Short answer: New Hampshire life policies must give a grace period for each premium except the first, during which death benefit coverage continues unless you gave written notice of discontinuance; the commissioner may set the length by rule. Policies become incontestable after two years during the insured's lifetime, and any later increase that needed new evidence of insurability gets its own two-year period.
This guide is general consumer information for New Hampshire life insurance buyers. It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Policy wording, underwriting and the statutes linked below control.
Grace period
RSA 408:13 requires a provision that the policyholder is entitled to a grace period for each premium due except the first, during which death benefit coverage continues in force, unless the policyholder gave the insurer written notice of discontinuance in advance under the policy terms. The policy may make you liable for a pro rata premium for the time coverage stayed in force during grace, and the commissioner may adopt rules to establish the length of the grace period, so read your policy for the exact number of days.
Incontestability, including increases
The same section requires that the policy be incontestable after two years in force during the insured's lifetime. A later increase in the death benefit, made on a new application and subject to proof of insurability, is incontestable only after the increase has itself been in force for two years during the insured's lifetime. If you add coverage, a new contestable clock starts on the added amount.
Insurer financial strength
Shoppers who want regulator guidance on insurer financial strength or solvency in New Hampshire can reach the New Hampshire Insurance Department.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in New Hampshire.
Frequently asked questions
What's New Hampshire's life insurance grace period?
RSA 408:13 requires a grace period for premiums after the first; the commissioner may set the length by rule, so check your policy.
Does a coverage increase restart contestability in New Hampshire?
Yes, for the increased amount, when the increase was based on a new application and proof of insurability.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.