Posts Tagged ‘new hampshire car insurance’

Go Online for Best New Hampshire Car Insurance Rates

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Going online is a great strategy for consumers who are looking for the best deal on their New Hampshire car insurance rates. Most companies offering coverage are now on the Internet, which means that a prospective buyer can shop for coverage at any time of the day or night. The web site is always open and ready to provide information about the product line the company carries.

Consumers can browse through the site to learn something about the company itself, as well. The “About Us” page will reveal how long the company has been in business and how many customers it serves. It may also indicate the level of financial reserves the company has in place to pay out on its policyholders’ claims and its financial rating. An A+ or A rating is an indication that the company is considered financially healthy and can meet its financial responsibilities. If this information is not posted on the company web site, a consumer can get it by contacting Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s or one of the other ratings agencies.

Some insurance companies offer preferred rates to customers who buy a policy online. Lower administrative costs and the fact the company does not have to pay a commission to an agent means that it can pass on these savings to consumers. A customer can even buy the policy online to get coverage in place as soon as possible.

New Hampshire Car Insurance Minimum Requirements

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Under New Hampshire’s financial responsibility law, drivers must either have car insurance in place or demonstrate that they have cash available to pay for damages they cause in an accident. Most people on the road in the state buy car insurance coverage to comply with the law.

The minimum levels of coverage required in the state are as follows:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage of at least $25,000 to pay for a single accident victim’s injuries and $50,000 to pay for all injuries stemming from the same accident
  • Property damage liability coverage of $25,000 to pay for repairs to the other driver’s vehicle
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 to cover one person riding in the policyholder’s vehicle and $50,000 to pay for all injuries and damages caused by a driver who does not have coverage or who does not have enough protection to pay for damages caused
  • Medical payments coverage of at least $1,000

New Hampshire follows a tort system for car insurance purposes, which means that one driver is determined to be at fault when an accident occurs. That person is responsible for compensating the occupants of the other vehicle for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. A driver can choose to buy a policy with a higher limit than the minimum levels required by law, and this is a good strategy. Limiting coverage to the minimum level required by law may not be enough to pay for damages caused in a serious accident.

New Hampshire Drivers Save with Car Insurance Discounts

Saturday, June 18th, 2011

New Hampshire drivers who want to find low rates for their car insurance coverage should make a point of asking about discounts offered by insurance providers. Many companies offer price breaks to customers, and it’s possible for a driver to qualify for more than one of them. Some common discounts offered by insurance providers are as follows:

  • Multi-policy
  • Multi-driver
  • Safety or anti-theft device
  • Good driver
  • Good student
  • Low annual mileage
  • Mature driver

Buying New Hampshire car insurance and homeowners’ or renters’ insurance is a great way to save on coverage costs. The policyholder will probably be entitled to a discount on both policies in that instance. Insuring more than one vehicle on a policy is another good money-saving strategy, and a vehicle doesn’t necessarily have to be a car. Customers can insure a car or truck and a boat, motorcycle or RV together and qualify for preferred pricing.

Driving a car equipped with an anti-theft device or safety features like automatic seat belts and anti-lock brakes can help an owner qualify for a discount. Good drivers and students who can maintain a “B” average (or higher) are offered better rates than individuals who have moving violations on their driving record. Mature drivers, who can demonstrate that they have several years of safe driving on their record, can also get better rates for their NH car insurance coverage.

 

How New Hampshire Car Insurance Companies Set Rates

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

When New Hampshire car insurance companies are determining how much to charge policyholders, they consider a number of factors. Not all companies will agree to extend coverage to every driver who applies; the decision will depend on how much risk that individual presents for car insurance purposes and whether the insurance company is prepared to assume it.

Each company licensed to sell policies in the state uses its own formula to determine rates. Savvy consumers know that by shopping around and comparing prices from different providers, they will be able to find the best pricing for the type and level of insurance coverage they need.

One of the main factors car insurance companies in New Hampshire use to set rates is the applicant’s driving record. A person who has been licensed for a number of years with a clean record will be considered a relatively low risk for car insurance purposes. An individual who has a driving history that includes accidents or moving violations may be charged higher rates for coverage. Newly-licensed drivers also present a higher level of risk, and pay more for this necessary protection as well.

Insurance providers also consider the make and model of the vehicle when setting rates. They consider the average cost of repairs, how likely the car is to be targeted by thieves and other factors when setting car insurance rates in New Hampshire.