Homeowners Insurance in New Hampshire: Top 5 Best in 2023

Despite its small size, New Hampshire has played a significant role in American history. The relevance of the White Mountain State to homeowners is intact in the present day. Residents recognize that this is an ideal spot to create a bright future with a rich history because of its picturesque New England countryside and lovely metropolitan hubs. You should take precautions to preserve the long-term security of your house, whether you’ve planted permanent roots in the beautiful alpine hills of New Hampshire or in nearby cities like Manchester or Nashua. Keep it protected with flexible, reliable homeowners insurance from Nationwide. This article will further explain New Hampshire homeowners insurance coverage and its cost.

What is New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance?

New Hampshire homeowners insurance is a type of property coverage specifically designed for individuals who own homes in the state of New Hampshire. It offers financial protection against various risks and hazards that can cause damage to a home and its contents. This insurance typically provides coverage for the dwelling itself, protecting the structure of the house as well as other structures on the property, such as garages or sheds. Additionally, it covers personal belongings inside the home, including furniture, electronics, and clothing, in case of theft or damage.

Moreover, New Hampshire homeowner insurance includes liability coverage, which protects the homeowner in the event that someone is injured on their property and decides to sue for damages. It can also cover additional living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril, helping with temporary accommodation and related costs. Insurance providers consider various factors, such as the home’s location, its age, the materials used in construction, and the homeowner’s personal history, to determine the premium rates and coverage limits.

In addition, having homeowner insurance is essential for New Hampshire residents, as it provides financial security and peace of mind in the face of unexpected events.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in New Hampshire?

The typical home insurance policy (often referred to as a HO-3) will cover any damage to the home, with a few exceptions. Theft, tornadoes, smoke damage, and explosions are just some of the disasters covered by homeowner’s insurance.

A typical homeowner’s policy won’t cover disasters like earthquakes and floods.

To help you select the right amount of home insurance, it’s helpful to review how the policy protects you. Home insurance policies can be broken down into these main coverage types:

#1. Contents

Your home’s contents insurance policy will cover everything you own, including furniture, electronics, and clothing. However, if the replacement costs of your valuable jewelry and artwork exceed the limits of your policy, you may wish to acquire separate floater coverage for these items.

#2. Liability

Whether you were negligent or not, you are still insured for injuries and property loss. In addition, medical payment coverage, up to a certain limit, is included in most homeowner’s policies. The purpose of “medical payments” is to shield you and your insurance provider from legal responsibility for minor medical expenses.

#3. Damage

In the event of a tornado, hailstorm, or strong winds, your home and belongings will be safe from damage. Theft, vandalism, riots, and water damage from broken pipes or air conditioners are also compensated for.

#4. Dwellings

It protects not only your house (the “dwelling”) but also any other buildings, like a garage, that you have on your property. Also, read DWELLING INSURANCE: How Much Dwelling Coverage You Need.

#5. Other Structures

Separate structures like a barn, shed, or pool house, as well as the fencing surrounding your land, are also protected. It’s possible that your insurance policy won’t fully cover the replacement cost of non-home construction.

What Does New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance Not Cover?

In New Hampshire, common exclusions from homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage from earthquakes, floods, intentional damage, war, nuclear risk, pests, and normal wear and tear.

However, it’s important to read your homeowners insurance policy closely to understand what’s not covered.

Flood Insurance in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, typical homeowner insurance coverage does not frequently cover flood damage. If you reside in a flood-prone area in New Hampshire, you should seriously consider purchasing flood insurance.

Due to its coastal location and abundance of rivers, New Hampshire is at high risk for floods. Two major floods occurred in July 2021, and both were designated as federal disasters. Flooding is possible in many other parts of New Hampshire, but it’s possible that not all of them will match the criteria for a disaster declaration. Keep in mind that any kind of flood can be extremely harmful and expensive.

The government’s ability to provide aid in the aftermath of a flood is usually somewhat restricted. Investing in flood insurance is a sensible precaution to take. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary provider of flood insurance in the United States. You can also get flood insurance from a private company.

