New Hampshire Car Insurance: America's "Live Free or Die" Exception
The only state where car insurance is truly optional—here's what that means for you.
New Hampshire Quick Facts
⚠️ The New Hampshire Exception
New Hampshire is the ONLY state in America that doesn't require car insurance. The state motto is "Live Free or Die"—and that extends to auto insurance. But before you cancel your policy, understand the massive financial risks of driving uninsured.
New Hampshire Insurance Requirements (Or Lack Thereof)
While insurance isn't mandatory, New Hampshire has financial responsibility laws. If you cause an accident, you must prove you can pay for damages:
| Coverage Type | Required? | Financial Responsibility Min |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | No* | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | No* | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | No* | $25,000 |
| Medical Payments | No | N/A |
| Uninsured Motorist | Yes** | $25,000/$50,000 |
*Financial Responsibility: If you cause an accident without insurance, you must prove ability to pay $25/50/25. Failure results in license and registration suspension until you post a bond or buy insurance.
**Mandatory UM: Ironically, if you DO buy insurance in NH, UM/UIM coverage is mandatory. The state recognizes that uninsured drivers exist and requires protection against them.
Why You Should Still Buy Insurance
Just because you CAN drive without insurance doesn't mean you SHOULD:
1. Personal Liability Exposure
If you cause an accident with $100,000 in damages and have no insurance, you're personally liable. Your wages can be garnished, your assets seized, and your financial life ruined.
2. SR-22 Trap
One at-fault accident without insurance triggers an SR-22 requirement for 3 years. You'll then be FORCED to buy insurance at high-risk rates—often 2-3x normal prices.
3. No Protection for Your Vehicle
Without collision/comprehensive, any damage to YOUR car comes out of pocket. A totaled vehicle could cost you $30,000+ with no coverage.
4. Massachusetts Border Reality
Many NH residents work in Massachusetts, which DOES require insurance. Getting caught driving uninsured in MA results in license suspension, fines, and potential criminal charges.
Average Car Insurance Costs in New Hampshire
Despite optional coverage, NH has some of the lowest rates in America—low population density and safe drivers keep costs down.
| Coverage Level | Annual Premium | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 25/50/25 Liability Only | $412 | $34 |
| Full Coverage | $1,246 | $104 |
Costs by New Hampshire City
| City | Avg. Annual Premium | vs. State Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $1,420 | +14% |
| Nashua | $1,380 | +11% |
| Concord | $1,190 | -4% |
| Portsmouth | $1,280 | +3% |
| Rural NH | $1,080 | -13% |
Top Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
GEICO
Often cheapest in NH. Strong online service.
Amica
Rhode Island-based, strong in New England. Best customer satisfaction. Dividend policies available.
State Farm
Largest national insurer. Strong agent network.
Plymouth Rock
New England regional carrier. Competitive rates.
New Hampshire-Specific Considerations
Winter Driving
Harsh New England winters mean icy roads and winter accidents. Collision coverage is especially valuable for single-vehicle winter accidents.
Moose Collisions
NH has significant moose population. A moose collision can total your vehicle AND cause serious injuries. Comprehensive coverage handles animal strikes.
Modified Comparative Fault (51%)
You can recover damages if you're 50% or less at fault. At 51%+, you recover nothing.
No Credit Score Ban
Unlike neighboring Massachusetts, NH allows credit-based insurance scoring. Poor credit can significantly increase rates.
Bottom Line: New Hampshire Car Insurance
Yes, you CAN legally drive without insurance in New Hampshire. But you SHOULDN'T. At just $34/month for liability coverage, the protection against financial ruin is worth every penny.
The "Live Free or Die" philosophy is admirable, but one at-fault accident without insurance can destroy your finances for decades. Buy the coverage.
Shop GEICO, Amica, and State Farm. NH rates are among the lowest in America—there's no excuse to drive uninsured.