Let’s say you get pulled over by the police. Before you even roll your window down, you know what the officer will ask for: “Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.” They can demand those documents because all three are required to drive on any public road in 49 states. Not in New Hampshire. But there’s a catch.

Until recently, Virginia also allowed drivers to register cars without insurance—if they paid a $500 uninsured motorist fee.

hat’s pretty steep, especially considering it did nothing to protect you in the case of a crash. It was just money donated to the commonwealth. So even though insurance premiums are sky-high, most driver’s opted for protection. That loophole ended July 1, 2024. Starting then, all vehicles registered in Virginia must meet the minimum liability insurance requirements.  

That leaves only New Hampshire. The Live Free or Die state—which famously doesn’t always require seatbelts or motorcycle helmets—doesn’t require auto insurance for most drivers. But not for everyone.

If you’re a New Hampshire driver convicted of DUI, a hit‑and‑run, or a second speeding ticket, things change fast. Then you must carry insurance or face license suspension.

For other drivers in New Hampshire, the rules are different. You need to prove you have enough liquid assets (usually cash or bonds) to cover at least $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person, $50,000 for multiple people in one crash, and $25,000 for property damage liability. If you can prove you have those resources, the state doesn’t require you to pay for insurance. But if you’re registering a vehicle—or don’t have those assets—you better have insurance.