The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) at FEMA provides both financial and direct aid to those in need. In addition, housing and other forms of assistance during a disaster that is not covered by insurance or other means may be provided under the Individual Help Program (IHP) for those who qualify.

Earthquake Insurance in New Hampshire

You’ll need to get earthquake insurance on top of your regular policy if earthquakes are a concern. In New Hampshire, typical homeowner insurance coverage does not frequently cover earthquakes.

Most earthquake policies protect against:

Personal property
Additional living expenses
Dwelling
Other structures

Depending on the policy, an earthquake deductible can be anywhere from 10% to 25% of your home’s total coverage.

New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance Cost

Fortunately for those in the Granite State, the state average for a homeowner’s insurance coverage is nearly half the cost of the rest of the country. The typical cost in New Hampshire for $250,000 in homeowners insurance is $736 per year. A total of $1,428 is the average cost across the country.

One possible explanation for New Hampshire’s below-average premiums is the state’s low risk. Wind risk is far lower in New Hampshire compared to other coastal states like Florida and Louisiana, despite the fact that New Hampshire does receive its fair share of severe weather (including blizzards and hurricanes). In addition, New Hampshire is usually spared from the devastation of natural disasters like tornadoes and wildfires that plague the West and Pacific Northwest.

Homeowners Insurance Cost Factors in New Hampshire

Several factors can influence the cost of homeowners insurance in New Hampshire, including:

Location: The proximity to a fire station, floodplain, or coastal area can impact the cost.
Home Value: The overall value of your home and the cost it would take to rebuild it in case of damage
Construction Materials: The materials used in your home’s construction can affect the cost. Brick or stone houses might be cheaper to insure than wood houses due to their fire resistance.
Age of Home: Older homes may require higher premiums due to the potential for outdated electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.
Home Security: Security systems, smoke detectors, and alarms can lead to discounts on insurance premiums.
Claims History: If you’ve made previous claims, especially for similar incidents, your premium might be higher.
Deductible: The amount you’re willing to pay out of pocket in case of a claim. A higher deductible usually means lower premiums.
Credit Score: In some states, credit history is used to determine premiums. A good credit score can lead to lower premiums.
Coverage Limits: The more coverage you need, the higher your premium will be.
Natural Disasters: New Hampshire is prone to winter storms and occasional flooding. If your area is prone to these or other natural disasters, it can affect your premium.

Remember, insurance rates can vary significantly between providers, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes to find the best coverage for your needs at the most competitive price.

How to Find the Best Cheap Home Insurance in New Hampshire

Your mortgage lender will require you to maintain a particular level of homeowner insurance unless you have paid off your mortgage in full. Even if you have paid off your mortgage in full, it is still prudent to protect what may be your largest investment with comprehensive homeowners insurance coverage. If you’re looking for affordable homeowners insurance in New Hampshire, the following tips may be helpful:

#1. Assess Your Protection Requirements

Determine your home insurance needs before shopping around for the best rates. Overspending is possible if you ask for excessive protection. On the other hand, skimping on insurance because you can’t afford it or because your current policy doesn’t provide enough protection won’t help you avoid defaulting on your loan. Talking to a real estate agent and creating a thorough inventory of your home could be beneficial.

#2. Evaluate Your Needs and Wants

Find an insurance company that is suitable for your requirements and way of life. There are some insurance companies you can visit in person to speak with an agent. Some insurers are available exclusively online, which means you’ll get a faster response time, but you may have to talk to an agent via live chat or the phone, and there’s no telling if they’ll be familiar with your policy. Which insurance plan is best for you depends on your preferred method of communication with the provider.

#3. Get Estimates

Finding the right coverage and perks is the first step in requesting quotes. While you can get a quote from many of the largest carriers online, others will insist that you talk to an agent first. Even if the insurance provider provides online quotes, you may still want to speak with a licensed specialist owing to the complexity of homeowner’s insurance. In order to do a fair comparison among firms, it’s a good idea to seek the same amount of coverage from each.

