New Hampshire Auto Insurance

Whether you’re going to Waterville Valley for a ski weekend, visiting Hanover to watch a Big Green game at Dartmouth, trout fishing in Squam Lake, doing business in Concord or exploring America’s revolutionary roots along New Hampshire’s seacoast, the Granite State has miles of beautiful roads and places to go. From Brattleboro to Portsmouth, North Stratford to Nashua and all points in between, sightseeing or commuting, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible New Hampshire driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for NH State Residents

As of 2010, there were over 967,000 licensed drivers in the Granite State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 11% of New Hampshire drivers are uninsured. The New Hampshire Department of Safety reported 590 traffic fatalities in 2008, 154 (26%) were attributed to alcohol use. Uninsured and alcohol-impaired drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Granite State.

 

New Hampshire State Minimum Car Insurance

New Hampshire is unique among the 50 states in that it does not have a compulsory car insurance liability requirement. Instead, Hampshire has a financial responsibility law. Under this statute, you either must have auto insurance or enough money to pay for any damages or injuries that result if you cause an accident. Most residents opt to carry car insurance. The Granite State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While New Hampshire does not require you to carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requirements shown below:

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

 

New Hampshire Car Insurance Laws

New Hampshire law does not require that you carry proof of New Hampshire auto insurance in your vehicle. However, if you cause a car accident and do not have insurance or proof of financial responsibility on file you will be required to carry the minimum amounts noted above and file an SR-22 form with the Division of Motor Vehicle for 3 years showing that you have complied. You will also pay a $500 fee to restore your license and registration.

Once your driving privileges have come under the scrutiny of New Hampshire law enforcement – you’ve caused a car accident or been convicted of DUI – the state Division of Motor Vehicles will alert you in writing that you must file proof of insurance for a specified time. If you are decertified as a habitual offender, you must file proof of insurance for a minimum of 3 years from the date of your decertification period.

 

Regulating Agency and References

New Hampshire Insurance Department
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in New Hampshire. For more information, visit their website at www.nh.gov/insurance/

New Hampshire Department of Safety/Division of Motor Vehicles
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about New Hampshire financial responsibility requirements, penalties and related information at www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

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