Bulletin INS 26-052-AB: Auto Policy Termination for Nonpayment at Renewal

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) issued a bulletin reminding personal lines automobile insurers of their obligations under RSA 417-A:5 when terminating a policy following the nonpayment of a renewal premium. Under RSA 417-A:5, an insurer may issue a notice of termination when an insured fails to timely pay a renewal premium. The notice must provide a cure period of at least 10 days during which the insured may pay the overdue premium and continue coverage without a lapse. A policy may be terminated for nonpayment of a renewal premium only after the insurer has issued a legally compliant termination notice and the required cure period has expired without payment. The bulletin reflects NHID’s interpretation and enforcement of the existing requirements in RSA 417-A:5, issued after identifying termination notices that did not conform fully to the statutory requirements. NHID directs all personal lines insurers to review their termination notices and related procedures for compliance. Insurers using notices inconsistent with RSA 417-A:5 should file revised notices no later than October 1, 2026. The bulletin, Docket #INS 26-052-AB, is available at https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/nhid/documents/20260812-ins-26-052-ab-nonpay-nonrenew.pdf.