Best Homeowners Insurance New Hampshire

Here is a list of the best homeowners insurance companies in New Hampshire to consider if you want to insure your home with a nationally recognizable name.

#1. USAA

Due to strict eligibility requirements, USAA is not eligible for an official rating, but J.D. Power consistently ranks the company highly among homeowner’s insurance providers in terms of customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction. Options for coverage that accommodate the needs of the military are available to those who qualify. For example, USAA does not require a deductible for covering the cost of military uniforms for active-duty service members. Property lost or damaged as a result of hostilities may also be compensated for. The variety of USAA’s coverage options contributed to the company’s 2023 tie for best home insurer at the Bankrate Awards.

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a good choice for military personnel, veterans, and their eligible families if you’re looking for affordable homeowners insurance costs, comprehensive coverage, and superior customer service in New Hampshire.

#2. Allstate

The extensive selection of endorsements offered by Allstate helped it earn the 2023 Bankrate Award for best homeowner’s insurance business overall in New Hampshire. Homeowners in New Hampshire can tailor their plans to their specific needs by adding coverage for things like water backup, sports equipment, and business property, and higher limits for things like trees and landscaping. The added expense of replacing damaged house features with environmentally friendly alternatives may be covered by the firm, as the policy includes compensation for “green home improvement.”

If you live in New Hampshire and are ready to spend a little extra on your homeowner’s insurance in exchange for a wide variety of endorsement possibilities, Allstate may be a great alternative.

#3. Hanover

There are a variety of options available to Hanover residents. You can get a bundle that includes car and home insurance, a policy tailored to residences of exceptional worth, or a policy that covers only your typical home. Absolute replacement cost coverage, which will pay up to the policy limit to rebuild your house following a covered disaster, is only one of the coverage options you may choose from to further tailor your policy.

The Hanover only works with independent local agents to market insurance. That means you won’t be able to get prices online, but you can get one-on-one guidance to make sure you get the correct insurance.

#4. Amica

When compared to the other outstanding New Hampshire homeowners insurance providers on this list, Amica has the highest customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Powers. Additionally, it comes in first or second place in a J.D. Power evaluation of U.S. property claims satisfaction in 2022. This impressive performance most likely reflects the satisfaction of Amica’s home insurance policyholders with the company’s response to claims and general customer service. Amica’s premade house insurance coverage bundles may make the purchasing process easier for customers, and that’s on top of the company’s excellent customer service. Those interested in receiving a quote from Amica can do so by calling the company or visiting their website.

Amica is a good option for new homeowners (or those who have no experience with homeowners insurance in New Hampshire) who prioritize quality service over cost.

#5. Travelers

The lowest costs on this list can be found with Travelers, making it a strong contender for the title of top New Hampshire homeowners insurance provider. Travelers provide affordable rates without sacrificing comprehensive protection. Jewelry insurance, identity theft protection, and more protection against damage to one’s home or possessions can all be purchased as supplemental insurance for homeowners.

If you’re a New Hampshire homeowner and you’re more concerned with saving money than getting the best service possible, you might want to check out Travelers.

Does NH Have State Insurance?

No, New Hampshire does not have a state-sponsored health insurance program. However, like all states in the United States, New Hampshire residents can access health insurance through the federal marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Additionally, some residents may qualify for Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

It’s advisable to visit the official healthcare website or consult with a local insurance expert to get the most current and specific information about health insurance options in New Hampshire.

Does New Hampshire Require Homeowners Insurance?

In the state of New Hampshire, homeowners insurance is not required by law. While homeowners insurance isn’t required by law, securing a mortgage to fund the purchase will almost always necessitate its purchase. Even if you own your home free and clear, it’s a good idea to get homeowners insurance in New Hampshire in case something happens to your house, such as a fire, theft, or a natural disaster. If you want to know how much mortgage insurance to get, it’s important to talk to your lender about the dangers you face.

Can You Negotiate Homeowners Insurance in New Hampshire?

