Office address: 21 S Fruit St #14, Concord, NH 03301
Website: insurance.nh.gov
Year established: 1851
Employees: 93+
Key people: David Bettencourt (insurance commissioner); Keith Nyhan (deputy insurance commissioner); Douglas Bartlett, James Fox, Michelle Heaton, and Robin Tierney (directors); Amy Duhaime (chief tax officer)
Operating budget: $14.3 million (FY 2025)
The New Hampshire Insurance Department regulates over 1,200 companies and 240,000 licensed professionals in the state’s insurance and financial sectors. It recovered $6.4 million for consumers in 2024 and monitors fraud, licensing, and rate filings statewide.
The NHID was created in 1851, becoming the first insurance regulatory agency in the United States. It started with a three-member commission before shifting to a single commissioner system in 1869.
Over time, the agency expanded its authority, improving financial oversight and consumer protection. Key moments in the New Hampshire Insurance Department’s development include:
The department continues to lead in consumer protection and regulatory excellence across the state. In 2025, Commissioner David Bettencourt was named secretary-treasurer for the Northeast Zone as part of NAIC’s new leadership.
The NHID operates under Title XXXVII of New Hampshire law (RSA 400–420-N). It has legal authority to enforce insurance laws, oversee licensed professionals, and collect premium taxes and fees. Its core values are:
Its mission is to protect the public and keep New Hampshire’s insurance market fair and competitive. The department works to serve residents with honesty, speed, and strong oversight.
The NHID is organized into seven divisions that help carry out its mission:
The New Hampshire Insurance Department is led by the insurance commissioner, who is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the executive council. The commissioner enforces state insurance laws, oversees department operations, and regulates the insurance market.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department is responsible for key tasks that guide and protect the state’s insurance system:
regulates insurance companies: monitors financial strength and market practices
licenses insurance professionals: oversees agents, adjusters, and agencies
collects premium taxes and fees: processes state insurance-related revenue
investigates insurance fraud: handles criminal and civil enforcement actions
resolves consumer complaints: assists policyholders with claims and coverage issues
reviews insurance filings: ensures fair rates and clear policy forms
monitors market conduct: audits insurer practices and business behavior
approves new insurance products: supports speed-to-market for filings
manages data and reporting: tracks industry activity for compliance purposes
educates the public: provides outreach, alerts, and helpful insurance tools
These actions reinforce trust in insurance services. NHID remains focused on doing what’s right for New Hampshire residents.
In 2025, the New Hampshire Insurance Department continued to focus on cost savings, public education, and market transparency. Its recent actions show their growing efforts to protect consumers while supporting a fair insurance system:
advocated for state-led regulation: Commissioner Bettencourt and Deputy Nyhan spoke at the NAIC Commissioner Fly-In in Washington
published homeowner fire safety guide: issued Protecting Your Home from Fire to help Granite Staters prevent loss and prepare for claims
lowered examiner billing rate: reduced the hourly rate to $71.74, down 37 percent to help insurers cut compliance costs
engaged in federal discussions: urged Congress to preserve state authority in overseeing insurance markets
NHID also supported the use of aftermarket parts to reduce repair costs and premiums. Chief Examiner Daniel Rees explained that these parts increase competition, helping policyholders save after accidents.
The department helps people navigate questions about claims, coverage, and insurance company behavior. Its consumer services division provides phone, email, and online help to resolve complaints and explain rights.
Residents can file formal insurance complaints through the department’s online system. The New Hampshire Insurance Department also offers public education through:
The NHID also offers public tools to support informed insurance choices. These include the SBS Lookup Tool for checking licensed insurers and a premium comparison tool for auto and home rates.
State crackdowns intensify following reports of insurers pulling back applications
Thousands of residents face fewer options as major carriers scale back
Rates are expected to climb between 25% and 35%
The reform comes under a new law passed in the state
Division still leaderless with starting salary arguments
