If you get into an accident as a New Hampshire resident, who pays for the injuries? Is New Hampshire a no fault state? Here’s everything you need to know about fault in New Hampshire.
What is “No Fault”?
In a no fault state, drivers go first to their own insurance policies to get compensation for injuries suffered in an accident, no matter who was at-fault. No fault states typically also have some limit on how an injured party can sue.
Is New Hampshire a No Fault State?
New Hampshire is not a “no fault state”. A driver injured because of another driver’s negligence can collect payment for injuries from the at-fault driver.
If you do have insurance, New Hampshire requires you to have coverage for your own injuries. Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) helps pay for your medical expenses resulting from an accident, no matter who was at fault. It can also cover health insurance deductibles and copays. If you have auto insurance in NH, you need at least $1,000 of MedPay coverage.
How do Claims Work?
New Hampshire uses a comparative negligence system. The amount of money a driver can recover is reduced by their share of the fault in an accident. If you’re found to be over 50% at fault for an accident, you won’t be able to recover anything from the other driver.
For example, if you get into an accident and it’s determined you were 20% at fault, the other driver will be responsible for paying 80% of your expenses. In other words, the amount of money you can receive is reduced by your share of the fault.
That’s why it’s important to carry higher MedPay insurance limits for yourself. This way, no matter who was at fault for the accident, your own expenses can be covered.
In general, you should file a claim with your own insurance company first. Your own coverage will pay for your own injuries no matter who was at fault for the accident, up to the limit of your MedPay coverage. Going through your own auto insurance is generally faster than pursuing compensation through the other driver’s.
Filing a claim can be stressful, but Plymouth Rock makes it easy. We send you all the documents and forms you need. Our friendly specialists and adjusters will guide you every step of the way and make sure you’re taken care of.
What Does Insurance Cover in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, an auto insurance policy is required to have the following coverages at these limits:
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists | Equal to Bodily Injury Liability limit |
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Medical Payments | $1,000 per accident |
Liability insurance coverage pays for injuries and damages you cause in an accident, but does not cover your own expenses. Your own MedPay coverage pays for your own injuries.
To cover your vehicle from physical damage, you’ll need collision coverage. This insurance helps pay to repair or replace your car after a collision with another vehicle or stationary object. Your collision coverage also covers damage to another person’s car that you’re using with permission.
