What’s the Deal With New Hampshire’s Auto Insurance Requirements?

October 28, 2020

In New Hampshire, the state’s “live free or die” motto rings especially true when it comes to car insurance laws and requirements. Most states across the country require auto insurance for all drivers, but New Hampshire, uniquely, does not. The state does, however, have other requirements that operators of vehicles are responsible for. Because the state laws are so anomalous compared to other states across the country, it is crucial that every driver knows what the expectations are for them under New Hampshire laws.

Although New Hampshire does not require car insurance for drivers, it does require drivers to cover expenses relating to property damage and bodily injury if they are the at-fault party in a vehicle accident. The New Hampshire Department of Safety, despite a lack of a statewide mandate for auto insurance, strongly recommends owners and operators of automobiles obtain standard car insurance to best protect themselves in the event of an accident.

Even though auto insurance is not required in New Hampshire, having it is the best way to cover these cost requirements. New Hampshire drivers who do decide to purchase auto insurance are subject to certain coverage minimums. The policy must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $25,000 in property damage coverage, and at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for accidents involving multiple people. Policies are also required to include at least $1,000 in medical payments coverage so that if an accident occurs, you are able to pay a portion or all of your own medical bills.

There are numerous benefits to purchasing car insurance, even when the state does not require drivers do so. When operating a vehicle, accidents are unpredictable, and driving means you are at constant risk of being in an accident. Without auto insurance coverage, you could have to personally pay for expensive car repairs or other damages, including medical expenses, when an accident occurs. However, for those with car insurance, the insurance company will most often cover an accident victim’s costs.

With particularly hilly roads and unpredictable weather in New Hampshire, purchasing car insurance is beneficial not just in the case of an accident involving another vehicle, but also in single-vehicle accidents due to poor road conditions. In the event of bad weather, you have coverage to help prolong the life and value of your car with auto insurance. When a tree branch falls out of nowhere and shatters your windshield, for example, you can use your car insurance to potentially cover the entire expense or part of the expense. Without car insurance, you may be responsible for the entire cost of the loss.

If you or someone you know has recently been involved in a New Hampshire auto accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our firm have decades of experience working with all types of injury victims to get them the compensation they deserve. We understand the challenges that the post-accident recovery process presents to our clients, and take every step to lessen the burdens on our clients’ shoulders. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 800-804-2004 today.