Car Insurance in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the only state that does not require liability auto insurance. Drivers can choose to self-insure by demonstrating they have the financial resources to cover damages from an at-fault crash — but most drivers carry a policy because the financial exposure is significant.
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New Hampshire at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$987/yr
≈ $82/mo
vs U.S. average
-23%
below the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
25/50/25
BI / BI per accident / PD ($K)
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
New Hampshire is the only state that does not require liability auto insurance. Drivers can choose to self-insure by demonstrating they have the financial resources to cover damages from an at-fault crash — but most drivers carry a policy because the financial exposure is significant.
If you buy a policy, the standard floor is 25/50/25 in liability plus $1,000 in medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50. Comparing quotes is straightforward and is the easiest way to find affordable coverage.
New Hampshire minimum car insurance requirements
New Hampshire does not mandate liability insurance, but drivers who choose to buy a policy typically carry $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 in property damage liability, plus $1,000 in medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50.
New Hampshire does not require auto liability insurance by statute — drivers can self-insure by demonstrating financial responsibility. If you do buy a policy, 25/50/25 plus medical payments coverage is the standard floor.
How much does car insurance cost in New Hampshire?
The average driver in New Hampshire pays $987 per year for auto insurance — that's 23% below the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Lower-than-average rates often reflect lower traffic density, fewer claims per insured vehicle, or less stringent coverage requirements.
New Hampshire vs the national average
23% below the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How New Hampshire premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in New Hampshire have risen 14% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: New Hampshire vs national average
New Hampshire is up 14% from $865 in 2019 to $987 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A New Hampshire policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in New Hampshire
Driving uninsured in New Hampshire can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in New Hampshire
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in New Hampshire, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 29, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
New Hampshire car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in New Hampshire
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