Finding the best auto insurance in New Hampshire often requires shopping around. To make the process easier, Reviews.com analyzed the largest insurance companies by market share in the state across a range of metrics. Our research might help you choose a company to further research. Although New Hampshire doesn’t legally require car insurance, it is still a smart purchase, and our analysis of the best car insurance companies in the state might help you find a carrier that meets your needs.
The 4 Best Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
To determine the best car insurance companies in New Hampshire, we first reviewed 2021 average premium information from Bankrate.com. Next, we took a look at each company’s coverage offerings, discounts, and digital tools. Finally, we analyzed third-party customer satisfaction and financial strength scores for each insurer. Based on our research, these are the best car insurance companies in New Hampshire:
- 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
While we chose these auto insurance companies as the best based on our assessment, keep in mind that your needs may be different. Understanding your situation and shopping around is a useful strategy to make sure you find the right company for you.
| 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 | $1,093 | A++ | 827 | |
| Pin Nationwide | $389 | $851 | A+ | Not rated | |
| Pin State Farm | $287 | $958 | A++ | 838 | |
| Pin USAA | $186 | $681 | A++ | 884 |
Information accurate as of July 2022
*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.
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average rates
- Long list of discounts
- Robust digital tools
Cons
- Few options for customization
- Few local agencies
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction score is only average
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
- Low average rates
- Accident forgiveness available
- Two telematics programs
Cons
- Not rated by J.D. Power in New England
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power digital service and sales experience scores
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 available
- Superior AM Best financial strength rating
- Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Cons
- Accident forgiveness must be “earned” and cannot be purchased
- No gap insurance
- Fewer add-on options than many 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 J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
- Superior AM Best financial strength
- Low average premiums
Cons
- Only available to active and retired military members
- Few branch locations
- Fewer discounts than competitors
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. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially rated due to eligibility restrictions.
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Hampshire
According to 2021 data from Bankrate.com, New Hampshire car insurance costs an average of $1,275 per year for full coverage and $389 per year for minimum coverage. Compared to the national averages of $1,674 and $565, respectively, New Hampshire car insurance is relatively inexpensive.
These are average rates, though; the price you pay will likely be different. Car insurance rates can vary based on your age, driving history, the type of car you drive, and the level of coverage you choose, among other factors. The best way to know how much your coverage will cost is to request quotes from different companies.
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| USAA | $681 |
| MMG | $725 |
| Nationwide | $851 |
*Data from Bankrate.com
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 |
*Data from Bankrate.com
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in New Hampshire
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| West Swanzey | $1,153 |
| Keene | $1,161 |
| Contoocook | $1,173 |
*Data from Bankrate.com
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in New Hampshire
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Manchester | $1,513 |
| East Hampstead | $1,442 |
| Pinardville | $1,418 |
*Data from Bankrate.com
Key Things to Know About Car Insurance in New Hampshire
Each state has its own unique car insurance laws that affect coverage levels and rates. Additionally, each state has unique risk factors which could affect what coverage types you purchase. Understanding how New Hampshire is different from other states could help you build a policy that fits your needs.
New Hampshire Car Insurance Requirements
New Hampshire is one of only a few states that does not require drivers to purchase car insurance. However, drivers likely opt for a policy for the financial protection it offers. 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
While these are the minimum limits, insurance professionals may advise that you buy higher limits for more financial protection. If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, or simply want coverage for damage to your automobile, you’ll need full coverage, which adds comprehensive and collision coverage.
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: This coverage, sometimes called towing and labor coverage, is designed to pay for jumps, gas or oil delivery, tire changes, towing, locksmiths, and other roadside services you might require.
- Gap coverage: If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, gap insurance could be a good option. This will pay the difference between the value of your vehicle and the amount of financing you have. That way, if your vehicle is totaled or stolen, you will be better protected from out-of-pocket costs.
- Accident forgiveness: If you have a clean driving record, you may be able to add accident forgiveness coverage. This option generally helps you avoid the rate increase associated with your first at-fault accident, although each provider has its own specific guidelines.
Optional coverages vary by company, so be sure to check with your provider to know what coverages are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com reviews products, services, and companies based on five criteria to help readers understand how companies compare based on similar metrics. For the best car insurance companies, our editorial team compared affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction scores, and online resources from each company to determine the top providers.
As for average pricing, we used Bankrate.com’s 2021 data of car insurance in New Hampshire, based on the profiles of a 40-year male and female. For full coverage, the details used were the following:
- $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 minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
About the Authors
The Reviews.com staff is dedicated to providing you with all the deep-dive details. Our writers, researchers, and editors came together from Charlotte, Seattle, San Juan, Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Chicago to put this review together.
