SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you have the state-required minimum liability coverage. This form verifies that you have the necessary insurance coverage in place. If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and you must carry an SR-22, you must maintain continuous coverage for the period specified by the court or DMV.
This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in New Hampshire and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.
Who needs an SR-22 in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, an SR-22 is typically required for individuals whose license was suspended or revoked due to certain violations.
Some examples of violations that may lead to an SR-22 requirement include:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in New Hampshire typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by New Hampshire laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in New Hampshire?
To obtain SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire, you must first get a car insurance policy. Then, the insurance company will submit an SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
Getting the right auto insurance:
- Contact your current insurance company: Many insurance companies file SR-22 forms, but keep in mind that your rates will go up.
- Comparison shopping: It’s a good idea to compare rates from other insurance companies. Tell them you need an SR-22 so they give you accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum car insurance requirements: You’ll need to purchase minimum liability coverage with limits of 25/50/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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- How much does car insurance cost in New Hampshire?
How much is SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire?
The cost of car insurance in New Hampshire is $1,498 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $595 lower than the national average of $2,093 annually. However, having a DUI on your driving record can significantly increase your premium to an average of $2,291 per year for full coverage.
Besides the higher premium, many insurance companies charge a small fee to submit the SR-22 form. If your license is suspended, your only option for getting it reinstated is to buy car insurance and file the SR-22 form.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in New Hampshire?
For drivers in New Hampshire convicted of a DUI, the average monthly insurance cost for full coverage car insurance with an SR-22 is $191 per month.
Not all insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you may need to look into various insurers to find the one that does. But be prepared to pay higher premium costs due to driving infractions on your record.
However, if you drive carefully and avoid speeding, DUIs and other violations, you can improve your driving record, which could lead to lower insurance premiums in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in New Hampshire
The Hanover offers the cheapest SR-22 car insurance rates to New Hampshire drivers at an average annual premium of $1,047 . Nationwide and Geico also offer affordable SR-22 car insurance rates in New Hampshire, based on an in-depth analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in New Hampshire, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
---|---|---|
The Hanover | 1,027 | 1,047 |
Nationwide | 1,145 | 1,159 |
Geico | 1,212 | 1,238 |
State Farm | 1,155 | 1,323 |
Progressive | 1,343 | 1,556 |
Allstate | 2,123 | 2,422 |
Farmers | 1,954 | 2,946 |
USAA* | 852 | 871 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire?
You will need SR-22 in New Hampshire for a duration of 3 years It assures the New Hampshire DMV that you’re consistently maintaining at least the minimum required coverage levels mandated by the state.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my insurance?
If you discontinue your SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire before the mandated period ends, you could face severe consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: If your SR-22 policy is canceled, your insurance provider will notify the state. This typically leads to a suspension of your driver’s license since insurance coverage must be maintained for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In some states, you might face additional fines or penalties for not complying with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your SR-22 is part of a probation period for a driving offense, canceling it might restart your probationary period.
- Increased insurance costs: A lapse in coverage and violations on your driving record resulting from SR-22 policy cancellation can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums in the future.
It’s crucial to maintain continuous coverage for the required period. Any gaps or cancellations can result in penalties and suspension of your driver’s license.
How to get an SR-22 removed in New Hampshire
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In New Hampshire, this period is typically 3 years from when you first filed the SR-22.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in New Hampshire?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in New Hampshire. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most affordable coverage when dealing with an SR-22 requirement. Over time, insurance rates may gradually decrease as the driver maintains a clean driving record and complies with the SR-22 requirements.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for New Hampshire drivers
If you’re in a situation where you require an SR-22 in New Hampshire but don’t have a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your New Hampshire driver’s license and fulfill the state requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage when you don’t own a vehicle. This type of policy allows the insurance company to issue the SR-22 form to the DMV on your behalf. Not all insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance or file SR-22 forms, so shop around in New Hampshire for a company that can provide the coverage you need.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire
How do I check my SR-22 status online in New Hampshire?
There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in New Hampshire?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the New Hampshire DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in New Hampshire remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from New Hampshire to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in New Hampshire. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in New Hampshire?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in New Hampshire. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in New Hampshire. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.