New Hampshire Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
New Hampshire requires minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This is among the lowest in the US.
Driving without insurance in New Hampshire carries serious penalties: license suspension for up to one year, fines from $275 to $1,000, and potential jail time. A second offense within five years increases penalties significantly.
New Hampshire is one of only two states allowing uninsured driving if you post a deposit—but insurance is still the safer, cheaper option.
Can Immigrants Get a License in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does NOT allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license. The state requires proof of legal residency and a Social Security Number or tax ID verification.
To get a New Hampshire license, you need: proof of residency (lease, utility bill, bank statement), proof of identity (passport, visa, national ID), and either an SSN or proof you filed taxes with an ITIN.
If you cannot get a license, some insurance companies may still insure you under special programs. Always ask insurers directly about non-licensed driver options.
Best Insurance Options for Immigrants in New Hampshire
Major insurers like GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive accept ITIN numbers in New Hampshire instead of Social Security Numbers. Always call ahead to confirm they accept your ITIN.
If you have no license, some carriers offer named driver policies where a licensed household member is listed. Rates vary—always request quotes from multiple insurers.
Bring: passport or national ID, proof of residency, ITIN documentation (IRS letter), and vehicle registration. Being organized speeds up the process and builds trust with agents.
Tips for Immigrant Drivers in New Hampshire
Your insurance company is NOT an immigration agency. Insurance data is protected by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and is NOT shared with ICE. Buying insurance does not put you at legal risk.
Keep your proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. New Hampshire police enforce insurance verification during traffic stops.
If stopped, remain calm, keep hands visible, and present your documents. You do not need to answer questions about immigration status without a lawyer present.
Contact the New Hampshire legal aid society if you need help understanding your rights during a traffic stop.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 | Covers injuries to others |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 | Total per accident limit |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Damage to others vehicles/property |
| Uninsured Motorist | Optional | Strongly recommended in NH |
| Underinsured Motorist | Optional | Covers gaps in other drivers coverage |
| Medical Payments (PIP) | Optional | Covers your medical bills |
| Liability Overall | 25/50/25 | The standard NH requirement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many insurers accept ITIN instead of SSN. Some accept foreign ID numbers or passport numbers. Call insurers directly and ask if they write policies for non-SSN holders. Your immigration status is separate from insurance eligibility.
No. New Hampshire requires proof of legal presence or lawful status to get a driver license. Check with NH DMV for current requirements and acceptable documents.
New Hampshire requires: 25/50/25 liability coverage (bodily injury per person/accident, property damage). But most insurers sell higher limits. Rates vary by driver and vehicle—get a quote from multiple companies.
National carriers like Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate typically write policies for drivers with ITIN or foreign ID. Always call first and ask about their specific requirements for non-SSN applicants.
You can apply for insurance with a valid foreign license, but you cannot legally drive on it in New Hampshire. You need a NH driver license to drive legally. Some insurers may require an IDP (International Driving Permit) temporarily while you get a NH license.