hampshire, Hanover and Vermont Mutual offer the most budget-friendly rates.

  • Hanover: $133 per year and $11 per month
  • Vermont Mutual: $269 per year and $22 per month

While affordability is a key aspect when choosing an insurance provider, it's essential to select a policy that aligns with your specific needs and offers you the right coverage. Explore your options and find the best car insurance in New Hampshire that caters to your circumstances.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
HanoverAnnual Premium$133Monthly Premium$11
Vermont MutualAnnual Premium$269Monthly Premium$22
Safety GroupAnnual Premium$280Monthly Premium$23
MAPFREAnnual Premium$325Monthly Premium$27
Concord GroupAnnual Premium$354Monthly Premium$29
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$366Monthly Premium$30
GEICOAnnual Premium$370Monthly Premium$31
State FarmAnnual Premium$372Monthly Premium$31

Optional Add-On Coverages in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, optional add-on coverages include collision, comprehensive, medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. These additions can safeguard your finances from various incidents not covered by state minimum coverage, such as accidents, theft, and medical expenses. Understanding how much car insurance you need can help you determine which coverages to add.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New Hampshire

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in New Hampshire varies and escalates depending on whether it's a first-time or recurrent offense. For a first-time offense, drivers might face fines, while those with prior violations might see heftier penalties and potentially more severe consequences.

  • Fines: A monetary penalty is often imposed.
  • SR-22 requirement: Proof of future financial responsibility must be filed.
  • License suspension and reinstatement fee: Loss of driving privileges and a fee to restore them.
  • Vehicle registration suspension: The legal authorization for your vehicle to be on the road could be revoked.

Keeping your vehicle insured is a legal requirement that safeguards you and other road users, ensuring everyone's protection in case of accidents. Always ensure that you carry at least the state minimum coverage to comply with New Hampshire’s insurance laws.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in New Hampshire, it's important to act quickly. You must not drive without insurance as it's illegal and can lead to severe penalties. You should immediately try to find a new policy, either by contacting different insurance providers or talking with an insurance agent who can assist in finding coverage that meets your needs.

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will likely be notified of your insurance status. Once your insurer cancels your policy, it is required to inform the DMV. If you're caught driving without insurance, the DMV can suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration, leading to further complications.

New Hampshire does not offer a specific state program for hard-to-insure drivers. However, you can work with an independent insurance agent who may have more options or consider the New Hampshire Automobile Insurance Plan (NHAIP) as a last resort.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in New Hampshire may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-payment of premiums: If you did not pay your insurance premium on time, your insurer likely canceled your policy.

  • License suspension: Your policy might be canceled if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked.

  • Fraud or misrepresentation: If you provided false information or failed to disclose important facts on your application, your insurer could cancel your coverage.

  • Claim frequency: Filing too many claims in a short period might have led to a cancellation, as this increases risk for the insurer.

  • Changes in car ownership: If there was a change in the ownership of the insured vehicle, like selling it, your policy can be canceled.

Understanding these factors can help you avoid future cancellations and maintain continuous coverage.

FAQ: New Hampshire Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, you'll find concise answers to common questions about the coverage you need to stay legal in New Hampshire.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in New Hampshire?
Why does New Hampshire require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in New Hampshire?
What happens if you drive uninsured in New Hampshire?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.