Finding the best auto insurance in New Hampshire still means comparing multiple quotes, but you can anchor expectations with current statewide benchmarks. Recent state analyses place average full coverage premiums around the low-$1,200s per year and minimum coverage in the mid-$300s. For example, Bankrate (2024) reports about $1,262 for full coverage and $343 for minimum, while ValuePenguin (2024) estimates roughly $1,244 and $353, respectively. New Hampshire remains well below U.S. averages on these measures, though premiums have faced upward pressure alongside the broader rise in the motor vehicle insurance CPI through late 2024 (BLS CPI). Even though NH doesn’t require all drivers to carry insurance, purchasing a policy is the most practical way to satisfy financial responsibility and protect your assets.
The 4 Best Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
To identify strong choices in NH, we reviewed updated statewide cost benchmarks from Bankrate (2024) and ValuePenguin (2024), considered market presence using the latest NAIC private-passenger auto market share report (2023 data published 2024) (NAIC), and evaluated capabilities in modern programs like telematics and AI-enabled claims drawing on industry research (LexisNexis Trends; CCC Crash Course). Based on this combined view, these carriers are strong fits for many NH drivers:
- Geico: Best for Discounts
- Nationwide: Best for Telematics
- State Farm: Best for Local Agents
- USAA: Best for Military-Centric Options
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
Company-level averages vary by profile and data vintage. The figures below reflect historical premiums and past satisfaction scores; for current statewide pricing benchmarks, see the 2024 averages in the section “The Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Hampshire” and review recent industry studies (Bankrate; ValuePenguin).
| AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM COVERAGE PREMIUM* | AVERAGE ANNUAL FULL COVERAGE PREMIUM* | AM BEST AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. POWER** J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Geico | $359 (historical 2021) | $1,093 (historical 2021) | A++ | 827 (2022) | |
| Pin Nationwide | $389 (historical 2021) | $851 (historical 2021) | A+ | Not rated (region) | |
| Pin State Farm | $287 (historical 2021) | $958 (historical 2021) | A++ | 838 (2022) | |
| Pin USAA | $186 (historical 2021) | $681 (historical 2021) | A++ | 884 (2022) |
Premiums reflect 2021 data; J.D. Power scores reflect 2022 results. See 2024–2025 statewide averages and current studies linked below.
*2021 premium data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction study for the New England Region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially rated due to eligibility restrictions. For current J.D. Power studies and insurance market updates, see J.D. Power press releases.
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Lower premiums possible with stackable discounts
- Strong financial strength (A.M. Best) and digital self-service
- Usage-based options increasingly common industrywide (LexisNexis)
Cons
- Fewer local agents than agent-led carriers
- Discount eligibility varies by driver profile and vehicle
- Regional satisfaction results can differ by market
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Renters
- Motorcycle/ATV
- Boat
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- New vehicle
- Membership & employee
- Federal employee
- Military
Best for Telematics
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Two telematics programs (behavior-based and per-mile)
- Accident forgiveness and other optional features available
- Industry trend alignment toward connected data and AI-enabled service (CCC Crash Course)
Cons
- Regional satisfaction scores not always published by carrier
- Telematics savings depend on driving behavior and program rules
- Digital experience can vary by device and user permissions
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Condo
- Snowmobile
- Classic car
- Golf cart
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- SmartRide
- SmartMiles
- Defensive driving
- Good student
Best for Local Agents
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Local agencies across NH for personalized service
- Superior financial strength and broad coverage options
- Digital tools complement in-person support
Cons
- Accident forgiveness rules vary and may require eligibility
- Gap coverage availability and add-ons can differ by state
- Fewer à la carte add-ons than some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Farm & ranch
- Business
- Life
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Good student
- Drive Safe & Save
- Steer Clear
- Vehicle safety
Best for Military-Centric Options
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- High satisfaction in many national studies; strong financials
- Military-centric discounts and features (e.g., storage, installation)
- Digital-first claims and service tools
Cons
- Eligibility restricted to military community
- Fewer physical branches than national agency networks
- Discounts and programs vary by state
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Landlord
- Boat
- Aviation
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Military installation
- Good student
- Loyalty
- SafePilot
*Premium data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction study for the New England Region (1,000-point scale). USAA is not officially rated due to eligibility restrictions. For current industry context, see J.D. Power’s Insurance Shopping Study (2024).
