Although New Hampshire differs from many other states in not requiring all drivers to maintain auto liability insurance coverage, the state does still require drivers who are or may be liable for an accident to provide proof of “financial responsibility.” 

The procedures that may be involved when a driver needs to show proof of their ability to cover any predictable damages arising from an accident without insurance can sometimes be complicated.

Regardless of insurance coverage is the basic requirement is to facilitate an orderly process for assessing fault and addressing any claims that may arise from an accident in which they were involved by stopping to provide others involved with, at minimum.

Their driver’s license and contact information. Drivers who do have auto liability insurance are required to provide their policy information, and of course, all drivers are expected to cooperate as well with any law enforcement personnel responding to the scene.

New Hampshire drivers’ obligations after a motor vehicle collision are described in RSA 264:25 and, of course, extend beyond simply stopping, but the initial stop is crucial to the rest of the process. 

Drivers who engage in “hit and run” behavior by failing to stop at the scene of an accident in which they are involved jeopardize this process, and those who are caught may face felony charges as a result. 

The language of 264:25 is relatively broad, encompassing any accident in which a driver knows “or should have known” themselves to be involved, so individuals accused of “hit and run” violations in New Hampshire may wish to review their cases with an attorney experienced in New Hampshire hit and run defense.