Car insurance in New Hampshire (25/50/25)
- Minimum car insuranceMost New Hampshire drivers are not required to buy auto insurance, but a driver without it who is in a reportable accident can lose their license and registration until they post security for the damages and prove future financial responsibility. The same proof can be required after convictions such as DUI. Policies sold in the state must provide at least $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 of liability coverage, $1,000 of medical payments, and uninsured motorist coverage equal to the liability limits. Source
- Fault systemNew Hampshire is an at-fault (tort) state with no restrictions on lawsuits: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damages, whether or not they carry insurance. Source
Business insurance rules in New Hampshire
- Workers’ compensationNew Hampshire employers with employees must secure workers' compensation through a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance; there is no minimum employee count. It is not a monopolistic state. Source
Home insurance in New Hampshire
- Home insurer of last resortSevere weather, including wind, ice, snow, flooding and coastal storms, is the main risk. In 2026 the state created the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program to give homeowners grants to make homes more resistant to severe weather. Source
High-value homes in New Hampshire.
Disasters, floods, hail, tornadoes and earthquakes in New Hampshire
| Measure | New Hampshire | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 32 | #21 (tied) of 51 | Most often for severe storm (23), flood (3), hurricane (2). Grafton County has been in 19 of them. |
| National Flood Insurance Program claims, 2005–2025 | 2,509 | #38 of 51 | $57.6 million paid; 29% of claims with a known flood zone were outside FEMA’s high-risk zones. |
| Homes in high-risk flood zones with a federal flood policy | 25% | #24 of 50 | 2,916 policies for 11,554 homes in the counties FEMA can measure; US: 40%. |
| Hail reports, 2016–2025 | 257 | #37 of 51 | 2 of them 2 inches or larger. Largest stone 2 inches, Coos County, May 2022. |
| Tornadoes, 2016–2025 | 11 | #44 of 51 | 0 rated EF2 or stronger; 101 recorded since 1950. |
| Earthquakes of magnitude 4.0+, 2000–2025 | 0 | — | None of magnitude 4.0 or greater recorded in or near the state. |
From the public FEMA, NOAA, Storm Prediction Center, USGS and FMCSA records behind each linked report; ranks count all 50 states and Washington, DC unless noted.
Look up the storm history of any county in New Hampshire.
The property risks that matter in New Hampshire
Winter storms drive many New Hampshire claims: frozen and burst pipes, ice dams and roof collapse from snow load. Sudden pipe bursts are usually covered, but losses from failing to maintain heat in a vacant home may not be. Water backup coverage is a separate endorsement.
Nor'easters bring coastal flooding, wind and heavy snow to New Hampshire. Wind damage is generally covered; storm-surge flooding needs flood insurance.
Flooding is the most common U.S. natural disaster, and it is excluded from regular home policies. New Hampshire residents outside high-risk zones can often buy NFIP or private flood coverage at lower cost; remember the typical 30-day waiting period.
Worth knowing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the only state that does not require most drivers to carry auto insurance, though uninsured drivers remain fully liable for crashes they cause.
Before your next New Hampshire renewal
- Compare your auto liability limits with the New Hampshire minimum of 25/50/25 (financial responsibility if you choose not to insure) and with your actual assets.
- Add water backup coverage and keep heat on when the home is empty.
- Clear gutters and check for storm-surge flood exposure before winter.
- Check your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and price an NFIP or private flood policy before storm season (NFIP usually has a 30-day wait).
- Landlords: confirm fair rental value and liability on each unit.
New Hampshire’s insurance regulator
Insurance in New Hampshire is regulated by the New Hampshire Insurance Department, which handles consumer complaints and licenses insurers and agents.
Sam Alishahi holds a New Hampshire nonresident insurance producer license (NPN 21022298) and places New Hampshire policies directly.
Common questions
What is the minimum car insurance in New Hampshire?
Most New Hampshire drivers are not required to buy auto insurance, but a driver without it who is in a reportable accident can lose their license and registration until they post security for the damages and prove future financial responsibility. The same proof can be required after convictions such as DUI. Policies sold in the state must provide at least $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 of liability coverage, $1,000 of medical payments, and uninsured motorist coverage equal to the liability limits.
Is New Hampshire a no-fault state?
New Hampshire is an at-fault (tort) state with no restrictions on lawsuits: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damages, whether or not they carry insurance.
Do employers in New Hampshire need workers’ comp?
New Hampshire employers with employees must secure workers' compensation through a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance; there is no minimum employee count. It is not a monopolistic state.
What can a New Hampshire homeowner do if no insurer will write the house?
Severe weather, including wind, ice, snow, flooding and coastal storms, is the main risk. In 2026 the state created the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program to give homeowners grants to make homes more resistant to severe weather.
Are frozen pipes covered in New Hampshire?
Sudden bursts are usually covered, but damage caused by failing to maintain heat in a vacant home may be excluded.
Do I need flood insurance in New Hampshire?
If you're in a high-risk flood zone with a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require it. Elsewhere it's optional but worth pricing, because homeowners policies exclude flood.
More answers: New Hampshire homeowners insurance guide New Hampshire small business insurance requirements New Hampshire life insurance consumer guide New Hampshire flood risk and NFIP guide
Sources
- New Hampshire: Minimum car insurance
- New Hampshire: Fault system
- New Hampshire: Workers’ compensation
- New Hampshire: Home insurer of last resort
- New Hampshire: insurance regulator
- NAIC: directory of state insurance departments
General information as of October 2026, not legal advice; confirm current rules with the agency.