Yes, you can often negotiate homeowner’s insurance rates in New Hampshire. It’s a good practice to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Once you have these quotes, you can use them as leverage to negotiate with your preferred insurance provider. Insurance companies may be willing to adjust their rates or offer discounts to match or beat competitor’s quotes, especially if you have a good track record as a customer. It’s essential to be polite, well-informed, and persistent during these negotiations to get the best possible deal on your homeowner’s insurance.

What Is the Most Popular Form of Homeowners Insurance?

As far as home insurance goes, the HO-3 policy is the most popular in the United States. Homeowners insurance policy HO-3, also known as the Special Form policy, offers extensive protection for your residence and its contents. Fire, theft, vandalism, and natural catastrophes are only some of the common risks that are covered unless the policy specifies otherwise. Many homeowners choose HO-3 insurance because it strikes a good balance between comprehensive protection and reasonable premiums. Coverage may differ from one insurance company to the next, so it’s important to study your policy thoroughly and familiarize yourself with its terms.

Is It Illegal to Not Have Insurance in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, there is no state law mandating that individuals have homeowners insurance. Unlike auto insurance, which is required by law in most states, including liability insurance in case of a car accident, New Hampshire does not have a similar requirement for homeowners insurance. However, as was previously said, mortgage lenders typically require homeowners to have insurance as a condition of lending money for a home. While not illegal, having homeowners insurance is highly advisable to protect your home and belongings from unexpected events.

Is House Insurance Cheaper Without a Mortgage?

Having a mortgage on your home does not directly affect the cost of homeowner’s insurance. However, mortgage lenders typically require homeowners insurance as a condition of the loan. You are not required to maintain insurance by a lender if you own your home outright without a mortgage.

The cost of homeowners insurance depends on various factors, such as the location of your home, its age and construction, the coverage amount, your claims history, and the presence of safety features like smoke detectors and alarm systems. Insurance companies assess these factors to determine your premium.

In some cases, homeowners without a mortgage might choose to have less comprehensive coverage or opt for a higher deductible to reduce their insurance costs. However, this decision should be made carefully, considering the potential risks and financial implications of being underinsured in case of a significant loss. It’s always a good idea to compare insurance quotes and coverage options to find the most suitable and affordable policy for your needs, regardless of whether you have a mortgage or own your home outright.

Is New Hampshire the Only State That Doesn’t Require Car Insurance?

New Hampshire is the only state in the US that doesn’t require drivers to carry car insurance. However, it’s important to note that while New Hampshire does not require all drivers to carry liability insurance, it does have specific financial responsibility laws. This means that if you are found at fault in an accident, you are still responsible for covering the damages.

So, while New Hampshire doesn’t mandate car insurance for all drivers, it does require a demonstration of financial responsibility in the event of an accident. Many drivers in New Hampshire still choose to carry car insurance voluntarily to fulfill this financial responsibility requirement and protect themselves from potential liabilities in accidents.

Is homeowner insurance worth it in New Hampshire?: Bottom Line

Yes, homeowner insurance is generally worth it in New Hampshire, as in many other places. Having homeowner insurance provides essential financial protection in case of unexpected events such as fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing your home and personal belongings, as well as liability protection if someone is injured on your property.

New Hampshire, like other states, is susceptible to various risks, including severe weather events and occasional natural disasters. Having homeowner insurance helps safeguard your investment and provides peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected if an unfortunate event damages or destroys your home.

Additionally, if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have homeowner insurance as a condition of the loan. Even if you own your home outright, having insurance is a prudent financial decision to protect your property and assets. It’s crucial to review different policies, understand the coverage options, and choose a policy that suits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is insurance cheaper in New Hampshire?

The cost of auto insurance in New Hampshire is below the national average at about $950 annually. Your premiums will be based mostly on three factors: your age, your driving record, and the amount of coverage you purchase. It’s possible that you’ll have to pay: Annually, $950, with a spotless record.

Is NH a no-fault state?

No, as a “fault” state, New Hampshire allows victims to seek compensation from the drivers who caused their accidents. This implies that anyone seeking financial compensation after suffering harm at the hands of negligent drivers must first prove their guilt.