Car Insurance in Amherst, NH
Driving around Amherst, NH can be a great pleasure. We don't have the congestion of a metropolitan area so can really enjoy a vehicle's performance. However, with driving comes a great responsibility. When you are behind the wheel in Amherst and around New Hampshire, you're responsible for the safety of your, your passengers and all those around you. If an accident occurs and you are found at-fault, you may be responsible for the damages and medical costs for all those involved. For most, these costs are more than they can afford. Car insurance from HPM can help you with such expenses.
New Hampshire Car Insurance
Though not required in New Hampshire, some residents believe that because car insurance is not mandatory that they would not have to pay for any damages they cause in an auto accident. This is not true. If any driver causes an accident and found liable, they would most likely be required to pay for the damage with or without insurance. Obviously, it is much easier to have an insurance company pay than an individual so auto insurance is strongly suggested.
New Hampshire Legal Requirements Regarding Car Insurance
Unlike most states, NH does not require motorists to purchase auto insurance. However, if you do not buy insurance, and have an at-fault accident, you will most likely have to pay the damages out of your own pocket (attaching wages if necessary) and proving to the state for the next three years that you have obtained at least a minimum limit of liability. This is referred to as an SR-22 filing.
If you do purchase insurance, NH imposes minimum coverage requirements including:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
- $1,000 in medical payments coverage
- $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage.
These minimums are to ensure that all insured drivers meet the financial responsibility requirements for NH, but are most likely not enough to pay for any claim beyond a small fender-bender.
Car Insurance Options for Amherst, NH Residents
When you purchase auto insurance, you have a variety of coverage options to choose from. If purchasing insurance, NH requires that all insured drivers have at least the specific coverage outlined above, though for broader protections many motorists choose to add on optional coverages to their policy. This is where HPM Insurance can help, so contact us about which options are right for you:
Bodily Injury Liability - This coverage helps to pay for medical costs and financial losses suffered by a person injured by an accident that you caused. It includes medical expenses as well as loss of income and pain and suffering. These expenses add up very quickly in even the smallest of claims.
Property Damage Liability - If you damage a vehicle(s) or other property in an accident, property damage liability helps cover the costs. The cost between the state minimum of $25,000 and the suggested $100,000 in property damage is typically less than $20 so well worth the extra protection when considering how expensive cars are these days.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage - If you are in an accident with someone who does not have any or enough insurance coverage, this helps pay for your medical expenses.
Medical Payment Coverage - This coverage helps pay for injuries sustained, regardless of who caused the accident.
Collision Coverage - If your vehicle suffers damage in a crash, collision coverage will help cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Comprehensive Coverage - Collision is not your only auto risk. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision damages including fire, flood, vandalism, storm damage, hitting a deer or other animal and theft.
Towing and Roadside Assistance - If your car breaks down or cannot be driven, this coverage can help get you to the nearest repair shop.
Rental Coverage - If your car is being repaired while in a covered loss, this coverage can help you pay for some or all your rental car expenses.
When choosing coverage, it's important to examine both your driving habits and your finances. While auto insurance may seem like a large investment, if you are involved in an accident your costs may be far higher than your insurance premiums. You may be eligible for premium discounts; your agent can help you find out if you qualify.
New Hampshire may not require car insurance for motorists, but many Amherst and other NH residents can benefit from purchasing an insurance policy to help pay for the costs associated with an accident.
Why Work with HPM Insurance Amherst?
HPM Insurance has been in the community for more than 150 years. We have an office in Amherst, NH as well as Bedford, NH that can help you find the policy that is right for you. Contact HPM today by entering your zip code above or give us call during office hours. We would love to hear from you.
