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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in New Hampshire

The average car insurance rate in New Hampshire is $999 per year — 35% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average New Hampshire car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in New Hampshire based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive auto insurance quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in New Hampshire

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in New Hampshire.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of New Hampshire.

2nd place medal
Amica Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Amica Insurance scored an 867 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
State Farm

State Farm placed third in this region with a score of 855 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.4 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Key takeaways
  • New Hampshire drivers pay about 35% less than the national average for car insurance
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in New Hampshire is USAA

The cheapest car insurance companies in New Hampshire

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

cheapest full coverage
USAA — cheapest overall for full coverage

USAA is the cheapest insurance company in New Hampshire, with an average monthly cost of just $68. USAA is only available to military members and their families.

cheapest after accident or dui
USAA — cheapest after at-fault accident and DUI

USAA was also the cheapest insurance company after an at-fault accident or DUI. If you don't qualify for USAA, State Farm and Progressive came in second place, respectively.

cheapest for teens
USAA — cheapest for teen drivers

We found that USAA was the most affordable for teen drivers. GEICO came in second place.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $812
State Farm $1,029
Nationwide $1,112
Progressive $1,181
GEICO $1,222
Allstate $2,221

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


New Hampshire auto insurance laws

New Hampshire is the only state in the country that does not legally require car insurance. However, drivers remain liable for any and all damage they cause in an at-fault collision. Failure to maintain auto insurance puts you at great risk, as you could be responsible for many thousands of dollars in damages and injury payments.

For the minimum coverage level in New Hampshire, expect to pay about $370 per year. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 76%.

State minimum coverage

If you do choose to carry car insurance in New Hampshire, you must meet certain minimums:

Liability coverage:

  • Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury: $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage: $25,000 per accident

Medical Payments

  • $1,000 per person

Optional coverage in New Hampshire (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in New Hampshire, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $886, 139% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 174% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to New Hampshire car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of New Hampshire with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in New Hampshire.

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New Hampshire car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in New Hampshire.

Cheap auto insurance in New Hampshire for minimum coverage

Choosing liability-only at the state minimum level instead of full coverage will make your car insurance significantly lower. In New Hampshire, the average cost for minimum coverage is $31 per month, or $370 yearly — a savings of $643 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $260
State Farm $359
GEICO $408
Progressive $418
Allstate $431
Nationwide $582

Cheap auto insurance in New Hampshire with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, New Hampshire drivers with poor credit pay $1,737 — $876 more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,479
Nationwide $1,637
GEICO $1,724
Progressive $2,035
State Farm $2,314
Allstate $2,806

Cheap auto insurance in New Hampshire with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $534 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,143
State Farm $1,249
GEICO $1,702
Nationwide $1,919
Progressive $2,005
Allstate $2,999

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in New Hampshire

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In New Hampshire, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $3,384 per year — $1,855 more than the nationwide average and 239% more than a 30-year-old New Hampshire driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $2,590
GEICO $3,053
State Farm $3,814
Nationwide $4,677
Allstate $5,110
Progressive $6,534

New Hampshire auto insurance rate by violation

In New Hampshire, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

See below average auto insurance rates in New Hampshire after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,281 0% $0
None $1,281 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,296 1% $15
One comp claim $1,315 3% $34
Two Med/PIP claims $1,315 3% $34
Two comp claims $1,324 3% $43
Failure to show documents $1,480 16% $199
Driving without lights $1,490 16% $209
Driving with expired registration $1,494 17% $213
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,496 17% $215
Child safety restraint $1,510 18% $229
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,511 18% $230
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,521 19% $240
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,521 19% $240
Driving too slowly $1,526 19% $245
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,529 19% $248
Speeding in school zone $1,534 20% $253
In 65 MPH zone $1,536 20% $255
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,538 20% $257
Following too closely $1,538 20% $257
Illegal turn $1,542 20% $261
Failure to stop at a red light $1,542 20% $261
Failure to yield $1,542 20% $261
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,563 22% $282
Improper passing $1,584 24% $303
Cell phone violation $1,633 28% $352
Texting while driving $1,633 28% $352
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,714 34% $433
Passing school bus $1,745 36% $464
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,915 49% $634
Open container $1,932 51% $651
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,033 59% $752
Racing $2,295 79% $1,014
Reckless driving $2,443 91% $1,162
Driving with a suspended license $2,554 99% $1,273
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,573 101% $1,292
DUI $2,573 101% $1,292
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,642 106% $1,361

New Hampshire DUI laws

In New Hampshire, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by over 100%. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in New Hampshire

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in New Hampshire, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in New Hampshire, USAA, advertises annual rates 46% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in New Hampshire is Progressive, while the priciest company is MetLife, with prices 23% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,382
Progressive $1,391
State Farm $1,639
GEICO $2,103
Nationwide $2,483
Allstate $3,017

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

New Hampshire SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of New Hampshire to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in New Hampshire might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in New Hampshire

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in New Hampshire in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in West Swanzey, New Hampshire, and the most expensive in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of New Hampshire's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Concord $1,233
Dover $1,263
Rochester $1,263
Nashua $1,360
Manchester $1,527

Car insurance price trends in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $38 in the past year. A typical New Hampshire driver pays an average of $999 per year.

The recent pricing trend in New Hampshire leaned toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs until last year's small increase, but the state's average car insurance costs remain significantly lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — New Hampshire Yearly Change — New Hampshire Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $999 $38 $1,529 $46
2020 $961 -$59 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,020 -$113 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,133 -$663 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


New Hampshire car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding New Hampshire auto insurance.

A full-coverage insurance policy in New Hampshire costs drivers an average of $999 — $530 cheaper per year than it is in the rest of the U.S.

Unlike most other states, New Hampshire does not require auto insurance. Instead, you can submit a certificate of financial responsibility which proves you are able to cover the costs of an accident. If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, you are still responsible for covering the damages.

Insurance is cheaper than average in New Hampshire. On average, drivers pay $72 less per month than drivers in the rest of the U.S.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.