From artist enclaves like Santa Fe and Taos to 465 miles of the famed Route 66, ghost towns, and scenic byways, New Mexico has a lot for locals to explore by car. Thankfully, the cost of car insurance in the Land of Enchantment is generally below the national average.
Key takeaways
- The best car insurance in New Mexico depends greatly on location and driving history.
- Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $138 per month in New Mexico.
- Rio Rancho residents generally pay an average of $154 per month for car insurance, the most in the state.
Best car insurance companies in New Mexico
Root and State Farm generally offer the lowest cost full coverage on our list for New Mexico, averaging $86 and $94 monthly, respectively. However, State Farm typically has a higher star rating than Root. Not every insurance carrier is the right fit for every driver, which is why it's important to identify what you value most in a provider before starting your research.
This list of carriers represents only a small selection of the options available across New Mexico. Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find a policy that fits your specific needs and budget. In some cases, smaller carriers such as Direct Auto or National General, may offer the right coverage and value for you.
| Provider | FinanceBuzz Star Rating | Estimated monthly full coverage | Estimated monthly minimum liability coverage |
| USAA | $113 | $63 | |
| State Farm | $94 | $52 | |
| Root | $86 | $45 | |
| GEICO | $116 | $64 | |
| Allstate | $186 | $102 |
USAA
USAA is only available to military members and their families, but it earned the highest FianceBuzz star rating score available. Although its full coverage insurance can be more expensive than some competitors, it may be worth paying a little more for the excellent customer service if you qualify for a policy.
- Rates are below the monthly state average
- Offers multiple discounts
- Only available to military members and their family
- You may find more specialty coverage options with another carrier
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State Farm
State Farm is known for competitive rates, strong customer service, and a large network of local agents. This carrier tends to offer lower-than-average premiums for many drivers, especially students, safe drivers, and households that bundle policies. Its Drive Safe & Save program could potentially help drivers earn additional discounts based on driving habits.
- Typically has some of the lowest minimum coverage car insurance rates in the state
- It has local agents throughout New Mexico
- Does not offer some specialty policies like gap insurance
- You may find more discounts with a competitor
Get a quote now | State Farm review
Root
Root Car Insurance is a usage-based insurer that rewards safe drivers with lower rates by tracking driving behavior through its app. It's a strong option for tech-savvy, safe drivers, including teens and seniors, but drivers with accidents, tickets, or DUIs could see much higher rates.
- Low rates for safe drivers
- Convenient app-based experience
- Limited coverage and discount options
- May be more expensive for high-risk drivers
GEICO
GEICO offers decently low rates, along with the top FinanceBuzz star rating available. GEICO may be a good option for senior drivers, thanks in part to its Prime Time contract add-on, which guarantees policy renewal for drivers over 50. Drivers over 50 may also qualify for additional discounts like completing a defensive driving course or being retired military members.
- Decent costs on both full and minimum car insurance
- Offers some specialty policies like mechanical breakdown coverage
- May have higher premiums compared to some competitors
- Only one GEICO brick-and-mortar agency in the state
Get a quote now | GEICO review
Allstate
Allstate has relatively expensive full coverage and minimum insurance costs compared to most competitors in the state. However, Allstate may be a good choice for some drivers, as it offers multiple types of policies, including gap coverage, a vanishing deductible, and numerous discount options. It also has the highest star rating score available through FinanceBuzz.
- Offers multiple policy add-ons, including accident forgiveness
- Has agents and offices throughout the state
- Full coverage insurance typically higher than many competitors
- Customer reviews vary depending on agent or office
Get a quote now | Allstate review
New Mexico auto insurance requirements
All drivers in New Mexico must carry at least the state-specified minimum amounts. Those amounts are:
- $25,000 in bodily liability for the injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 in bodily liability for the injury or death of two or more people in an accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability for damage in any one accident
Since the costs of an accident can be much more than the minimum amounts of an insurance policy, it's generally a good idea to carry higher limits on your auto policies if you can afford to.
How to choose a car insurance provider in New Mexico
Consider the following to help you find the best car insurance carrier:
- Ensure a company pays claims: Check the financial rating of each insurance company on a website like AM Best to confirm they can afford to pay claims. It's also wise to confirm a company is licensed in New Mexico by checking the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- Compare pricing: Getting quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you ensure you're getting the best deal. Compare the coverage amounts and add-on features each company offers so you know you're getting an accurate comparison.
- Get your discounts: Discount types and amounts vary by insurance company. As you compare quotes, check that you have received every discount you're eligible for.
- Pay attention to reviews: Read review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see how (or if) a company responds to customer complaints and solves problems. Ask friends or family members for recommendations, especially if you have just moved or are unhappy with your current coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in New Mexico?
The average cost of car insurance in New Mexico is $138 for full coverage and $65 monthly for minimum coverage.
Drivers in Rio Rancho tend to pay the highest premiums in the state, with a monthly average of $154. Farmington drivers pay the least for their car insurance, an average of $96 monthly.
New Mexico car insurance rates by city
Rio Rancho drivers spend hundreds more per year on car insurance than the state average of $154, which is likely due (in part) to the city's higher crime rate. According to the analytics website NeighborhoodScout, Rio Rancho residents have a one in 60 chance of experiencing vehicle theft or other property crimes. Insurance companies tend to charge more for their coverage since the likelihood of a claim is higher in places with more crime.
| City | Avg. monthly full-coverage premium |
| Rio Rancho | $154/month |
| Albuquerque | $166/month |
| