New Mexico car insurance quick facts
Minimum liability requirements
25/50/10
Average annual car insurance cost according to the NAIC
$1,102.15
At-fault state
In at fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
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Compare car insurance in New Mexico
Get the cheapest car insurance in New Mexico for 2021
New Mexico’s average annual car insurance cost is $1,102.15 per year or about $92 per month, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). New Mexico drivers pay about $87 less than the national average, which stands at around $1,190.
The NAIC auto insurance database takes in to account policies with state minimum coverage as well as those with optional coverage like collision and comprehensive. Because car insurance costs depend on many factors, you could find your rates higher or lower than this average.
New Mexico state minimum car insurance requirements
In New Mexico, each driver is required to buy at least liability coverage, and you’ll see the amount of liability required written as 25/50/10. New Mexico also requires you to carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, although you can opt out if you submit a written request.
Let’s break down what’s covered with this state minimum coverage.
Bodily injury liability
- $25,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 total for injuries to two or more people
At a minimum for bodily injury liability, New Mexico requires you to carry 25/50, which pays up to $25,000 for injuries to one person and up to $50,000 total if you injure more than one person. This amount is a standard level of coverage that many states require.
Bodily injury liability applies to other drivers, passengers or pedestrians if you’re at fault in an accident. You want plenty of bodily injury coverage because you’ll pay out of pocket if the medical bills cost more than your insurance covers.
Property damage liability
- $10,000 for property damage liability
New Mexico requires at least $10,000 to pay for property damage that you cause. Property damage liability applies to the other driver’s car damage as well as damaged personal belongings or property like a smartphone, equipment, poles or fencing.
New Mexico stands at the lower end of state requirements for property damage. You should consider higher coverage to make sure your insurance will pay for all damage that you might cause.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist
- $25,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injuries per peson
- $50,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injuries total per accident
- $10,000 for uninsured motorist property damage
New Mexico lets you opt out of uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage, but consider keeping it for the added protection. This coverage applies to your car’s damage or injuries to you and your passengers if you get hit by a driver without proper insurance. It also applies if you’re on the receiving end of a hit-and-run.
Finder tip: New Mexico’s state minimum coverage isn’t enough
Although New Mexico requires a standard level of coverage among the States, the liability limits required are low. Low coverage limits mean that you have a greater chance of paying out of pocket if medical bills or property damage cost more than your insurance will pay. Consider buying higher liability limits and adding optional coverage based on your budget and the protection that fits your driving needs.
Most popular New Mexico auto insurance companies list
| Company | Direct premiums written (billions) | Market share |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $285,368 | 19.2% |
| Geico | $233,179 | 15.7% |
| Progressive | $200,336 | 13.5% |
| Farmers | $151,586 | 10.2% |
| USAA | $139,262 | 9.4% |
| Allstate | $102,787 | 6.9% |
| Liberty Mutual | $66,752 | 4.5% |
| Hartford | $38,672 | 2.6% |
| Sentry | $37,730 | 2.5% |
| Auto Club Exchange Group | $35,536 | 2.4% |
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in New Mexico?
Of New Mexico’s largest cities, Farmington has the cheapest rates and Albuquerque has the most expensive car insurance rates. Albuquerque drivers could face rates 3 times more than Farmington drivers.
Because drivers in large cities are considered at a higher risk for accidents than people who live in suburbs or rural areas, these urban motorists tend to pay more for their coverage. You may see higher rates if you live in Albuquerque, which has more than half a million people, than out in Gallup, with its 22,000 residents or Silver City with 10,000.
Car insurance quotes in Albuquerque
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $825 |
| Farmers | $1513 |
| Metromile | $817 |
| Progressive | $1024 |
| Geico | $954 |
Car insurance quotes in Rio Rancho
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $727 |
| Farmers | $1442 |
| Metromile | $759 |
| Progressive | $909 |
| Geico | $769 |
Car insurance quotes in Clovis
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $502 |
| Farmers | $1078 |
| Metromile | $589 |
| Progressive | $594 |
| Geico | $528 |
Car insurance quotes in Santa Fe
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $552 |
| Farmers | $1214 |
| Metromile | $721 |
| Progressive | $844 |
| Geico | $693 |
Car insurance quotes in Farmington
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $471 |
| Farmers | $948 |
| Metromile | $591 |
| Progressive | $633 |
| Geico | $548 |
Compare car insurance providers in New Mexico
Car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Mexico
If you have trouble finding coverage or were denied coverage because you’re a high-risk driver, the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP) can help.
WAAIP assigns you an affordable provider who won’t deny you based on risk. Any additional risk you pose to the insurer is spread across the WAAIP network.
Can I get SR-22 insurance in New Mexico?
You won’t need to file for SR-22 insurance in New Mexico unless you’re moving to New Mexico with an out-of-state SR-22. You might need an SR-22 if you’ve gotten a DUI, lost your license or have too many violation points on your driving record. An SR-22 filing tells the state you have the minimum coverage required to get back behind the wheel.
Consequences of a DUI
New Mexico is working to minimize drunk driving within its borders, using both educational initiatives and strict enforcement of the law to deter people from driving when they shouldn’t. Here are the consequences for driving impaired in New Mexico:
| 1st offense | Driver’s license suspended for one year | Maximum $500 fine | Community service | $65 BAC test fee | Cost of court-ordered screening and treatment |
| 2nd and 3rd offense | Driver’s license suspended for two to three years | Maximum $1,000 fine | Up to 364 days in jail. Mandatory 96 hours to 30 days Community service | $65 BAC test fee | Cost of court-ordered screening and treatment |
| 4th and subsequent offenses | Driver’s license suspended for one year | Maximum $5,000 fine | Mandatory six months in jail with jail time of up to 18 months | $65 BAC test fee | Cost of court-ordered screening and treatment |
Aggravated DUI laws
An aggravated DUI tends to carry harsher penalties, and that’s especially true in New Mexico.
- First offense. Additional mandatory 48 hours in jail.
- Second offense. Additional mandatory 96 hours in jail.
- Third offense. Additional mandatory 60 days in jail.
New Mexico considers repeat offenders to be at high risk for committing the crime again after they’re released, so these drivers are often required to complete additional drug testing and treatment programs.
What happens after a car accident in New Mexico?
Car accidents can be unsettling and scary, even if you’re in a small fender bender. Stay calm and follow these steps to keep your process as simple and safe as possible.
- Safety first. Check the people around you for injuries and your surroundings for any additional potential dangers. If someone is injured or you see danger, call 911 right away. If not, it’s still usually a good idea to inform the local police of what’s happened as quickly as possible. If you’re blocking the road and feel comfortable, move your car out of the way.
- Exchange information. Everyone involved in the accident should collect information like names, driver’s license numbers, addresses and cell phone numbers. Also write down information about all car’s makes and models and insurance policy.
- Notify your insurance agent. Call your insurance company before you leave the scene. Tell them what’s happened, and ask what additional steps you might have to take.
- Document the scene. Take pictures of the accident from all angles, especially the areas that got damaged. Take down the names of police officers and any potential witnesses to better protect your claim.
- Share your information with law enforcement. You’re required to report any accidents to the authorities.
Who’s at fault after an accident?
New Mexico is an at–fault, or tort, state. If you’re found at fault for an accident, you’re required to pay for the damages, including any potential medical bills to those injured. Victims have the right to further pursue compensation for lost wages and any “pain and suffering” caused by the accident.
When should I report an accident to the authorities?
The general rule of thumb is that when property damages exceed $500, or whenever someone is injured, you should let the police know. If another driver insists on involving police, you’re required to remain on the scene until the officers arrive and tell you it’s OK to go — otherwise you can potentially be charged with fleeing the scene of an accident.
When should I contact a lawyer?
If you’re being charged with a crime after a car accident, such as reckless driving or negligence, you’ll most likely want to seek legal help. Even if you’re never officially charged or taken to court by the state or the other driver in the crash, a good lawyer can guide you through how to protect yourself and next steps to take.[/fin_hide]
Bottom line
With New Mexico’s mandatory insurance laws and a relatively high risk of encountering uninsured drivers, at least the bare minimum coverage is necessary to get on the road legally. It’s likely you can find car insurance for lower than the national average, and with the right tools and tricks, you can narrow down the best insurance rates you’re eligible for.
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