Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in New Mexico (2026)

Geico is the best choice for cheap full coverage car insurance in New Mexico, at $167 per month.

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Best picks for New Mexico car insurance

Data-powered research to help you choose the best New Mexico car insurance

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62,000 quotes from 7 of New Mexico's top companies
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365 ZIP codes across New Mexico for accurate rates
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Data-powered research on NM car insurance

What's the best choice for full coverage car insurance in New Mexico?

Geico, State Farm and USAA are the top picks for full coverage in New Mexico.


  • Geico is the cheapest option for most New Mexico drivers, at $167 per month.
  • State Farm also offers affordable full coverage, at around $176 per month. Since every car insurance company calculates rates differently, State Farm could be the best choice for some drivers in New Mexico.
  • USAA has even cheaper rates for New Mexico drivers with military ties. Full coverage insurance from USAA costs just $88 per month, but only military members, veterans and some of their family members can get insurance from USAA.

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Cheap full coverage auto insurance in NM

Company
Rating
Monthly rate
Geico

3/5

$167
State Farm

4.5/5

$176
Allstate

2.5/5

$215
Farm Bureau

4.5/5

$258
Progressive

3.5/5

$263
Farmers

3.5/5

$316
USAA*

4.5/5

$88

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

What's the best option for liability-only insurance in New Mexico?

State Farm and Farm Bureau offer the best value for most New Mexico drivers shopping for minimum liability insurance.

A minimum coverage policy from State Farm costs $49 per month, on average. That's 31% less than the state average. Farm Bureau also offers affordable policies, at $52 per month.

The absolute cheapest rates are from USAA, at $23 per month. USAA is only available to people who have served in the military and their families.

Best cheap New Mexico liability insurance

Company
Rating
Monthly rate
State Farm

4.5/5

$49
Farm Bureau

4.5/5

$52
Geico

3/5

$76
Farmers

3.5/5

$87
Allstate

2.5/5

$93
Progressive

3.5/5

$120
USAA*

4.5/5

$23

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in New Mexico

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Cate Deventer

Senior Writer, Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent

New Mexico doesn't require drivers to have much coverage for the damage they cause in accidents. If you buy state minimum coverage, you only have $10,000 to pay for any damage you cause to someone's vehicle or other property in an accident.

Cars now usually cost much more than $10,000 to replace. And in New Mexico, there are over 1.2 million registered trucks on the road with an average value of about $30,000. If you have state minimum coverage and you total someone's car or truck, you'll likely be paying very high bills to replace their vehicle.

Nearly everyone in New Mexico should consider getting more coverage than the state minimum limits. Even if you don't need full coverage, you can get higher bodily injury liability and property damage liability limits to better protect yourself. State minimum coverage is only a decent option if you can't afford anything else.

What's the best option for teen car insurance in New Mexico?

Geico is the clear winner for most young drivers in New Mexico.

Minimum coverage from Geico costs $126 per month for an 18-year-old driver in New Mexico. That's $92 per month cheaper than the state average, which is $218 per month.

Geico also has the cheapest full coverage quotes for New Mexico teens. At $274 per month, full coverage from Geico is $339 per month less than the New Mexico average of $613.

Young drivers who are enlisted or part of a military family should compare quotes from USAA. Coverage from USAA is less than half the price of a policy from Geico for 18-year-olds.

Best auto insurance in New Mexico for teens

Company
Rating
Liability only
Geico

3/5

$126
Farm Bureau

4.5/5

$169
State Farm

4.5/5

$170
USAA*

4.5/5

$60

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

Full coverage car insurance for young drivers in New Mexico is about three times as expensive as coverage for older drivers. That's because teen drivers lack experience behind the wheel, which means they're more prone to accidents.

The best way for young drivers in New Mexico to find cheap insurance is by sharing a policy with their parents. Teens can also qualify for discounts by getting good grades.

What's the top choice for car insurance in NM after a speeding ticket?

State Farm is a standout option for New Mexico drivers with a recent speeding ticket. Full coverage from State Farm costs around $189 per month after one speeding ticket. That's 29% cheaper than the New Mexico average.

Cheap insurance in New Mexico after a speeding ticket

Company
Rating
Monthly rate
State Farm

4.5/5

$189
Geico

3/5

$218
Allstate

2.5/5

$257
USAA*

4.5/5

$110

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

New Mexico drivers can expect their rates to increase by around 25% after one speeding ticket. That's an average difference of about $53 per month for a full coverage policy.

What's the best option for car insurance after an accident in New Mexico?

State Farm is the best fit for New Mexico drivers with an accident on their record, at $176 per month. That's 41% cheaper than the average price a New Mexico driver pays after causing a crash.

State Farm also has great customer service. So you'll have peace of mind knowing you'll be well taken care of if you're in another accident in the future.

Cheapest quotes after an accident in New Mexico

Company
Rating
Monthly rate
State Farm

4.5/5

$176
Geico

3/5

$233
Allstate

2.5/5

$355
USAA*

4.5/5

$128

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

Causing an accident in New Mexico raises your car insurance rates by 40%, on average.

However, insurance companies increase rates by different amounts after a crash. State Farm doesn't always increase your rates after an accident. But Allstate raises them by 65% after a single crash. That's why it's so important to shop around if your driving record changes.

But don't rush to get a new policy. Your current company typically won't raise your rates until your policy renews. So you can wait until it's about to expire to switch to a new insurance company.

What's the top choice for teens with a bad driving record in NM?

Geico is the smartest choice for young New Mexico drivers with a speeding ticket or accident on their record.

An 18-year-old driver with a speeding ticket pays an average of $150 per month for minimum coverage from Geico. That's $111 per month less than the New Mexico average, which is $261 per month.

Teens with an at-fault accident pay $164 for coverage from Geico and $170 per month for minimum coverage from State Farm.

Liability-only quotes for teens with a speeding ticket or accident

Company
Rating
Ticket
Geico

3/5

$150
State Farm

4.5/5

$187
Farm Bureau

4.5/5

$206
USAA*

4.5/5

$92

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

What's the most affordable option for auto insurance in NM after a DUI?

Geico is the leading option for New Mexico drivers with a DUI on their record. Full coverage from Geico costs $245 per month after a DUI. That's $87 per month cheaper than the New Mexico average. It's also $51 per month cheaper than the second-cheapest option, Allstate.

Cheap auto insurance in NM after a DUI

Company
Rating
Monthly rate
Geico

3/5

$245
Allstate

2.5/5

$296
Progressive

3.5/5

$334
State Farm

4.5/5

$385
USAA*

4.5/5

$174

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

Car insurance rates in New Mexico go up by an average of 57% after a DUI. That's an average of $120 per month more for a full coverage policy.

Insurance companies see a DUI as a sign of risky driving behavior. That makes them believe you're more likely to cause an accident in the future, which will cause your rates to go up.

If you get a DUI in New Mexico, you'll need to install a Breathalyzer in your car before you can get back on the road. Also known as an ignition interlock device, the Breathalyzer won't allow you to start your car if your breath alcohol concentration is above a set level. New Mexico requires this device even if it's your first DUI.

What's the top pick for NM drivers with poor credit?

Geico is the best fit for New Mexico drivers with bad credit. At $269 per month, full coverage from Geico is 31% cheaper than the state average. It's also $39 per month less than the second-cheapest option, Allstate.

Best rates for NM drivers with poor credit

Company
Rating
Monthly rate
Geico

3/5

$269
Allstate

2.5/5

$308
Farm Bureau

4.5/5

$386
USAA*

4.5/5

$154

*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

In New Mexico, full coverage rates for drivers with poor credit are 85% higher than rates for drivers with good credit.

Your credit score has nothing to do with your ability to drive safely. But many insurance companies believe drivers with poor credit are more likely to make claims in the future. That makes them more expensive to insure, which is why they pay more for coverage.

Who has the best car insurance in New Mexico?

USAA is the best car insurance company in New Mexico when it comes to customer satisfaction, cost and coverage options.

It regularly earns the highest score on J.D. Power's claims satisfaction survey. That means customers are typically happy with their experience with USAA after an accident. However, USAA is only available to people in the military, veterans and certain family members.

State Farm is the best company for drivers who can't get insurance from USAA. It has reliable customer service and very affordable rates for most New Mexico drivers.

Best insurance companies in New Mexico

Company
USAA*

4.5/5

ExcellentAverage
State Farm

4.5/5

GoodLow
Farm Bureau

4.5/5

NRLow
Farmers

3.5/5

AverageVery low
Progressive

3.5/5

PoorLow
Geico

3/5

AverageLow
Allstate

2.5/5

AverageAverage

*USAA is only available to military members, veterans and some of their family members.

All of the companies we included have an "A" financial strength rating or better from AM Best. That means these companies shouldn't have an issue paying out claims, even in difficult financial situations such as a major natural disaster.

Top car insurance companies in New Mexico by city

Geico is the best pick in three-quarters of cities and towns across New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and Sante Fe.

State Farm is the top choice in the remaining towns and cities, most of which are rural or tribal communities.

The cheapest car insurance in New Mexico is in Deming, a small town in the southwest part of the state, where a full coverage policy costs $179 per month.

South Valley, a suburb of Albuquerque, has the most expensive rates, at $267 per month.

Cheapest car insurance in New Mexico by county
Cheapest car insurance in New Mexico by county

Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in New Mexico

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Full coverage NM car insurance quotes by city

City
Avg. rate
Cheapest company
Cheapest rate
Abiquiu$222Geico$183
Adelino$236Geico$182
Agua Fria$218Geico$175
Alamo$199Geico$149
Alamogordo$182Geico$140
Albuquerque$259Geico$216
Alcalde$220State Farm$178
Algodones$226Geico$169
Alto$211Geico$171
Amalia$221Geico$182
Amistad$215Geico$154
Angel Fire$226Geico$182
Animas$183Geico$140
Anthony$209Geico$164
Anton Chico$217Geico$154
Aragon$190State Farm$147
Arenas Valley$183Geico$140
Arrey$190State Farm$147
Arroyo Seco$224Geico$182
Artesia$212Geico$149
Atoka$213Geico$149
Aztec$193Geico$147
Bard$208Geico$154
Bayard$182Geico$140
Belen$243Geico$193
Bent$192State Farm$147
Berino$208Geico$164
Bernalillo$227Geico$169
Black Rock$189State Farm$144
Blanco$189Geico$147
Bloomfield$193Geico$147
Bluewater Village$193Geico$148
Bosque$224Geico$149
Bosque Farms$236Geico$182
Brimhall$194State Farm$159
Broadview$223Geico$161
Buckhorn$182Geico$140
Buena Vista$221State Farm$176
Caballo$186State Farm$146
Canjilon$228Geico$182
Cannon Air Force Base$220Geico$161
Canones$226Geico$183
Capitan$213Geico$171
Caprock$216Geico$149
Capulin$214Geico$154
Carlsbad$225Geico$149
Carnuel$254Geico$198
Carrizozo$202State Farm$165
Carson$223Geico$182
Casa Blanca$211State Farm$161
Causey$214Geico$149
Cebolla$228Geico$182
Cedar Crest$239Geico$179
Cedar Grove$222Geico$179
Cedarvale$220Geico$171
Cedro$240Geico$179
Cerrillos$212State Farm$177
Cerro$220Geico$182
Chacon$222State Farm$176
Chama$230Geico$182
Chamberino$204Geico$164
Chamisal$217State Farm$178
Chamita$220State Farm$181
Chaparral$212Geico$164
Chimayo$221State Farm$175
Church Rock$198Geico$148
Cimarron$224Geico$182
Claunch$201State Farm$147
Clayton$215Geico$154
Cleveland$220Geico$169
Cliff$189Geico$140
Clines Corners$215State Farm$176
Cloudcroft$200State Farm$152
Clovis$220Geico$161
Cochiti Lake$219Geico$169
Cochiti Pueblo$226Geico$169
Columbus$187Geico$140
Conchas Dam$216Geico$154
Continental Divide$194Geico$148
Cordova$221Geico$183
Corona$220Geico$171
Corrales$241State Farm$199
Costilla$220Geico$182
Counselor$208State Farm$173
Coyote$223Geico$183
Crossroads$220Geico$149
Crownpoint$197State Farm$156
Cuartelez$211State Farm$171
Cuba$208Geico$160
Cubero$200Geico$148
Cuervo$210Geico$154
Datil$196State Farm$147
Deming$179State Farm$134
Derry$193State Farm$147
Des Moines$219Geico$154
Dexter$217Geico$149
Dixon$219State Farm$181
Dona Ana$203State Farm$163
Dulce$224Geico$160
Eagle Nest$216State Farm$176
Edgewood$222Geico$179
El Cerro$236Geico$182
El Cerro Mission$237Geico$182
El Prado$223Geico$182
El Rancho$217State Farm$174
El Rito$221Geico$183
Eldorado at Santa Fe$220Geico$175
Elephant Butte$182State Farm$142
Elida$211Geico$149
Embudo$222Geico$183
Encino$210Geico$171
Espanola$219State Farm$179
Estancia$228State Farm$189
Eunice$221Geico$150
Fairacres$207Geico$164
Farmington$189Geico$147
Faywood$187Geico$140
Fence Lake$191Geico$148
Flora Vista$191Geico$147
Floyd$218Geico$161
Folsom$217Geico$154
Fort Bayard$187Geico$140
Fort Stanton$206Geico$171
Fort Sumner$222Geico$154
Fort Wingate$198Geico$148
Fruitland$192Geico$147
Gallina$230Geico$183
Gallup$193Geico$148
Gamerco$198Geico$148
Garfield$193Geico$164
Garita$217Geico$154
Gila$189Geico$140
Gladstone$216Geico$154
Glencoe$212Geico$171
Glenwood$189Geico$140
Glorieta$217Geico$175
Grady$223Geico$161
Grants$189Geico$148
Grenville$217Geico$154
Guadalupita$216State Farm$176
Hachita$183Geico$140
Hagerman$214Geico$149
Hanover$183Geico$140
Hatch$196State Farm$162
Hernandez$218State Farm$181
High Rolls Mountain Park$203State Farm$147
Hillsboro$187State Farm$147
Hobbs$223Geico$150
Holloman Air Force Base$184Geico$140
Holman$224Geico$182
Hondo$212Geico$171
Hope$219Geico$171
House$214Geico$154
Hurley$182Geico$140
Ilfeld$222Geico$169
Isleta$242Geico$182
Jal$217Geico$150
Jamestown$199Geico$148
Jarales$239Geico$187
Jemez Pueblo$214Geico$169
Jemez Springs$214Geico$169
Kenna$220Geico$149
Kirtland$191Geico$147
Kirtland Air Force Base$253Geico$218
La Cienega$217Geico$175
La Huerta$224Geico$149
La Jara$216Geico$182
La Joya$207State Farm$147
La Loma$215Geico$154
La Luz$192State Farm$149
La Madera$218Geico$183
La Mesa$202Geico$164
La Mesilla$222Geico$183
La Plata$190Geico$147
La Puebla$218State Farm$170
La Union$209Geico$164
La Villita$220State Farm$179
Laguna$221Geico$182
Lake Arthur$215Geico$149
Lakewood$217Geico$149
Lamy$211Geico$179
Las Cruces$205Geico$164
Las Maravillas$237Geico$182
Las Vegas$220Geico$169
Lee Acres$190Geico$147
Lemitar$207State Farm$147
Lincoln$213Geico$171
Lindrith$217Geico$182
Lingo$221Geico$149
Livingston Wheeler$225Geico$149
Llano$221State Farm$179
Loco Hills$216Geico$149
Logan$213Geico$154
Lordsburg$184Geico$140
Los Alamos$196Geico$153
Los Chaves$239Geico$188
Los Lunas$235Geico$182
Los Ojos$235Geico$182
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque$252Geico$214
Loving$223Geico$149
Lovington$222Geico$150
Luna$189State Farm$147
Magdalena$197Geico$149
Malaga$219Geico$149
Maljamar$220Geico$150
Maxwell$217Geico$154
Mayhill$207State Farm$159
McAlister$211Geico$154
McDonald$221Geico$150
McIntosh$228State Farm$186
Meadow Lake$237Geico$182
Medanales$222Geico$183
Melrose$225Geico$161
Mentmore$199Geico$148
Mescalero$198State Farm$151
Mesilla$204Geico$164
Mesilla Park$205Geico$164
Mesquite$204Geico$164
Mexican Springs$193State Farm$154
Miami$222State Farm$176
Milan$191Geico$148
Mills$217Geico$154
Milnesand$216Geico$149
Mimbres$184Geico$140
Monterey Park$237Geico$182
Montezuma$217State Farm$159
Monticello$186State Farm$147
Monument$224Geico$150
Mora$224Geico$182
Moriarty$224State Farm$182
Mosquero$224Geico$154
Mountainair$226State Farm$187
Mule Creek$189Geico$140
Nageezi$200Geico$147
Nambe$217State Farm$176
Napi Headquarters$189Geico$147
Nara Visa$214Geico$154
Navajo$199State Farm$158
Navajo Dam$192Geico$160
New Laguna$216State Farm$161
Newcomb$206Geico$160
Newkirk$215Geico$154
Nogal$208Geico$171
North Hobbs$221Geico$150
North Valley$252State Farm$213
Ocate$218State Farm$176
