The Granite State's Unique Auto Insurance Freedom

why does new hampshire not require auto insurance

Unlike most states, New Hampshire does not require drivers to have auto insurance. However, drivers in the state must adhere to specific guidelines and requirements regarding financial responsibility for accidents. This means that in the event of a collision, the driver deemed at fault is liable for all resulting injuries and damages. While insurance is not mandatory, it is the most straightforward way to demonstrate financial responsibility.

Characteristics Values
Auto Insurance Requirement Not mandatory, but recommended
Exceptions Drivers with DUI convictions, those convicted of driving offenses such as leaving the scene of an accident, and those at fault in a previous accident without insurance
Financial Responsibility Requirements Proof of financial ability to cover costs of an accident
Minimum Insurance Limits $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 total bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage, $1,000 medical payments
Uninsured Motorist Consequences License suspension, vehicle registration suspension, SR-22 form filing, and payment of damages
Reinstating Driving Privileges Purchase insurance, submit SR-22 form, pay reinstatement fees

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New Hampshire is the only state in the US that doesn't require drivers to carry auto insurance

If you don't have insurance and are involved in an accident, you are still required to pay the costs associated with bodily injury or property damage. A lawsuit could be brought against you, and you could be required to pay for the damages. Even if you are not at fault, paying to defend yourself in court can be expensive. Auto insurance in New Hampshire will protect you from these situations.

If you fail to pay the liable expenses for an accident to the other party, your license could be suspended. Without insurance, you are responsible for the repairs to your own vehicle as well. You'll have to pay for a rental car out of pocket if you need one.

Although insurance isn't usually the law in New Hampshire, it's smart to purchase liability coverage and keep proof of it in your vehicle at all times. If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, the state may suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration until you've paid for any damage and filed an SR-22 form. This form acts as proof that you've purchased car insurance.

The most basic policy you can buy in New Hampshire includes:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

There are a few exceptional circumstances in which New Hampshire drivers may be mandated to purchase car insurance. These include those who have been convicted of a DUI, those who have been convicted of driving offenses such as leaving the scene of an accident, and those who were at fault for a previous accident when they did not have insurance.

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If you're required to have insurance and caught without it, you'll lose your driving privileges

New Hampshire is one of two states in the US that does not require drivers to have auto insurance. However, there are still guidelines in place to prevent irresponsible behaviour. If you are required to have insurance in New Hampshire and are caught driving without it, you will lose your driving privileges.

New Hampshire does not mandate car insurance, but it does require proof of financial responsibility. This means that to opt out of purchasing auto coverage, you need to show that you could pay whatever costs might be incurred by another driver should you be found at fault for an accident. If you can't prove that you could pay up to the state's minimum liability limits out of pocket, you'll be required to purchase auto insurance.

If you are caught driving without insurance, you will face tickets, fines, loss of your license and car registration, and sometimes jail time. The penalties for driving without insurance vary from state to state, but they are consistently harsh. You are likely to lose your license, have your vehicle impounded, and pay hundreds of dollars in fines, at a minimum.

If you are in an at-fault accident and have no insurance, you will have to pay for damages out of pocket – this could be tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your insurance rates can also go up if you are caught driving without insurance.

In New Hampshire, if you fail to pay the liable expenses for an accident to the other party, your license could be suspended. Without insurance, you are responsible for the repairs to your own automobile as well. You'll have to pay for a rental out of pocket if you need one.

In summary, while New Hampshire does not require auto insurance, it is always a good idea to stay covered. If you are required to have insurance and are caught driving without it, you will lose your driving privileges and face other severe penalties.

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If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, the state may suspend your driver's license

New Hampshire is the only state in the US that doesn't require drivers to carry auto insurance. However, there are still guidelines in place to prevent irresponsible behaviors. If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, the state may suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration until you've paid for any damage and filed an SR-22 form. This form acts as proof that you've purchased car insurance and that you can pay up to the state's minimum liability coverage out of pocket. The basic policy in New Hampshire includes:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

If you're found at fault for the collision and the other party decides to sue, your suspension will last until you pay for the damages. This might mean compensating the other party up to the same amounts as a basic auto insurance policy would cover. You will also need to report the accident to the Bureau of Financial Responsibility.

