New Hampshire motorcycle insurance
While you’re not required to carry motorcycle insurance in New Hampshire, the benefits of securing a policy can far outweigh the potential financial consequences if you’re involved in an accident or your bike is damaged. Here’s what you need to know about motorcycle insurance in New Hampshire, along with the state’s riding laws.
What’s required of all motorcycle riders in New Hampshire?
To legally operate a motorcycle in New Hampshire, you need a motorcycle license endorsement or permit. You’ll need to be at least 16 years old, pass a vision test, and provide proof of fitness by passing a basic rider class or a DMV motorcycle skills test.
Once you’ve got your license and you’re ready to ride, be sure to follow these rules of the road:
Helmets: While you aren’t required to wear a helmet if you’re 18 or older, we strongly encourage you to. Start by finding a motorcycle helmet that’s right for you.
Eye protection: Unless your bike has a windshield, you’re required to wear eye protection equipment such as goggles, eyeglasses, or a full-face helmet with a visor.
Rear view mirror: You need at least one rear-view mirror on the left side of the bike.
Turn signals: If your motorcycle was manufactured after January 1, 1973, it must have turn signal lights.
Headlights and taillights: You’re only required to use headlights and taillights between sunset and sunrise. You can also use modulating headlights during the day.
Mufflers: Your bike must have a muffler with a maximum sound level of 106dBA (measured 20 inches from the exhaust pipe at a 45-degree angle).
Passengers: To carry passengers, your motorcycle must have a dedicated passenger seat and footrests.
What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is one of only two states that doesn’t require all motorcycle riders to carry motorcycle insurance. But keep in mind that New Hampshire requires financial responsibility, making it an “at-fault” state. This means if you’re deemed at-fault in an accident, you could be responsible for paying thousands of dollars in fines, penalties, and the other party’s property and medical expenses.
Without a motorcycle insurance policy, you’d likely have to pay out of pocket. That’s one reason the short-term financial benefits of riding without insurance can be wiped out by a single accident or claim.
If you choose to purchase motorcycle insurance, you’ll need to purchase at least these minimum motorcycle insurance coverage levels:
$25,000 for bodily injury liability or death of one person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability or death per accident
$25,000 for property damage liability per accident
$1,000 in medical payments per accident
You’re also required to carry the following coverages if you choose to purchase motorcycle insurance:
Guest passenger liability
This motorcycle coverage can help cover your passengers’ medical bills if they suffer bodily injuries in an accident. Your guest passenger liability limits must be equal to your bodily injury liability limits.
Uninsured motorist (UM)/underinsured motorist (UIM) bodily injury
Roughly one in eight U.S. motorists are uninsured, and even more don’t have sufficient coverage to pay for covered expenses if you’re involved in an accident with them. In these cases, UM and UIM coverage can help pay for your medical costs following a covered accident.
Are optional motorcycle insurance coverages available in New Hampshire?
Yes. The following optional coverages can provide additional protection for yourself and your bike:
Collision coverage
If you’re involved in a collision with a vehicle, another motorcycle, or a stationary object—or even if your bike simply tips over and is damaged—collision coverage can help pay for repairs.
Comprehensive coverage
Remember, collisions aren’t the only incidents that can damage your bike. If your motorcycle is vandalized, stolen, or damaged by fire, hail, or other natural event, comprehensive coverage can help you pay for repairs and other covered expenses.
Limited UM/UIM property damage
If you don’t purchase collision coverage, you’ll need to select this coverage instead.
The factors behind your insurance rates
Get a motorcycle insurance quote with Dairyland
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:
Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.
Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).
Select the coverages you want.
New Hampshire motorcycle insurance discounts
We know every rider is different, and their policies should be as well. We offer more than a dozen motorcycle insurance discounts in New Hampshire—you could qualify for more than you realize:
Advance quote
Anti-theft
Loyalty
Claim-free renewal
Experienced rider
Garaging
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member
Homeowner
Motorcycle endorsement
Multi-line
Multi-vehicle
Operator safety course
Ownership
Paid in full
Prompt payer
Rider group
Transfer
Sites to see in New Hampshire
With plenty of must-visit destinations to explore, it’s no wonder New Hampshire is a motorcycle rider’s paradise. Here are a few highlights:
Mount Washington State Park
Mount Washington’s summit is 6,288 feet, making it the highest peak in the Northeast U.S. You’ll find a state park at the top, along with the Mount Washington Observatory, which has been recording weather data since 1932.
The Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is a 34-mile stretch of New Hampshire Route 112 that passes through White Mountain National Forest. This route follows the winding Swift River, so get ready for some hairpin turns on the eastbound ascent. “The Kanc,” as it’s known to locals, is beautiful all year round, but there’s a reason it’s known as one of the country’s best fall foliage rides. Enjoy the stunning autumn views—just prepare for busier-than-usual traffic.
Autumn rides are waiting
Check out more of our country's best fall foliage motorcycle destinations.
Sunapee Loop Scenic Drive
If you’re looking for a getaway to New Hampshire’s lake region, the Sunapee Loop is a great option. Enjoy riding over and between rolling hills and alongside sparkling lakes, and be sure to visit several of the historical towns along the way.
Get a New Hampshire motorcycle insurance quote
Securing a motorcycle insurance policy can help protect you from paying thousands of dollars out of pocket following an accident. To get a free quote, enter your information below or call 866-324-7952.
