New Hampshire: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for New Hampshire on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how New Hampshire compares.

Compare New Hampshire with another state →

Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	3 years
Property damage	3 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more

Claim deadlines Single detailed source

Acknowledge	10 working days
Accept or deny	Decision within 30 days of notice
Pay	5 working days after agreement or receipt of requested documents

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000
Filing fee	$125 or $180
Lawyers	Not required

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	75% of actual cash value

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	Strict liability
Details	Strict liability

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $1,000 damage
Deadline	5 days

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	None
Who must wear one	No helmet law

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	10.0%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (car insurance itself is optional, but a policy must include it)