Ohkay Owingeh$219State Farm$178
Ojo Caliente$219State Farm$182
Ojo Feliz$220State Farm$176
Organ$206Geico$164
Orogrande$202Geico$140
Paguate$209Geico$148
Paradise Hills$248State Farm$215
Pecos$221Geico$169
Pena Blanca$212Geico$169
Penasco$215State Farm$178
Pep$217Geico$149
Peralta$239Geico$182
Petaca$224Geico$182
Picacho$218Geico$171
Pie Town$195State Farm$147
Pinehill$195Geico$148
Pinon$199State Farm$147
Placitas$229State Farm$192
Playas$193State Farm$147
Pojoaque$216State Farm$174
Polvadera$205State Farm$147
Ponderosa$218Geico$169
Ponderosa Pine$242Geico$179
Portales$214Geico$161
Prewitt$194Geico$148
Pueblo of Acoma$202Geico$148
Quay$213Geico$154
Quemado$195Geico$149
Questa$222Geico$182
Radium Springs$204State Farm$159
Rainsville$223State Farm$180
Ramah$196Geico$148
Ranchos De Taos$221Geico$182
Raton$215Geico$154
Red River$218Geico$182
Redrock$188Geico$140
Regina$215Geico$182
Rehoboth$200Geico$148
Reserve$189State Farm$148
Ribera$217State Farm$168
Rincon$200State Farm$161
Rio Communities$243Geico$193
Rio Rancho$234Geico$191
Rociada$221Geico$169
Rodeo$189Geico$140
Rogers$214Geico$149
Roswell$216Geico$149
Rowe$221Geico$169
Roy$215Geico$154
Ruidoso$208Geico$171
Ruidoso Downs$215State Farm$169
Sacramento$196State Farm$147
Salem$190State Farm$158
San Acacia$205State Farm$147
San Antonio$197State Farm$147
San Cristobal$218Geico$182
San Felipe Pueblo$224Geico$169
San Fidel$195Geico$148
San Ildefonso Pueblo$217State Farm$174
San Jon$210Geico$154
San Jose$218Geico$174
San Miguel$202Geico$164
San Patricio$208Geico$171
San Rafael$196Geico$148
San Ysidro$212Geico$166
Sandia Heights$246Geico$198
Sandia Knolls$234Geico$179
Sandia Park$242Geico$179
Sanostee$205Geico$160
Santa Clara$181Geico$140
Santa Clara Pueblo$222Geico$183
Santa Cruz$218State Farm$181
Santa Fe$217Geico$179
Santa Rosa$211Geico$154
Santa Teresa$213Geico$164
Santo Domingo Pueblo$215Geico$169
Sapello$217State Farm$167
Sausal$243Geico$193
Sedan$216Geico$154
Sedillo$240Geico$179
Serafina$220Geico$169
Sheep Springs$202Geico$160
Shiprock$193State Farm$156
Silver City$182Geico$140
Skyline-Ganipa$202Geico$148
Smith Lake$200Geico$148
Socorro$204Geico$149
Solano$217Geico$154
South Valley$267Geico$218
Spencerville$193Geico$147
Springer$216Geico$154
St. Vrain$224Geico$161
Stanley$222Geico$179
Sunland Park$216Geico$164
Sunspot$203State Farm$147
Taiban$221Geico$154
Taos$221Geico$182
Taos Pueblo$223Geico$182
Taos Ski Valley$224Geico$182
Tatum$214Geico$149
Tererro$220Geico$169
Tesuque$217State Farm$185
Texico$222Geico$161
Thoreau$196Geico$148
Tierra Amarilla$221Geico$182
Tijeras$241Geico$179
Timberon$206State Farm$147
Tinnie$217Geico$171
Tohatchi$199State Farm$159
Tome$235Geico$182
Torreon$219State Farm$176
Trampas$223Geico$182
Trementina$221Geico$154
Tres Piedras$222Geico$182
Truchas$222Geico$183
Truth or Consequences$182State Farm$143
Tucumcari$208Geico$154
Tularosa$190State Farm$151
Twin Lakes$199Geico$148
University Park$210Geico$164
Upper Fruitland$192Geico$147
Ute Park$224State Farm$176
Vadito$219Geico$182
Vado$203Geico$164
Valdez$216Geico$182
Valencia$237Geico$182
Vallecitos$222Geico$182
Valmora$221State Farm$176
Vanderwagen$199Geico$148
Veguita$213Geico$149
Velarde$221Geico$183
Wagon Mound$214Geico$154
Waterflow$191Geico$147
Watrous$220State Farm$176
Weed$196State Farm$147
West Hammond$193Geico$147
White Rock$202Geico$153
White Sands$202State Farm$156
White Sands Missile Range$206Geico$164
Whites City$219Geico$149
Willard$216Geico$149
Williamsburg$184State Farm$144
Winston$190State Farm$147
Yah-ta-hey$199Geico$148
Yeso$225Geico$149
Youngsville$226Geico$183
Zia Pueblo$217Geico$169
Zuni Pueblo$189State Farm$142

