This bill mandates that insurance companies provide a rental car for a minimum of 7 days when a policyholder's vehicle is deemed totaled or unsafe to operate, provided that the policyholder is not at fault for the accident. The new legal language inserted into RSA 264:18 establishes a requirement for rental car coverage, stating that no insurance policy can be issued for vehicles registered or primarily garaged in the state unless it includes this rental car provision. The determination of whether the vehicle is totaled or unsafe must be based on a police report or the insurance company's decision, whichever comes first.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the rental vehicle must be obtained from a regional or national rental car company of the policyholder's choice. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of this legislation is estimated to be less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028, as assessed by the Legislative Budget Assistant.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 264:18