New Mexico Auto Insurance

Last updated : November 2023
Published By : Direct Auto

From the Four Corners to Carlsbad, and everywhere between, New Mexico truly is the "Land of Enchantment,” and it offers things for everyone to enjoy. But whether your idea of fun is exploring Albuquerque or stargazing in one of the state’s many parks, affordable auto insurance coverage can help protect you and your vehicle on every adventure.

Take a few minutes to learn about cheap car insurance in New Mexico. Find out which coverages are mandatory, which ones are optional, and how a Direct Auto Insurance policy could be your cheap New Mexico car insurance solution. Get a free quote to see how much money you can save.

New Mexico Car Insurance Laws

Do you have to have car insurance in New Mexico?

New Mexico law requires all drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance for any vehicle they have registered in the state. New Mexico auto insurance policies must at least meet the minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For example, the liability limits in New Mexico are 25/50/10, as shown below under New Mexico Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.

New Mexico Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Wondering what your policy needs to fulfill New Mexico’s insurance requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.

Coverages

Is It Required by Law?

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary).

Yes. $25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 bodily injury per accident.

Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more.

Yes. $10,000 property damage per accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can’t be identified due to hit and run.

Not required.

Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault.

Not required.1

Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal.

Not required.1

IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing liability-only coverage ensures you follow New Mexico’s laws, it doesn’t necessarily protect you and your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage (like comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist) to protect yourself and your vehicle more fully.

1Coverage may be required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.

Are there additional coverage options?

For added peace of mind, there are add-on services and other insurance products available to New Mexico drivers:

New Mexico Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties

What if I don't meet New Mexico’s minimum car insurance requirements?

Thinking about getting behind the wheel without auto insurance in New Mexico? Before you do, consider the serious consequences. If you don’t have minimum liability coverage, you’ll face a registration suspension, according to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. You must return your registration and license plate within 10 days of receiving your Notice of Suspension of Registration letter. Failure to turn in your registration and license plate could result in criminal penalties.

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in New Mexico

It’s against the law to operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license in New Mexico. The exact penalty for driving without a license or driving with a suspended or revoked license in New Mexico can vary, but drivers face a misdemeanor charge that comes with potential imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.

SR-22 Insurance in New Mexico

In many states, high-risk drivers are also required to keep an SR22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. New Mexico doesn’t ask anyone to fulfill SR-22 requirements. However, New Mexico drivers that move to new state might be required to file one if:

If you have any questions about SR-22 filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history.

High-Risk Auto Insurance in New Mexico

Many individuals don’t have a spotless driving record, and after a certain number of violations or a serious enough violation, drivers can be considered a major risk to insure. While some companies try to steer clear of these individuals, other insurance companies offer non-standard insurance (another name for high-risk auto insurance) to provide financial protection for these drivers.

We believe your driving history shouldn't define you forever, and we work hard to find quality, affordable coverage for every driver, regardless of their past.

Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in New Mexico?

Car insurance costs vary depending on the following factors:

  • The amount & type of coverage you choose
  • The year, make, and model of the vehicle you drive
  • How much you drive, where you drive, and where you live
  • Your demographics
  • Your driving record
  • Your credit history

Other New Mexico Auto Insurance Resource

Find Cheap Car Insurance in New Mexico with Direct Auto!

Looking for affordable and cheap car insurance in New Mexico? Get a free car insurance quote for a Direct Auto policy today that meets your state’s requirements, fits your needs, and includes any discounts you’re entitled to receive so your premium is the lowest price possible. Call or click to get a New Mexico car insurance quote today!

*Emergency Protection Plans (EPP) and Roadside Assistance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states.
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