Auto Insurance In New Hampshire: What You Need To Know

Unlike most states, auto insurance is not a legal requirement in New Hampshire. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it is always recommended to have insurance. If you don't have insurance, you will need to prove that you have the financial means to cover the costs of an accident. Without insurance, you are still responsible for the costs of any property damage or bodily injury incurred in an accident.

New Hampshire's Live Free or Die motto and its auto insurance laws

New Hampshire's state motto, "Live Free or Die," was adopted in 1945. It is arguably the most memorable and well-known state motto in the US. The phrase was taken from a letter written by General John Stark, a famous New Hampshire soldier of the American Revolutionary War, on July 31, 1809.

The state's "live free or die" motto is reflected in its auto laws. Unlike almost all other states, New Hampshire does not require auto insurance for all drivers. However, the state does require drivers to cover the costs of bodily injury and property damage for an accident they cause. The best way to cover those costs is to carry insurance.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety strongly recommends that all vehicle owners carry standard liability and property damage insurance. While auto insurance is not mandatory, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, individuals with a DWI on their record are required to file proof of insurance for three years after the incident. The more DUI cases a person is convicted of, the longer they will need to file proof of insurance.

Additionally, uninsured drivers who cause an accident are required to file proof of insurance for a minimum of three years after the incident. If someone fails to meet their financial responsibilities after opting out of insurance, their driving privileges will be suspended.

While New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" motto conveys assertive independence, the state's auto insurance laws strike a balance by requiring drivers to take financial responsibility for any accidents they cause. This ensures that individuals involved in accidents can receive compensation for their damages, even if the at-fault driver does not have insurance.

When you need proof of insurance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is unique in that it does not require drivers to carry auto insurance. However, there are exceptions and certain circumstances in which you will need to show proof of insurance.

While auto insurance is not mandatory in New Hampshire, it is always a good idea to have coverage. If you choose to go without insurance, you will need to provide proof that you have enough money to satisfy the New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Requirements. This means that you must demonstrate the ability to cover the costs of bodily injury and property damage in the event of an accident.

The state of New Hampshire requires drivers in the following groups to show proof of insurance:

• Drivers with a DWI on their record are required to file proof of insurance for three years after the incident. The number of DUI convictions will impact the length of time they need to file proof of insurance.
• People convicted of certain offenses, such as leaving the scene of an accident or a second conviction for reckless operation, must provide proof of insurance.
• Uninsured drivers who cause an accident are required to file proof of insurance for a minimum of three years after the incident. This period may be extended in certain cases, such as when defaulting on a payment agreement or if a judgment is made against the driver.
• Youth operators in New Hampshire who get more than two speeding tickets within the first two years of holding their license will be required to show proof of auto insurance for three years following the date of the second speeding hearing.

To learn if you are required to file proof of insurance, you can obtain a Driver Record Report. When proof of insurance is required, individuals must fill out an SR-22 form, guaranteeing insurance coverage for the next three years.

The types of auto insurance available for purchase in New Hampshire

Unlike almost all other states, auto insurance is not a requirement for drivers in New Hampshire. However, drivers are still required to cover the costs of any bodily injury and property damage they cause in an accident. The best way to cover these costs is with an auto insurance policy.

• Auto Liability Coverage: This covers expenses accrued from an auto accident that is your fault. It will even cover the cost of a lawyer. There are two types of liability coverage: bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: This covers you if you are involved in an accident with a motorcyclist who is uninsured or underinsured and deemed liable for the expenses.
• Medical Payments Coverage: This covers your costs, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. It will only continue to cover costs for three years following an accident.
• Collision Coverage: This covers the costs of auto damage during a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This covers all other damage done to your automobile other than a collision, for example, theft, hail, or fire.
• Towing and Labour Coverage: This covers your expenses when your car breaks down and needs towing or roadside repairs.

Per New Hampshire Statutes, NH RSA 264:15 and NH RSA 264:16, if you purchase Auto Insurance, you are required to also purchase Medical Payments Coverage and Uninsured Motorists Coverage. You are not required to purchase Collision Coverage or Comprehensive Coverage to cover your automobiles unless your loan provider obliges you to.

Why you should get auto insurance in New Hampshire even though it's not required

New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not require drivers to have auto insurance. However, there are several reasons why you should get auto insurance even if you live in New Hampshire.

Firstly, while auto insurance is not mandatory, New Hampshire does require drivers to cover the costs of any bodily injury or property damage they cause in an accident. The best way to cover these costs is through insurance. The New Hampshire Department of Safety strongly recommends that all vehicle owners have liability insurance and property damage insurance. This will protect you from having to pay out of pocket for any damages or legal fees incurred in an accident.

Secondly, if you are found to be at fault in an accident and cannot pay the liable expenses, your license could be suspended. Auto insurance will ensure that you are covered in the event of an accident and protect your license.

Thirdly, certain drivers in New Hampshire are required by law to show proof of insurance. For example, individuals with a DWI on their record are mandated to file proof of insurance for three years after the incident. The more DUI cases a person is convicted of, the longer they will need to maintain insurance coverage. Similarly, those with certain convictions on their record, such as leaving the scene of an accident or reckless operation, will also need to show proof of insurance.

Finally, auto insurance will provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident. While New Hampshire's "live free or die" motto may encourage residents to forgo insurance, the risks of driving without coverage are significant. If you are in an accident, you could be sued and held liable for costly damages. Auto insurance will protect you from these financial risks and provide coverage for any necessary repairs to your vehicle.

In conclusion, while auto insurance may not be legally required in New Hampshire, it is still highly recommended. By purchasing auto insurance, you can protect yourself financially and legally, and ensure you are compliant with the state's requirements for certain drivers.

The penalties for driving without insurance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is the only US state that doesn't require drivers to carry auto insurance. However, if you are required to have insurance and are caught driving without it, there are penalties to pay.

If you are convicted of certain driving offences, such as a DWI, or are found to be at fault for an accident, you will need to show proof of insurance. If you are mandated to have insurance and are caught without it, you will lose your driving privileges and will have to pay a fee to get them reinstated.

If you are in an accident and are found to be at fault, you will be required to pay for any damage caused and may have your driver's license and vehicle registration suspended until you have filed an SR-22 form, which acts as proof of purchasing car insurance. You will also need to pay a license/operation privileges reinstatement fee and a registration restoration fee.

If you are caught driving without insurance and are a first-time offender, you will likely get a ticket and have to pay a fine. Fines for driving without insurance can be as high as $5,000 in some states. In New Hampshire, the maximum fine is $125. If you are a repeat offender, the penalties may be harsher.

Frequently asked questions