The Cheapest Auto Insurance in New Hampshire in 2023

New Hampshire is the fifth-cheapest state in the U.S. for car insurance, with the average rate coming in at just $936 annually. It’s also the only state that doesn’t require car insurance or proof of financial responsibility (“live free or die,” indeed). It also has some of the safest drivers — the state ranks fourth for the fewest fatal accidents per capita, according to the IIHS.

But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to forgo insurance, and most New Hampshirites purchase policies — the state comes in fifth for highest percentage of insured drivers.

You’re most likely to find a deal at Hanover and GEICO, but there are plenty of other cheap car insurance companies to choose from. We’ll cover it all below.

Key Takeaways:

• Rates in New Hampshire are 40% cheaper than the national average.
• Hanover Insurance has the cheapest average policies, at just $49 per month.
• New Hampshire’s senior drivers can find a policy for as little as $19 monthly.

New Hampshire’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

With average rates at $78 per month across the state, it may come as a surprise that some drivers pay much less. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right company.

So, let’s take a look at the five companies with the cheapest average rates in the Granite State.

Though Hanover and GEICO are the cheapest options on average, rates from the five cheapest companies are close (and significantly cheaper than the statewide average). So it’s definitely worth it to get quotes from as many companies as possible.

Three of the companies listed are local insurers that provide individualized service, and the two national companies are well known for affordability and (fairly) good customer service. That means New Hampshire drivers have plenty of great options, and it’s all about finding the right policy for you.

Bear in mind that these rates reflect both liability and full-coverage policies. So despite these low rates, many liability-only drivers are paying much less. We’ll break this down in more detail below.

The Average Cost of New Hampshire Car Insurance

New Hampshire drivers enjoy the fifth-cheapest rates in the nation, at just $78 per month. Here’s how that stacks up to its neighbors, as well as the national average.

New Hampshire’s average rates are significantly cheaper than states south of its border, coming in at half or less than half the cost of policies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island (two states with significantly denser populations and larger city centers). Vermont and Maine are around $10 cheaper per month, making the tip of New England the cheapest region for car insurance in the country.

Why are rates so low? New Hampshire (and its neighbors) have low minimum insurance requirements, low population densities, and low rates of uninsured drivers.

Next up, we’ll review the least expensive rates and how they differ for state minimum and full-coverage policies.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: Hanover Insurance

A liability-only policy is the cheapest car insurance plan available, but you need to make sure you’re still meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Below are the cheapest companies on average for state-minimum insurance in New Hampshire.

Hanover Insurance is the cheapest option for liability, on average. The company is rated as better than average across several review sites as well. Hanover potentially keeps rates low due to its small geographical reach and its ability to act as both agent and insurer, which diversifies its revenue.

Though Hanover is quite a bit cheaper than the other insurers on the list, it’s still worth comparing quotes from several companies. Being the cheapest in general doesn’t guarantee it will be the cheapest for you. You may also prefer the way other insurers do business (GEICO offers 24/7 customer service, for example) or features they offer that Hanover may not (like a telematics program).

At the end of the day, comparing quotes is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: GEICO

Full-coverage auto insurance typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages, but that additional coverage comes at a price. We saw the cheapest companies in New Hampshire for state-minimum policies, but let’s take a look at the most affordable car insurance companies for full coverage.

GEICO offers the cheapest average rates for full-coverage policies, but competitors aren’t far behind (yet another reason to compare quotes). When rates are close, it’s good to consider the other features you want from your car insurance company, such as:

• A great app (GEICO, State Farm, Concord Group)
• Personalized service (Commerce, State Farm, Hanover, Concord)
• Robust coverage options (Hanover, Commerce, Concord)

At the end of the day, every driver has a different insurance profile and their own unique needs — so the cheapest company may not necessarily be the best for you.

Compare New Hampshire Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Age is a very important factor in determining the cost of your car insurance policy. Teens and young drivers pay the most due to their lack of experience and higher rates of at-fault incidents. Rates decline rapidly from age 16 to 25 and continue to decline more slowly afterward. Once you reach middle age, costs level off, remaining low typically into your 70s.

Let’s take a closer look at how age affects cheap car insurance rates in New Hampshire.

Cheapest car insurance for New Hampshire teens: Hanover Insurance

Teens are far and away the most expensive age group to insure. They cause more car accidents and are more likely to drive intoxicated compared to other age groups, according to studies from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with sky-high rates. Plenty of companies offer cheap car insurance policies for teens — you just have to find them.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the cheapest insurers for 18-year-old drivers in New Hampshire, sorted by liability rates.

