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


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New Hampshire requires minimum car insurance coverage, including bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability of $25,000 and $1,000 in medical payments coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required, with $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. New Hampshire operates under an at-fault insurance system. While insurance isn't mandated for all drivers, those purchasing it must meet these minimum car insurance requirements.

The average cost of minimum coverage is $32 per month. Explore the cheapest car insurance in New Hampshire to find a policy that fits your budget and needs.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data from the New Hampshire Insurance Department and Quadrant Information Services to get the most accurate cost data for various New Hampshire drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in New Hampshire as of December 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 operate a vehicle legally:

  • $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

Since New Hampshire operates under a fault-based system, the amount you're at fault in an accident affects your premium. The driver responsible for the crash is liable for the damage caused to others, which can lead to higher insurance costs if you're deemed at fault.

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DOES NEW HAMPSHIRE REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES?

New Hampshire doesn't 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 damage. In New Hampshire, anyone with a loan or lease on their car should get collision or comprehensive insurance.

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

Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident

Your injuries

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

Damage 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 significantly impacts car insurance rates. In New Hampshire, drivers aged 22 to 29 typically face the highest premiums due to their higher risk of accidents and insurers' view of them as less experienced.

The table below shows New Hampshire's average cost of minimum coverage car insurance by age group.

22-29$624$52
30-59$385$32
60 +$415$35

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; $11 per month
  • Vermont Mutual: $287 per year; $24 per month

While affordability is important when choosing an insurance provider, picking a policy that meets your needs and offers the right coverage is crucial. Explore your options to find the best car insurance in New Hampshire.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Hanover$133$11
Vermont Mutual$287$24
Safety Group$292$24
MAPFRE$325$27
GEICO$345$29
Progressive$366$30
Concord Group$369$31
State Farm$489$41
Nationwide$612$51
Allstate$635$53

Optional Add-On Coverages in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, optional coverages include collision, comprehensive, medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. These additions can safeguard your finances from various incidents not covered by minimum coverage, such as accidents, theft and medical expenses. Understanding how much car insurance you need helps 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're at fault or damage that exceeds 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: You may lose your driving privileges and pay 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 protects you and others on the road in case of accidents. Carry at least the minimum coverage to comply with New Hampshire’s insurance laws.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

Driving without insurance is illegal in New Hampshire and can lead to severe penalties. If your car insurance policy is canceled, 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.

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

New Hampshire doesn't offer a specific state program for hard-to-insure drivers. However, you can work with an independent insurance agent with 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: If you didn't 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 cancelation, increasing the insurer's risk.
  • Changes in car ownership: If the insured vehicle's ownership changes, like selling it, your policy can be canceled.

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

FAQ: New Hampshire Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Find 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 is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He 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.