The Complete Guide to New Hampshire Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Live Free or Die State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things NH car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in New Hampshire?
Car insurance in New Hampshire averages $134/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $176 |
| Nashua | $162 |
| Concord | $144 |
| Dover | $145 |
| Rochester | $143 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
6.1% of drivers in New Hampshire are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 910 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in NH, up 1% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
NH has a very low FEMA disaster rating of 20, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though inland flooding and winter weather are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in New Hampshire?
All New Hampshire drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for New Hampshire drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Medical Expenses (Med-Pay) | $1,000 | Medical and funeral costs for you and passengers after an accident, regardless of fault | Lost wages, household services, car damage, limited to medical costs only |
| Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Property Damage | $25,000 | Car damage caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Bodily injuries, may be limited by state rules, may have deductibles |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in New Hampshire?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for New Hampshire drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in New Hampshire?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from trail riding in the White Mountains
What happens if I drive without insurance in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$100 reinstatement fee plus $25 registration restoration fee after accidents.
Suspension
License plates, registration, and driver’s license suspended until requirements fulfilled after accidents.
Jail time
New Hampshire focuses on administrative penalties rather than jail time.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in New Hampshire?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in New Hampshire?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
New Hampshire car insurance FAQs
Is New Hampshire a no-fault state?
No, New Hampshire isn’t a no-fault state. New Hampshire follows at-fault rules and doesn’t require drivers to carry car insurance. However, if you cause an accident, you’re still financially responsible for damages. Many drivers choose insurance voluntarily for protection.
Do I need insurance to register a car in New Hampshire?
No, New Hampshire doesn’t require auto insurance to register a car. The state doesn’t mandate insurance for most drivers. However, if you cause an accident, you must be able to prove financial responsibility. Many drivers still choose insurance for protection.
What are the top risks for driving in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions for most of the year with persistent snow and ice. Rural roads and wildlife crossings present additional risks, while inadequate lighting on back roads makes nighttime travel dangerous. Rapidly changing weather conditions can affect visibility and road safety.
How long do I have to report an accident in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to be reported to police immediately. If no officer responds, you must file a report with the DMV within 15 days. Not reporting can lead to license issues. Insurance companies may require faster notice.
What are the top safety tips for driving in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, prep for winter by slowing down on snowy or icy roads. Watch for wildlife on rural highways. Drive carefully on dark back roads at night. Be ready for quick weather changes.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
Continue Reading
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in 2026?
Let’s dig into the factors that impact car insurance rates.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Dent?
From $50 dings to $3,000 disasters, here’s what dent repair costs and how to pay less.
How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
Brake pad costs, warning signs, and when insurance helps.
How Much Does Car AC Repair Cost?
AC repair costs, warning signs, and insurance coverage explained.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Tire?
What you can expect to pay to repair or replace your damaged tire at the repair shop.
How Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost?
Costs, coverage, and what you need to know.