New Hampshire teens are most likely to find cheap car insurance at Hanover, where liability rates are less than half that of the next cheapest insurer — just $41 per month.

Cheapest car insurance for New Hampshire seniors: Hanover Insurance

You’ll likely enjoy the lowest car insurance rates of your life in your golden years. After all, seniors have more experience and are less likely to cause an accident than other age groups, according to the National Safety Council.

But some companies are cheaper than others. With that in mind, here are the cheapest New Hampshire insurers for 65-year-old drivers.

Once again, Hanover is quite a bit cheaper than its competitors for liability policies. Rates are more competitive for full coverage, where Hanover, Commerce, and State Farm premiums are within a few dollars, and all average less than $70 per month. With rates so close, it’s definitely a good idea to compare cost and policy options closely.

Compare New Hampshire Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

When it comes to car insurance, your driving record is paramount. Insurers use your driving history as an indicator of risk, so it directly affects the rates you’ll be offered.

A clean history with no accidents or violations comes with lower premiums, while a record with accidents or tickets results in higher costs. The more serious or frequent the offense, the higher the price tag.

Let’s examine exactly how cheap rates in New Hampshire change based on your driving history.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in New Hampshire: Hanover Insurance

It’s no secret that good drivers get the best rates, but which companies are the cheapest for people without a recent ticket or accident?

We’ve broken down the five cheapest New Hampshire insurers for drivers without recent incidents in the table below.

Hanover and GEICO are the cheapest companies for liability and full-coverage policies, respectively. Most average costs among the five companies listed are below (or well below) the state average, so if you’re paying a higher premium than what you see here, it’s worth comparing quotes.

Cheapest car insurance in New Hampshire after a ticket: Hanover Insurance

Tickets typically cause rates to rise — around 37% nationally, according to Compare.com data. But just because you recently got a ticket doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying more.

The companies featured in the table below have the most competitive rates in New Hampshire for drivers with one speeding ticket, according to Compare.com data. Notice how rates are about the same as drivers with a clean record.

Rates for liability-only policies are cheapest at Hanover — averaging less than half the cost of the fourth- and fifth-cheapest options, Patriot and Commerce. GEICO is the cheapest for full coverage, but prices are more competitive for these more robust policies.

Cheapest car insurance in New Hampshire after an accident: Hanover Insurance

Though New Hampshire drivers with tickets appear to dodge rate increases that typically come with a speeding ticket or other moving violation, the same can’t be said for drivers with an at-fault accident.

Nationwide, average rates increase by 44% after an at-fault accident, and many New Hampshire companies follow that trend.

Below are the cheapest rates for drivers with one at-fault accident in New Hampshire, sorted by liability rates.

Rates for liability-only coverage are once again cheapest at Hanover. Still, the difference between Hanover and State Farm (the fifth-cheapest company) is reasonably small, so grab rates from all five (and more) before deciding.

Rates for full-coverage policies are close between Commerce Group, GEICO, and State Farm — but you may still find a cheaper rate elsewhere depending on your driving profile.

Now that we have a handle on the cheapest rates for drivers with at-fault accidents, let’s explore how rates are affected for people with a DUI.

Cheapest car insurance in New Hampshire after a DUI: Hanover Insurance

After a DUI, car insurance rates increase by an average of 94%, according to Compare.com data. That’s a huge increase, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still shop around to find a better deal.

The table below shows the five companies with the cheapest rates for drivers with one DUI in New Hampshire, based on Compare.com data.

Hanover’s rates for liability policies are half as expensive as the other cheap insurers on the list and appear to penalize drivers less for a DUI — rates are just $6 more expensive than clean record averages.

That said, the Concord Group is the highest-rated company on the list, according to ConsumerAffairs, which may make it worth the higher (but still cheap) price tag.

Keep in mind that drivers with a DUI conviction are required to carry car insurance in New Hampshire and must also file an SR-22 with the New Hampshire DMV (more on this later).

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in New Hampshire

Though car insurance is already inexpensive in New Hampshire, you can still find ways to save money on your policy. Here are five common ways to lower your rates.

1. Bundle your policies: Purchasing more than one insurance product from the same insurer typically comes with a discount on both policies. Consider bundling auto insurance with your renters, condo, or homeowners insurance policy.
2. Usage-based insurance (UBI): UBI can work in a few ways. You may get a discount for driving less (pay-per-mile) or for driving safely (telematics programs). Either way, it’s a great way to save money on your monthly bill.
3. Keep a clean record: Staying ticket- and accident-free is the best way to keep rates low. And even if you have a recent ticket or collision, they typically only stay on your record for three to five years. So if you drive safely now, it could pay off in the future.
4. Maintain good credit: Many insurance companies look at your credit history to determine how much to charge you. Raising your credit score can lower your car insurance rates.
5. Compare quotes: Compare policies and prices from several insurers at least every six months to ensure you always have the best price.