You can appeal the suspension by requesting an administrative hearing within 10 days of the accident report. After satisfying the judgment, you can begin the process of reinstating your license and registration by getting a valid insurance policy and asking your insurer to file an SR-22 form. You must submit proof of insurance to the court, along with receipts for your paid reinstatement fees, which include a $100 license/operation privileges fee and a $25 registration privilege restoration fee.

It's important to note that driving without a valid driver's license in New Hampshire is a class B misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $1,200 and four traffic violation demerit points. Additionally, New Hampshire requires drivers with a DWI on their record to file proof of insurance for three years after the incident.

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If you don't have insurance, you're responsible for repairs to your own vehicle

Unlike most US states, New Hampshire does not require drivers to have auto insurance. However, this does not mean that motorists are exempt from financial responsibility in the event of an accident. If you are involved in a collision and do not have insurance, you will be responsible for covering the costs of any resulting damages or injuries out of pocket. This includes repairs to your own vehicle, which can be extremely costly.

In New Hampshire, if you are found at fault for an accident, you are required to pay for any resulting property damage or bodily injury costs. Without insurance, you will have to pay these expenses yourself. This is why it is always recommended that drivers obtain auto insurance, even in a state like New Hampshire that does not require it.

While New Hampshire does not mandate auto insurance, there are still guidelines in place to prevent irresponsible behaviour on the roads. If you choose to drive without insurance, you must provide proof that you have enough money to satisfy the New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Requirements. This means that you need to demonstrate that you could pay whatever costs might be incurred by another driver if you are found at fault for an accident. If you fail to meet these financial responsibilities, your driving privileges will be suspended.

If you are involved in an accident and found at fault, the other driver's insurance company should pay for your car repairs. However, there are no guarantees, and they may refuse to pay if their driver is not deemed at fault. In this case, you would be responsible for covering the costs of repairs to your own vehicle.

Additionally, if you are an uninsured driver in New Hampshire and cause an accident, you will be required to file proof of insurance for at least three years following the incident. This is done through the SR-22 form, which guarantees that you will maintain insurance coverage during that period.

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It is always a good idea to stay covered

Unlike most US states, New Hampshire does not require drivers to have car insurance. However, it is always a good idea to stay covered. Here are some reasons why:

Protection from Financial Liability

Auto insurance protects you from financial liability in the event of an accident. In New Hampshire, if you are found at fault for a collision, you are responsible for covering the costs of any resulting property damage and medical bills. Without insurance, you will have to pay these costs out of pocket, which can quickly become expensive.

Peace of Mind

Having car insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that you are protected financially in the event of an accident. You won't have to worry about how you will pay for repairs, medical bills, or legal fees.

Compliance with State Requirements

While New Hampshire does not require car insurance, it does require proof of financial responsibility. This means that if you don't have insurance, you need to prove that you have enough money to cover potential costs incurred by another driver in an accident where you are at fault. If you can't provide this proof, you will be required to purchase auto insurance.

Protection from Uninsured Drivers

In New Hampshire, if you are hit by an uninsured driver, your insurance company will cover the costs to get you back on the road. Without insurance, you would have to pay for these costs yourself and then try to recover the money from the at-fault driver, which can be a difficult and lengthy process.

Coverage for More Than Just Accidents

Comprehensive auto insurance covers more than just accidents. It can protect you from financial loss due to theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other events.

Protection for Your Passengers and Property

Auto insurance can also cover the costs of injuries to your passengers and damage to your property. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones and your belongings are protected.

Frequently asked questions

New Hampshire doesn't require auto insurance because it upholds the "live free or die" motto reflected in its auto laws. However, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility if they're liable for someone else's injuries or damages in an accident.

The financial responsibility requirements in New Hampshire include a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 in property damage coverage and $1,000 in medical payments coverage.

Auto insurance is required in New Hampshire if a driver has been convicted of specific traffic violations, such as driving while intoxicated, receiving a second speeding ticket, or other repeated traffic violations.

While not mandatory, purchasing auto insurance is the easiest way to comply with the state's financial responsibility law. It provides coverage for bodily injuries, property damage, and medical payments in the event of an accident.

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