When you suffer injuries or vehicle damage in a New Hampshire auto accident, you may be unsure what comes next. Thankfully, purchasing auto insurance can help cover some of the resulting costs. If you do not have insurance, you must pay for all damage to your vehicle out of pocket, which is often a significant expense. In New Hampshire, auto insurance policies cover damages incurred both when you are at fault and when someone else is at fault. Understanding New Hampshire’s insurance laws is critical to make sure you have adequate coverage in the event of an accident.
Does New Hampshire Require Drivers Purchase Auto Insurance?
According to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, the state does not require you to purchase auto insurance. However, if you choose not to buy insurance coverage, you must prove you have sufficient funds to meet New Hampshire motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements, which arise if you are at fault for an accident. Additionally, if you take out a loan on your vehicle, you should be aware that some lenders require auto insurance. In any event, it is important to be sure you have coverage for the hefty expenses that can result from a serious accident.
What Types of Insurance Coverage Should You Buy?
New Hampshire is unique in requiring people to bundle their insurance coverage. If you buy auto insurance for personal use, you must also buy Medical Payments Coverage, which covers medical expenses resulting from an auto accident. New Hampshire law requires you to buy at least $1,000 of Medical Payments Coverage. Additionally, people who buy auto insurance must also buy Uninsured Motorists Coverage, which protects against injuries from an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. However, it does not cover property damage. The law requires Uninsured Motorists Coverage to match the limit of your Auto Liability Coverage, so the minimum limit is essentially also $1,000.