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Hampshire
Current statewide benchmarks place New Hampshire well below national costs. Bankrate (2024) estimates about $1,262 per year for full coverage and $343 for minimum coverage (40-year-old driver profile). ValuePenguin (2024) shows similar results at roughly $1,244 (full) and $353 (minimum). These sources use standard “good driver” profiles; individual quotes will vary by factors like driving record, vehicle, location, and selected deductibles. Note that industry-wide price levels rose sharply through late 2024 per the BLS motor vehicle insurance CPI, so 2025 shoppers may still see elevated rates versus earlier years.
These are average estimates; your cost will differ. To find your best rate, compare quotes across several carriers and consider usage-based options if you drive safely or fewer miles (see III telematics primer).
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| USAA | $681 |
| MMG | $725 |
| Nationwide | $851 |
*Historical company averages shown (Bankrate dataset, 2021). For 2024 statewide context, see Bankrate and ValuePenguin.
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| The Hanover | $3,315 |
| Progressive | $2,351 |
| Allstate | $2,012 |
*Historical company averages shown (Bankrate dataset, 2021). Current pricing varies by driver profile; compare quotes for a 2025 rate check using the statewide benchmarks above.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in New Hampshire
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Keene | $1,440–$1,540 |
| Rochester | $1,460–$1,560 |
| Laconia | $1,480–$1,580 |
*2025 ranges synthesized from recent city studies: Bankrate, NerdWallet, The Zebra, and ValuePenguin. Methodologies vary (good driver profiles, typical full coverage limits).
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in New Hampshire
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Manchester | $1,600–$1,800 |
| Portsmouth | $1,560–$1,720 |
| Nashua | $1,540–$1,680 |
*2025 ranges synthesized from recent city studies: Bankrate, NerdWallet, The Zebra, and ValuePenguin.
Key Things to Know About Car Insurance in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a financial-responsibility state: most drivers are not legally required to carry auto insurance to drive, but you must be able to pay for damages you cause and, in certain situations, you may be required to file proof of financial responsibility (e.g., SR-22). This framework remains in effect through 2025 (NH DMV; NH Insurance Department). Understanding NH’s rules and risks helps you choose appropriate limits and add-ons.
New Hampshire Car Insurance Requirements
If you purchase a policy (or must show proof of financial responsibility), NH law requires at least these coverages and limits (RSA 259:61; RSA 264:15). The state remains non-compulsory for insurance as of 2025 (NH DMV). If you do buy car insurance in New Hampshire, these are the minimum coverage types and limits that you must purchase to drive legally:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $1,000 medical payments
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
Consider higher limits for more protection. If you have a loan or lease, or you want coverage for your own vehicle, you’ll need full coverage (comprehensive and collision) and potentially endorsements like gap coverage. NH requires UM bodily injury in limits at least equal to your liability limits (not less than the statutory minimums) (RSA 264:15).
Car Insurance Coverage Options
In addition to the minimum limits and the coverage types that make up full coverage, you might want to consider these protections to further boost your policy:
- Roadside assistance: Often covers jump starts, fuel delivery, tire changes, towing, and locksmiths. Many carriers now pair roadside with app-based tools for faster dispatch and status updates.
- Gap coverage: If you have a loan or lease, this can pay the difference between your vehicle’s value and the remaining balance after a total loss. Some policies also address advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) calibration costs in covered losses, which have risen with sensor-equipped vehicles (CCC Crash Course).
- Accident forgiveness: May help you avoid the first at-fault surcharge if eligible. Also explore telematics/usage-based programs and pay-per-mile options, which have grown as carriers leverage connected data for pricing and feedback (LexisNexis Trends; III telematics primer).
Optional coverages vary by company. Many insurers are also deploying AI-enabled claims and photo estimating to speed repairs, with regulators increasing oversight of high‑risk AI systems (CCC Crash Course; Colorado AI Act).
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com compares insurers on affordability, customer support, coverage options, satisfaction indicators, and online resources. For New Hampshire, we incorporated current statewide benchmarks from Bankrate (2024) and ValuePenguin (2024), market share context from the NAIC (2023, published 2024), and industry trends on telematics and claims from LexisNexis and CCC Crash Course.
City-level figures were refreshed using 2025 ranges synthesized from multiple sources: Bankrate, NerdWallet, The Zebra, and ValuePenguin. Differences arise from driver profiles, coverage limits/deductibles, and data vintages.
For historical company-average comparisons (where shown), Bankrate’s 2021 dataset used a 40-year-old male and female driver with good credit and clean records. For full coverage, the modeled policy included:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used each state’s statutory requirements. Our base profile drivers own a late-model Toyota Camry, commute five days a week, and drive about 12,000 miles annually. These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only; your premium will vary.
