New Hampshire Car Insurance

The state of New Hampshire is one of the states that does not require auto insurance for all drivers. The state of New Hampshire does recommend that their drivers have minimum liability coverage, and there are certain drivers that are required to carry the minimum liability policy. These drivers are individuals that have been convicted of a prior DUI and have accumulated a certain amount of points that activates a minimum liability New Hampshire auto insurance requirement. First offense DUI convictions require that the driver carries liability insurance for three years, and second time offenders must carry liability insurance for five years.

While in most cases New Hampshire auto insurance isn't required, it is still highly recommended. The minimum liability policies that are recommended for New Hampshire drivers are $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $25,000/$50,000 property damage, and $25,000/$50,000 uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury. If a driver is legally required to purchase New Hampshire car insurance, these amounts are required.

Ratings and Carriers of New Hampshire Car Insurance

While auto insurance is not mandatory for the majority of New Hampshire drivers, there are still drivers that choose to purchase an insurance policy for their own safety and the safety of others. Individuals looking to purchase insurance can obtain free New Hampshire auto insurance quotes online, over the telephone, or by meeting with an insurance agent in person. It is also a good idea to compare not only New Hampshire car insurance quotes, but also New Hampshire auto insurance ratings. Highly rated companies often have excellent customer service and special extras that they offer to their clients to reward them for safe driving and other positive behaviors while behind the wheel. Allstate Insurance and Amica Insurance are the two top rated New Hampshire auto insurance companies. Amica has a score of 100 for their smart rating, and boasts a five star rating for customer satisfaction. Allstate Insurance has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for customer satisfaction and a score of 100 for their smart rating. Both companies can assist with finding New Hampshire cheap car insurance rates for their customers that are on a budget, as well as advise on the best plans to suit their driving needs.

Seat Belt Usage

Currently, more and more New Hampshire residents are starting to wear their seat belts while driving and riding in automobiles, and they are at 75.02 percent for voluntary seat belt usage. They are still below the national average for seat belt use, which is 84 percent. Studies indicate that female drivers use seat belts more often than men - 77.3 percent for women, 68 percent for men. Similar to their auto insurance laws, New Hampshire does not mandate a seat belt law. There have been various requests to the Senate to mandate a seat belt law, but currently, it is still a voluntary choice.

Roads and Road Conditions

New Hampshire is filled with busy streets, highways, and freeways. Road conditions can vary due to weather issues and road construction, and drivers should take extra precautions when driving through snow and ice. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation offers daily information on road and weather conditions that allow New Hampshire residents to take alternate travel routes and avoid certain roadways altogether during heavy snows or road blocks due to construction. They also offer information for individuals that are traveling through New Hampshire, including rest areas and weigh station information.

Auto Thefts In New Hampshire

New Hampshire has various definitions for auto theft, and the laws on auto theft are taken very seriously. They define theft as the unauthorized taking or transfer of another's property, with the intent to deprive the owner of its use. They also consider acts of deception to be considered theft if it deprives the owner of its use, and this type of theft is usually committed by mechanics that mislead the customer with false statements, claiming the car is unsafe for the road, and that it would be illegal to allow it to leave their premises. In actuality, the mechanic is attempting to take the vehicle for their own use, and in the state of New Hampshire, this is considered theft. Unauthorized use of a vehicle is also considered theft in New Hampshire. If a mechanic or acquaintance of the car owner drives the car for their own personal use without the consent of the owner, they could get charged with auto theft. If any stolen vehicle is valued at $1,000 or more, New Hampshire considers this a Class A felony, with a maximum penalty of up to fifteen years in prison.

The 10 Most Stolen Cars In New Hampshire

Cars are stolen for a variety of reasons. Some automobiles are stolen so they can be re sold, and others are stolen for parts. Each state varies on the most popular automobiles that are stolen each year. Here are the top 10 most stolen cars in New Hampshire:

1. Honda Civic 2000

2. Honda Accord 1996

3. Dodge Caravan 1997

4. Acura Integra 1994

5. Chevrolet Pick Up (Full Size ) 1995

6. Ford Explorer 2004

7. Buick Century 2003

8. Ford F350 Pickup 2004

9. Toyota Corolla 2001

10. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme/Ciera 1993

New Hampshire drivers can take precautions in order to protect their automobiles from theft. There are anti theft devices that are affordable, and when installed in automobiles they work well to deter thieves. There are also immobilizing devices called "Kill" switches, which work to cut off the fuel once the car is started, and they are very effective. If the car doesn't start, it can't be stolen. Many vehicle owners also install tracking devices which can assist them in recovering their stolen vehicle. In today's world where car theft is on the rise due to the economic pressures that many are facing, it is very important for car owners to do whatever they can to keep their property protected.

Although it is not mandatory unless convicted of a DUI, many New Hampshire residents choose to purchase insurance to be on the safe side. There are New Hampshire cheap auto insurance plans that can be purchased, and by having even a minimum insurance policy in place, it definitely brings peace of mind to the driver.

http://www.nh.gov/insurance/legal/index.htm