Question 1

What is the minimum car insurance required in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

New Hampshire's financial responsibility law (RSA chapter 264) requires proof of financial responsibility in specific situations. When proof of financial responsibility is required (for example after certain convictions or an accident without insurance), it must cover at least 25/50/25: $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. A motor vehicle liability policy must meet those limits, include at least $1,000 per person of medical payments coverage, and include uninsured motorist coverage. Proof may be given by an insurer or surety certificate or by a deposit of money or securities with the state treasurer.

Question 2

Is New Hampshire a no-fault car insurance state?

Accepted Answer

New Hampshire uses the at-fault (tort) system: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, paid through liability insurance. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national table of state auto insurance laws lists New Hampshire among the "Tort States."

Question 3

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

Every motor vehicle liability policy for a vehicle registered or principally garaged in New Hampshire must include uninsured and hit-and-run motorist coverage at least equal to the 25/50 bodily injury minimums. If the insured buys higher liability limits, UM coverage automatically equals those liability limits. Umbrella or excess policies must also provide UM coverage equal to their limits unless the named insured rejects it in writing.

Question 4

Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

Proof of financial responsibility, when required, is given by filing with the Division of Motor Vehicles a certificate from an insurance or surety company (a "continuous certificate" for future proof), or by depositing money or securities with the state treasurer. A continuous certificate stays in effect at least 20 days after the director receives written notice that it will be cancelled.

Question 5

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

If a driver or owner is involved in a reportable accident without a qualifying liability policy or bond in effect, the director suspends the driver's license and the vehicle registration (and requires surrender of the plates) until the driver or owner posts security sufficient to satisfy any judgment from the accident and then maintains proof of financial responsibility in the future. Notice is sent at least 10 days before the suspension takes effect.

Question 6

When do you need an SR-22 in New Hampshire, and for how long?

Accepted Answer

New Hampshire requires future proof of financial responsibility (an insurer's certificate filed with the DMV) after an accident without insurance, and the director may require it, by suspending the license and registrations until it is filed, after convictions for driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular homicide or assault, a second excessive speeding or reckless driving offense, and other violations the director designates. The continuous certificate must remain in effect at least 20 days after the director is notified of cancellation.

Question 7

How much notice must an insurer give before canceling car insurance in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

After a policy has been in effect 60 days (or immediately for a renewal), an insurer may cancel only for nonpayment of premium, at the insured's specific request, or if the named insured was not a New Hampshire resident when the policy was issued or renewed (unless the vehicle was garaged exclusively in New Hampshire). A cancellation or nonrenewal notice, on a form approved by the Insurance Commissioner, must give at least 45 days' notice (10 days for nonpayment, or for a new policy cancelled within its first 60 days), state the specific reasons, and tell the insured of the right to request the Commissioner's review in writing within 10 days.

Question 8

Can car insurance companies use your credit score in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

An insurer may not cancel, refuse to write, or refuse to renew an auto policy solely on the basis of credit information (credit rating, credit history or credit scoring model) without considering other permitted underwriting factors independent of credit.

Question 9

When is a car a total loss in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

An insurer that declares a vehicle a total loss must apply for a salvage certificate of title within 20 days of the total loss payment, with the title, ownership and lien documents, and a $10 fee.

Question 10

How do you transfer a car title in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

When selling, the owner must, at the time the vehicle is delivered, sign the assignment and warranty of title on the certificate of title and mail or deliver the title to the buyer or the Division of Motor Vehicles. If a lender holds the title, it must deliver it for the transfer on request (unless the sale breaches the security agreement). As between the parties, a transfer is not effective until these steps are completed.

Question 11

How long do you have to register your car after moving to New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

A new resident with a valid out-of-state driver's license has a maximum of 60 days from establishing residency to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license, and a maximum of 60 days from establishing residency to register their vehicles in New Hampshire.

Minimum coverage required	New Hampshire's financial responsibility law (RSA chapter 264) requires proof of financial responsibility in specific situations. When proof of financial responsibility is required (for example after certain convictions or an accident without insurance), it must cover at least 25/50/25: $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. A motor vehicle liability policy must meet those limits, include at least $1,000 per person of medical payments coverage, and include uninsured motorist coverage. Proof may be given by an insurer or surety certificate or by a deposit of money or securities with the state treasurer. Policy definition: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/259/259-61.htm ; medical payments: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/264/264-16.htm Source: RSA 264:20; RSA 259:61; RSA 264:16; RSA 264:21-23
At-fault or no-fault	New Hampshire uses the at-fault (tort) system: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, paid through liability insurance. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national table of state auto insurance laws lists New Hampshire among the "Tort States." Source: Alabama Department of Insurance, State Auto Insurance Laws (national table)
Uninsured motorist coverage	Every motor vehicle liability policy for a vehicle registered or principally garaged in New Hampshire must include uninsured and hit-and-run motorist coverage at least equal to the 25/50 bodily injury minimums. If the insured buys higher liability limits, UM coverage automatically equals those liability limits. Umbrella or excess policies must also provide UM coverage equal to their limits unless the named insured rejects it in writing. Source: RSA 264:15
Proof of insurance	Proof of financial responsibility, when required, is given by filing with the Division of Motor Vehicles a certificate from an insurance or surety company (a "continuous certificate" for future proof), or by depositing money or securities with the state treasurer. A continuous certificate stays in effect at least 20 days after the director receives written notice that it will be cancelled. Source: RSA 264:21

Cancellation and nonrenewal	After a policy has been in effect 60 days (or immediately for a renewal), an insurer may cancel only for nonpayment of premium, at the insured's specific request, or if the named insured was not a New Hampshire resident when the policy was issued or renewed (unless the vehicle was garaged exclusively in New Hampshire). A cancellation or nonrenewal notice, on a form approved by the Insurance Commissioner, must give at least 45 days' notice (10 days for nonpayment, or for a new policy cancelled within its first 60 days), state the specific reasons, and tell the insured of the right to request the Commissioner's review in writing within 10 days. Grounds: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXXVII/417-A/417-A-4.htm Source: RSA 417-A:4; RSA 417-A:5
What insurers can use to set rates	An insurer may not cancel, refuse to write, or refuse to renew an auto policy solely on the basis of credit information (credit rating, credit history or credit scoring model) without considering other permitted underwriting factors independent of credit. Source: RSA 417-A:3-c
Total loss rules	An insurer that declares a vehicle a total loss must apply for a salvage certificate of title within 20 days of the total loss payment, with the title, ownership and lien documents, and a $10 fee. The section reviewed does not state a percentage-of-value threshold for a total loss. Source: RSA 261:22, II

New Hampshire Car Insurance Laws: Minimum Coverage, Penalties and SR-22

Quick answers for New Hampshire

Required coverage

Driving without insurance and SR-22

Your rights with insurers

Title and registration

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