New Hampshire FTA License Hold Clearance Guide
New Hampshire requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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New Hampshire at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The state does not mandate continuous insurance coverage for vehicle owners, but drivers involved in accidents or cited for uninsured operation face mandatory coverage requirements and Failure-to-Appear suspensions carry a court-clearance pathway before reinstatement. The New Hampshire Department of Safety oversees driver licensing and suspension administration, while individual courts manage FTA holds.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in New Hampshire
$100–$231/mo
Typical monthly rate in New Hampshire, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Bench warrants recalled within 30 days of the missed court date typically have no insurance impact; warrants outstanding beyond six months may trigger carrier mid-term audits and non-renewal.
- Drivers clearing FTA holds with no prior violations for three years qualify for standard rates within 12–18 months of reinstatement if they maintain continuous coverage.
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Limited Driving Privilege (limited privilege license, RSA 263:57-b)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bench warrant for a missed court date in New Hampshire affect my car insurance?
The bench warrant itself does not appear on your driving record, but the Failure-to-Appear suspension does. Some carriers audit driving records quarterly and may non-renew your policy if they discover an active suspension mid-term. Carriers writing post-FTA reinstatement coverage often require proof the bench warrant was recalled before binding a new policy. Outstanding warrants beyond six months increase the likelihood of carrier non-renewal.
Do I need SR-22 insurance after clearing a New Hampshire FTA hold?
Only if the underlying citation that triggered the missed court date requires SR-22 filing. Common SR-22 triggers in New Hampshire include DUI convictions, uninsured-operation citations, and at-fault accidents while uninsured. If your FTA was for a speeding ticket, parking violation, or equipment citation, SR-22 is not required. The court will specify SR-22 filing as a condition of reinstatement if it applies to your case.
Does New Hampshire require insurance after clearing an FTA hold if I do not own a car?
New Hampshire does not mandate continuous insurance coverage for vehicle owners or drivers unless you were cited for uninsured operation or convicted of DUI. If your FTA was for a non-insurance-related citation and you do not own or regularly drive a vehicle, you are not required to carry insurance after reinstatement. If the underlying citation was for uninsured operation, the court will order you to maintain minimum liability coverage for three years and file SR-22 proof.
Coverage Types
Post-FTA Reinstatement Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers reinstating after Failure-to-Appear suspension clearance. Carriers underwrite based on the underlying citation and time elapsed since court resolution.
SR-22 Filing for Underlying Citations
Certificate filed by your carrier proving you maintain minimum liability coverage. Required for three years after DUI, uninsured operation, and certain at-fault accidents.
Minimum Liability Compliance
New Hampshire's 25/50/25 minimum meets legal requirements but covers far less than average accident costs in the state.
Uninsured Motorist Protection
Covers your medical bills and lost wages when an uninsured driver hits you. Automatically added unless you reject it in writing.
Non-Standard Auto for Bench Warrant Recalls
Specialized carriers write coverage for drivers clearing bench warrants and FTA holds with complex citation histories.