Best car insurance in New Hampshire for 2024

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.

New Hampshire stands out in its approach to car insurance, as it does not legally require drivers to have a minimum coverage. Instead, drivers must be able to demonstrate their financial capability to cover costs in the event of an at-fault accident. This unique stance emphasizes the importance of considering car insurance as a means of financial protection. While the state does not mandate specific coverage limits, it encourages drivers who choose to purchase car insurance to include essential coverages like liability, medical payments and uninsured motorist protection. These provisions aim to safeguard against bodily injury, property damage and other potential costs arising from accidents​​.

It's noteworthy that in certain situations, the Division of Motor Vehicles may mandate specific individuals to maintain insurance, and this is communicated through official channels​​. While New Hampshire's laws do not make car insurance obligatory, acquiring a policy can be a prudent step to ensure adequate financial security in the face of unforeseen driving incidents.

When you lease or finance a vehicle in New Hampshire, lenders typically require more comprehensive coverage, such as full coverage car insurance that includes both collision and comprehensive coverages. This requirement stems from the lender's financial stake in your vehicle. They seek assurance that in case of a covered incident, the vehicle will be adequately repaired, maintaining its value and their investment. Additionally, considering gap insurance as part of your policy could be a wise decision. Gap insurance is designed to cover the difference if your car is deemed a total loss and the remaining balance on your loan exceeds the vehicle's current worth, providing an extra layer of financial security.

Selecting the right car insurance in New Hampshire should be a decision influenced by your unique requirements and circumstances. Each driver's insurance needs vary and these differences should guide your coverage choices. For instance, drivers with significant violations on their driving record may need to explore options for high-risk auto insurance. If you're a parent with a new driver in the family, increasing your coverage limits could be a helpful move to ensure additional protection while your teenager gains driving experience.

Budget considerations can also play a crucial role. Those prioritizing costs may focus on finding the cheapest car insurance premiums and might opt for a higher deductible to reduce monthly payments. In essence, your personal situation, from driving history to financial constraints, is a key factor when comparing quotes to find the most appropriate car insurance coverage for you.

While New Hampshire does not require all drivers to carry and maintain auto insurance, it does require that they show proof of financial responsibility. Drivers can do this by depositing money or securities with the state treasurer. In some situations, however, the state requires drivers to maintain car insurance. Drivers convicted of a DWI, those at fault for an accident while uninsured and those convicted of other severe or repeat offenses are mandated by the state to purchase car insurance. If you do not have car insurance in New Hampshire and are deemed at fault for an auto accident, you will be financially liable for the resulting damage and injuries.

While there are no signs that a change in New Hampshire car insurance laws are to come, that doesn’t mean that car insurance may not be mandatory in the future. However, even if car insurance isn’t legally required in New Hampshire, you may want to consider purchasing a policy anyways. The price of a robust insurance policy might outweigh the financial devastation that an uninsured accident might bring.

No, it is not. In New Hampshire, you can make a claim with your insurance company (a first-party claim) or with the at-fault driver’s insurance company (a third-party claim). To make a claim with the other company, you will have to prove that the other driver is at fault. In this case, the police report and your insurance company may help you in providing evidence.
If more than one driver is at fault, the state will assign a percentage of fault to each driver who is partly responsible. As long as you are not at 50 percent or more at fault, you should be able to get compensation for the accident.

Identifying the cheapest car insurance company in New Hampshire can be influenced by various factors unique to each individual. It's crucial to recognize that the most cost-effective provider for one person may not be the same for another due to differing personal characteristics.

Factors such as your driving record, the type of car you drive, your age and even your credit history can significantly impact the cost of your insurance. Additionally, the area in which you live in New Hampshire can influence rates due to variables like traffic patterns and the likelihood of theft or accidents. Given these varying factors, it is advisable to seek quotes from multiple providers. By doing so, you can compare and determine which company offers the most favorable rate tailored to your specific profile and needs.

The best car insurance company in New Hampshire will vary between drivers and circumstances. The carriers we showcased are strong contenders based on the data we analyzed and are updated regularly. Still, each driver has their own needs that can influence which provider would be best for them. For instance, whether you’re driving a sports car, classic car or other type of vehicle can play a significant role in what kind of coverage would work best. Your driving record also plays a key role in what kind of rates you will get, along with a host of other personal factors. To find the best car insurance for you, experts recommend requesting free quotes from several companies for the same coverage types and levels and comparing them to see which can offer you the right coverage at the best price.