New Hampshire Auto Insurance Requirements

New Hampshire doesn’t require car insurance, but it does require every driver to take financial responsibility for any damage they cause on the road. You should strongly consider carrying a policy for several reasons, including:

• Insurance protects you from financial loss.
• Lenders and leasing companies may require it.
• If you travel out of state, you need to comply with that state’s insurance requirements.

If you decide to purchase a policy, here are the minimum coverage requirements for a New Hampshire policy:

• $25,000 of bodily injury protection per person
• $50,000 of bodily injury protection per accident
• $25,000 of property damage liability
• $1,000 of medical payments coverage

It’s also important to add uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. That way, if you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your insurance will cover your damages and set up a repayment schedule with the at-fault driver.

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in New Hampshire

While most drivers don’t need to carry proof of insurance in New Hampshire, many do so. Drivers who have been court-ordered to have insurance will be penalized if they’re caught and convicted of driving without insurance (officially, driving without “proof of financial responsibility”). In those cases, the driver faces the following penalties:

• Four demerit points on their license
• License and registration suspension
• $125 reinstatement fee

Keep in mind that just because the state doesn’t require you to have car insurance doesn’t mean it’s safe to forgo a policy. If you cause a car accident, you’ll be held responsible for covering the damages you caused. If you can’t cover those costs immediately, you’ll be put on a payment plan and pay in installments.

Additionally, you’ll be required to carry insurance until you’ve completely paid off your debt.

SR-22 auto insurance in New Hampshire

An SR-22 form is a “certificate of financial responsibility” required by the state to prove that a high-risk driver has sufficient auto insurance coverage, usually due to prior violations or accidents. In New Hampshire, it’s required under the following instances:

• DWI
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Conduct after an accident (such as providing false information)
• Reckless operation of a vehicle
• Uninsured accident
• In accordance with a judicial ruling

Since SR-22s are associated with high-risk behavior, drivers who need them often pay inflated rates. To save on SR-22 insurance, consider the following:

• Maintain a clean record going forward
• Remove unnecessary coverage options
• Raise deductibles (if you can afford a higher out-of-pocket cost after an accident)
• Look into bundling, defensive driving, and telematics discounts

Medical payments coverage in New Hampshire

Medical payments coverage (MedPay) provides limited reimbursement for medical costs resulting from car accidents, regardless of fault and up to policy limits. People covered by MedPay include the policyholder, named drivers on the policy, and passengers in their vehicle.

In New Hampshire, drivers who purchase personal car insurance must also purchase at least $1,000 of MedPay coverage. But you can purchase higher limits if you choose, which may be a great idea considering the rising costs of medical care.

New Hampshire Auto Insurance FAQs

New Hampshire is a unique state for car insurance coverage, which leads to a lot of questions. Below are the answers to the most commonly asked ones.

Who is the cheapest auto insurance company in New Hampshire?

The cheapest company in New Hampshire is Hanover Insurance, where premiums average $49 per month. But keep in mind that the cheapest in general doesn’t mean it will be the cheapest for you. Compare rates from several companies to better understand your options and ensure you’re getting the best deal.

How much is car insurance in New Hampshire?

The average cost of a car insurance policy in New Hampshire is $78 per month, which makes it the fifth-cheapest state for car insurance in the country.

How much car insurance is required in New Hampshire?

Though car insurance isn’t required in New Hampshire, you must prove you can meet “financial responsibility” in the event of an accident (i.e., you can cover the cost of damages you may cause). If you can’t prove financial responsibility, you must carry minimum liability car insurance of $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Additionally, you need to purchase at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. New Hampshire Insurance Department, “2022 Automobile Insurance Consumer Frequently Asked Questions,” Accessed October 3, 2023
2. New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, “Insurance Requirements / SR-22,” Accessed October 3, 2023
3. National Research Council, Institute of Medicine, and Transportation Research Board Program Committee for a Workshop on Contributions from the Behavioral and Social Sciences in Reducing and Preventing Teen Motor Crashes, “Preventing Teen Motor Crashes: Contributions from the Behavioral and Social Sciences: Workshop Report,” Accessed October 4, 2023
4. National Safety Council, “Older Drivers – Injury Facts,” Accessed October 4, 2023
5. Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists,” Accessed October 4, 2023