Where you live within New Mexico can impact average auto insurance rates by up to $88 per month.

Car insurance is typically more expensive if you live in a city rather than a rural area. In New Mexico, the 10 most expensive cities for car insurance are all in and around Albuquerque. That's because accidents and auto theft tend to happen more often in urban areas.

Car insurance rate hikes in NM and what you can do about it

Car insurance rates in New Mexico have increased by 22% over the last five years, which is less than the national average.

If you have a full coverage policy, that's an increase of around $456 per year. That can still feel like a big change, even if it's less than average.

The biggest increase was in 2023, when car insurance rates shot up over 13%. But things are looking up for New Mexico drivers, as rates are expected to go down in 2026 for the first time since 2022.

Car insurance rate trends in New Mexico

Farmers had the largest rate increase over the last five years, at over 39%. On the other hand, USAA only raised its car insurance rates by 9% during that time period.

If your car insurance rates have been going up, there are a few things you can do to help lower your payments.

  1. Compare quotes from the cheapest companies in New Mexico, including Geico, State Farm and Allstate.

    The most expensive company for full coverage in New Mexico, Farmers, costs almost twice as much as the cheapest company, Geico. So you could save more than $1,700 per year just by switching insurance companies.

  2. Look for a company that offers lots of discounts you qualify for. Most major companies offer similar discounts, such as bundling your home and auto insurance. But some companies offer more ways to save than others.

    For instance, Geico offers a discount if you own your home, even if it's insured by a different company. And State Farm offers a program that helps young drivers save on insurance, called Steer Clear.

  3. Try a safe driving program. These programs offer big discounts for safe drivers by tracking their driving habits using a mobile app or device you plug into your car.

    State Farm has the best safe driving discount program, compared to the other cheapest companies in New Mexico. That's because it offers a very good discount and won't raise your rates if you exhibit bad habits, such as speeding or driving late at night. If you decide to go with Geico's program, be aware that your rates could go up.

Factors that affect car insurance rates in New Mexico

  • Age: 18-year-olds pay around three times more for car insurance than 30-year-olds in NM.
  • Coverage: Full coverage costs $105/mo more than a liability-only policy in NM.
  • Speeding: A speeding ticket can raise your rates by 25% in New Mexico.
  • Accident: An at-fault accident could increase your payments by 40% in NM.
  • DUI: A DUI is a serious offense that could increase your insurance rates by 57% in NM.
  • Credit score: People with poor credit scores pay 85% more for full coverage insurance in New Mexico than those with good credit.
  • Location: Full coverage rates vary by up to $88/mo depending on where in NM you live.

