By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
New Hampshire generally does not require drivers to buy liability insurance at all. The 25/50/25 figures in state law are the minimum proof of financial responsibility when it is required, for example after certain crashes or violations, and the minimum limits if you do buy a policy. Policies that are sold must include uninsured motorist coverage and generally at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage per person.
Lawsuits for injury, vehicle damage and wrongful death all generally share a 3-year deadline, which may run from when you discovered the injury and its cause. Fault is compared under a modified rule: your damages are reduced by your share, and you recover nothing if your fault is greater than the combined fault of those you sue. If a crash injures or kills anyone or causes more than $1,000 in property damage, the driver must file a written report with the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days, though an officer's investigation report can satisfy this duty. New Hampshire recorded 133 traffic deaths in 2024.
Key rules at a glance
| Personal injury filing deadline | Generally 3 years from the crash, or from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4(I) |
|---|---|
| Property damage deadline | Generally 3 years for damage to your vehicle or other property Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4(I) |
| Wrongful death deadline | Generally 3 years under the general personal-action deadline; wrongful death claims are brought by the estate Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4(I) |
| Fault rule | Modified comparative fault (51% bar): Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you recover nothing if your fault is greater than the combined fault of those you are suing. Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 507:7-d |
| Insurance system | At-fault (tort) · No PIP requirement. Policies generally must include at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage per person. Check your policy. |
| Minimum liability insurance | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury; $25,000 property damage Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 264:20 |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required |
| Reporting a crash | If a crash injures or kills anyone or causes more than $1,000 in property damage, the driver must file a written report with the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days. A police officer's investigation report can satisfy this duty. Source: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 264:25 |
Getting your crash report in New Hampshire
Request a copy of a crash report from NH DMV using the Request for Motor Vehicle Records form (DSMV 505). The fee is $1 per page with a $5 minimum. Contact NH DMV at (603) 227-4010 if you need someone else's report. Local police departments also release their own reports. Official request page
Checking a New Hampshire lawyer
Before you sign anything, confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the official state search, and ask for the fee agreement in writing. Our guide on choosing and verifying a lawyer lists what to ask.
- Lawyer referral: New Hampshire Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service
133 people died in motor vehicle crashes in New Hampshire in 2024, according to NHTSA FARS (2024).
Frequently asked questions
›Is car insurance mandatory in New Hampshire?
Generally no. New Hampshire does not require most drivers to buy liability insurance. The 25/50/25 amounts are the minimum proof of financial responsibility when it is required, such as after certain crashes or violations, and the minimum limits if you buy a policy (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 264:20).
›What if the driver who hit me had no coverage?
Because insurance is not mandatory, this happens. Policies sold in New Hampshire must include uninsured motorist coverage, so check your own policy. Policies also generally must include at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage per person.
›Does the 3-year deadline start on the crash date?
Usually, but not always. New Hampshire generally allows 3 years from the crash, or from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury and its cause (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4(I)). The same 3-year period covers vehicle damage and wrongful death.
›When must I file a crash report with the NH DMV?
Within 15 days if the crash injures or kills anyone or causes more than $1,000 in property damage (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 264:25). A police officer's investigation report can satisfy this duty.
›Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, unless your fault is greater than the combined fault of those you are suing. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 507:7-d).
Sources
- RSA 508:4 – Personal Actions (NH General Court)
- RSA 507:7-d – Comparative Fault (NH General Court)
- RSA 264:20 – Proof of Financial Responsibility (NH General Court)
- RSA 264:15 – Uninsured Motor Vehicle Coverage (NH General Court)
- RSA 264:25 – Conduct After Accident (NH General Court)
- NH DMV – Requesting an Accident Report
- New Hampshire Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service
- NHTSA FARS – State crashes and all victims