Alyssa Lane
Unlike most states, New Hampshire does not require drivers to have auto insurance. However, drivers are still required to cover the costs of any injuries or property damage caused by an accident they are responsible for. While auto insurance is not mandatory, it is the easiest way to cover these costs.
The state does require drivers in certain groups to show proof of insurance. These groups include drivers who have been convicted of a DUI, those who have been convicted of driving offences such as leaving the scene of an accident, and those who were at fault for a previous accident when they did not have insurance.
For those who choose to purchase auto insurance in New Hampshire, there are minimum requirements. These include $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for an accident involving multiple people, $25,000 in property damage coverage, and $1,000 in medical payments coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Total bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
| Medical payments | $1,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
What You'll Learn
Bodily injury liability
In New Hampshire, auto insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. The state does, however, require drivers to comply with its Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (FRL), which means that drivers must prove they can pay for personal injuries and property damage they cause in an accident.
It is important to note that bodily injury liability insurance does not cover your own medical expenses or property damage. It is also recommended to carry more than the minimum coverage to protect yourself adequately.
When purchasing bodily injury liability insurance, consider how much you could afford to pay out of pocket if you are sued or have to pay for someone's medical expenses. It is generally recommended to have enough coverage to protect your assets and cover your net worth.
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Property damage liability
In New Hampshire, auto insurance is not required by law, but it is highly recommended. The state is one of the few exceptions where there is no state-mandated insurance law. However, certain drivers in New Hampshire, such as those with a history of accidents, are mandated to purchase auto insurance.
The minimum property damage coverage limit in New Hampshire is $25,000. This means that if you cause an accident, your insurance will cover the damage to another person's property up to $25,000. It is important to note that this type of insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
While New Hampshire does not require auto insurance, it is still important to consider the financial risks associated with not having adequate coverage. In the event of an accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the other party's medical bills and property damage. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase property damage liability insurance to protect yourself financially in case of an accident.
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Medical payments coverage
In New Hampshire, auto insurance is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. If you do choose to purchase auto insurance, there are minimum coverage limits that must be met. One of these is Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, which helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
MedPay covers medical treatments, surgeries, procedures, deductibles, co-pays, extended nursing services, and hospitalization. It can also cover ambulance fees, chiropractic, dental, and prosthetics. In the worst-case scenario, MedPay can even cover funeral expenses.
The minimum MedPay coverage required in New Hampshire is $1,000 per person. However, you can purchase higher limits, typically ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. The limit refers to the maximum amount paid per person injured in an accident, not the total available coverage limit. For example, if you have a $5,000 medical payments limit and you and three family members are injured in an accident, each of you could collect up to $5,000 in medical payments coverage for a total of $20,000.
When deciding on a MedPay limit, consider your health insurance coverage and whether it would be sufficient in the event of an accident. MedPay can help cover out-of-pocket costs that your health insurance may not cover, such as deductibles and co-pays. It is important to note that MedPay does not cover wage reimbursement if you have to miss work due to injuries.
In summary, while MedPay is not legally required in New Hampshire, it is a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy, providing financial protection for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
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Uninsured motorist coverage
In New Hampshire, if you choose to buy auto insurance, your UM coverage limits must be equal to your liability coverage limits. This means that if you have a minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, your UM coverage limits will be the same.
UM coverage is important because it provides financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Without it, you may have difficulty recovering compensation for your injuries or damages. It's worth noting that UM coverage does not include property damage protection in New Hampshire, so you may want to consider additional coverage, such as collision coverage, to protect your vehicle.
To ensure you are adequately protected, it is recommended to carry more than the minimum coverage required in New Hampshire. This is because your UM coverage limit is the maximum amount you can collect, and you may find yourself facing high medical bills if your expenses exceed your coverage limit.
In summary, while New Hampshire does not mandate auto insurance, if you choose to purchase it, make sure to include UM coverage with adequate limits to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
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Collision and comprehensive coverage
While auto insurance is not legally required in New Hampshire, it is highly recommended. The state does, however, have minimum coverage requirements for those who opt to purchase it. These include Auto Liability Coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury (BI), a Property Damage coverage limit of $25,000, and a minimum of $1,000 of Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage. Additionally, New Hampshire mandates the purchase of Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage with limits equal to your Auto Liability Coverage.
Now, let's delve into Collision and Comprehensive Coverage, two optional types of auto insurance that offer valuable protection for your vehicle.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or stationary object. It is important to note that collision coverage does not include damage caused to other vehicles; instead, that would be covered under your Property Damage coverage. Mechanical breakdowns and wear and tear are also excluded from collision coverage. If you are financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender may require you to carry collision coverage. This type of coverage ensures that you are prepared for unexpected accidents, even if the other driver involved does not have insurance. When deciding whether to opt for collision coverage, consider factors such as the value of your car, the frequency and conditions of your driving, and your current savings.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, protects your vehicle from damage not related to collisions. This includes a range of incidents such as natural disasters, storms, fires, vandalism, and animal collisions. For example, if your car is damaged in a hail storm or by a falling tree, comprehensive coverage will come to your aid. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is often required by lenders for car loans or leases. This type of coverage is particularly important if you live in an area with a higher risk of vehicle damage due to factors like severe weather or animals.
Both collision and comprehensive coverage are designed to safeguard your vehicle from physical damage, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and budget. It is worth noting that some insurers may require you to purchase both types of coverage together. Additionally, when selecting your coverage, you can choose your deductible, or the amount you are willing to pay out of pocket, with higher deductibles typically resulting in lower premiums.
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Frequently asked questions
While New Hampshire does not legally require a driver to have auto insurance, there are still minimum limits a policy is required to have. Your auto insurance policy must have Auto Liability Coverage limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury (BI), Property Damage coverage limit of $25,000 and at least $1,000 of Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage.
The "live free or die" state recommends that drivers cover the costs of bodily injury and property damage in the event of an accident. The best way to cover those costs is to carry insurance.
If you are not insured and are at fault in an accident, you will be liable for any costs associated with the accident, including medical bills and the cost to repair or replace property.