New Mexico auto insurance requirements

New Mexico requires drivers to have a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability. These limits are often written as

Minimum liability coverage policies are the most affordable. But New Mexico's minimum limits may not be high enough to pay for all of the damage if you cause a serious crash.

What's the best car insurance coverage for NM drivers?

Most drivers should choose full coverage car insurance, including higher liability limits. You'll pay more up front, but it could save you thousands of dollars if you cause an accident.

Full coverage pays to fix your car after a crash, even if you were at fault. That's because it includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Lenders usually require comprehensive and collision coverage if you have a car lease or loan.

A minimum coverage policy is the least expensive way to meet New Mexico's auto insurance requirements. However, these policies may not have enough coverage to pay for damage in a serious accident.

Most New Mexico drivers should consider a full coverage policy. This is especially true if your car is worth more than $5,000 or is newer than 8 years old.

In New Mexico, full coverage car insurance is three times as expensive as minimum coverage. But it's the best way to protect your car against damage.

Common insurance questions in New Mexico

What happens if an uninsured driver hits me in New Mexico?

There are a few scenarios in which your insurance company will cover an accident caused by an uninsured driver. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, insurance will pay your medical and car repair bills if you're hit by an uninsured driver, up to your chosen limit. If your policy includes collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damage to your car after an accident, regardless of whose fault it is.

Neither of these coverages is required in New Mexico. However, New Mexico has the second-highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the country. So you should consider adding one or both coverages to your policy.

If I hit a cow or livestock on the road in New Mexico, am I responsible for the damage to my car?

Whether you're responsible depends on where the accident happens. New Mexico is an "open-range" state, so livestock can legally roam in many rural areas. If you hit a cow on an unfenced road, the owner usually isn’t responsible. In this case, your insurance company will pay for damage to your car, but only if you have comprehensive coverage.

However, if the accident happens in a fenced or restricted area, the livestock owner may be responsible for damage. In this case, you may be able to file a claim against their property insurance.

Does car insurance cover flood damage in New Mexico?

Your car insurance will pay for flood damage if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is typically included in a full coverage policy, and is usually required when you have a car loan or lease.

Can I pause my car insurance in New Mexico if I live there only part-time?

Yes, you can pause or cancel your car insurance if you're storing your vehicle in New Mexico while you're away. But before you cancel, you must send a form to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB) saying you won’t drive the car during that time.

When you return, you must reactivate your insurance or buy a new policy and call the IIDB before driving again.


Methodology

ValuePenguin collected thousands of rates from ZIP codes across New Mexico for the largest insurance companies in the state. Rates are for a 30-year-old man with good credit who drives a 2018 Honda Civic EX.

Quotes for full coverage include higher liability limits than the state requirement, along with collision and comprehensive coverage.

  • Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
  • Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible

ValuePenguin's analysis used insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services. These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your own quotes may be different.

About the Author

Lindsay Bishop
Lindsay Bishop

Senior Writer

Lindsay Bishop is a Senior Writer at ValuePenguin, where she educates readers about home, auto, renters, flood and motorcycle insurance.


Lindsay began her career in the insurance and financial industry in 2010. She was a licensed auto, home, life and health insurance agent and held Series 6 and 63 financial licenses.


After a hiatus from the financial sector, Lindsay returned to the industry as a content writer for ValuePenguin in 2021. She enjoys having the opportunity to help readers make smart decisions about their insurance so they can be prepared for anything life throws their way.


When Lindsay isn't writing about insurance, you can find her spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors on Sunday long runs or riding her Peloton.

How insurance helped Lindsay


As a homeowner for 15 years located in South Carolina, Lindsay has plenty of experience navigating the coastal insurance market and managing the claims process. That includes successfully negotiating a full roof replacement claim.

Expertise

  • Home insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Flood insurance
  • Renters insurance
  • Motorcycle insurance

Referenced by

  • CNBC
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Miami Herald

Education

  • BS/BA Economics, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

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