Crashes, reports and financial responsibility

Key points

1. After a crash: stop, move the vehicle off the road if possible, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Stop. If possible, move the vehicle off the road so that traffic is not blocked from passing the site of the crash. Call 911 if there are injuries.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

2. Give aid to the injured, but do not move them unless necessary, and make sure an ambulance is called.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Give aid to any injured people, but do not move them unless it is necessary, and be sure an ambulance has been called.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

3. An accident report must be filed with the DMV within 15 days if there is a fatality, injuries or enough property damage.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “New Hampshire law requires that an accident report be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles within fifteen (15) days if there is a fatality,”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

4. A report is required when combined property damage totals more than $1,000.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “injuries or if the combined property damage totals more than $1,000 as a result of the accident.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

5. If a police officer investigates the crash, you do not have to file a separate report.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “If the crash is investigated by a police officer, drivers are not required to file a separate report to the Division of Motor Vehicles.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

6. New Hampshire has no mandatory insurance law, so you may legally drive without insurance.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “New Hampshire has no mandatory law, so a driver may drive a vehicle within the State of New Hampshire without insurance.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

7. If you cannot pay for damages from an uninsured crash, the DMV suspends your license until a settlement is reached.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “New Hampshire law requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to suspend the driver's driving privileges until a settlement has been reached.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

8. Convictions such as DUI or failing to stop and report after a crash require SR-22 proof of insurance to get your privileges back.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “would also require a driver to show the DMV proof of insurance (SR-22) in order to have their driving and registration privileges reinstated: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs Failing to stop and report when involved in a crash.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. When must a New Hampshire accident report be filed with the DMV, and within how many days?

   1. Within 10 days for any crash
   2. Within 30 days only if someone is injured
   3. Only when police request it
   4. Within 15 days if there is a fatality, injuries, or combined property damage over $1,000
   Show answer

   Within 15 days if there is a fatality, injuries, or combined property damage over $1,000. New Hampshire law requires an accident report to be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles within fifteen days if there is a fatality, injuries, or if the combined property damage totals more than $1,000. If a police officer investigates the crash, the police report satisfies the requirement and the driver need not file separately, although they may. The Operator Accident Report, form DSMV 400, is available at DMV offices, police departments and online. When unsure whether damage exceeds $1,000, file anyway.

2. 2. Does New Hampshire require drivers to carry automobile insurance?

   1. No, there is no mandatory insurance law, but an uninsured driver in a crash can be held responsible for all damages and lose driving privileges until a settlement
   2. Yes, every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance
   3. Yes, but only drivers under 21
   4. Only for vehicles over 10,000 pounds
   Show answer

   No, there is no mandatory insurance law, but an uninsured driver in a crash can be held responsible for all damages and lose driving privileges until a settlement. Unlike almost every other state, New Hampshire has no mandatory insurance law, so a driver may drive within the state without insurance. The risk is personal: a driver in an uninsured accident can be held responsible for all damage to the other person's property and all medical bills, and if unable to pay, the DMV must suspend driving privileges until a settlement is reached. The driver may then have to carry SR-22 insurance for several years.

3. 3. Which New Hampshire conviction requires SR-22 proof of insurance before driving and registration privileges are reinstated?

   1. A first speeding ticket
   2. Second offense reckless driving
   3. An expired inspection sticker
   4. A parking violation
   Show answer

   Second offense reckless driving. The manual lists the convictions that require a driver to show the DMV proof of insurance, an SR-22, to have driving and registration privileges reinstated: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to stop and report when involved in a crash, homicide arising out of operating a motor vehicle, second offense reckless driving, and a just cause hearing after review of the driver's full violation record. Ordinary speeding, parking, and inspection violations are not on the list.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Section 9: Accidents and Financial Responsibility. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.