Updated March 2026
State Requirements
New Hampshire does not mandate auto insurance for all drivers—it is one of only two states with this approach—but requires vehicle owners to prove financial responsibility if involved in an accident, convicted of certain violations, or caught driving uninsured. Minimum liability limits are 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, suspended licenses, or at-fault accidents without insurance must file SR-22 to reinstate driving privileges. Once SR-22 is triggered, maintaining continuous coverage becomes mandatory for the filing period.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance premiums in New Hampshire reflect violation type, driving history, and the SR-22 filing requirement. DUI convictions typically generate the steepest rate increases—often 80–150% above standard rates—while multiple violations or at-fault accidents without insurance also result in substantial surcharges. Rates decline gradually as violations age off your record, typically dropping significantly after 3–5 years of clean driving.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type—DUI convictions increase premiums 80–150%, while multiple speeding tickets add 30–60%
- SR-22 filing requirement adds immediate surcharge and restricts you to non-standard carriers with higher base rates
- Time since violation—rates decrease as violations age, with steepest drops after 3 years
- Coverage lapses during SR-22 period restart the filing requirement and trigger additional penalties
- Vehicle type and age—older vehicles with liability-only coverage cost less than newer financed vehicles requiring full coverage
- City of residence—Manchester and Nashua have higher rates due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in New Hampshire
Coverage Options
Find Your City in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles — SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- New Hampshire Insurance Department — Auto Insurance Consumer Guide
- Insurance Research Council — Uninsured Motorists Study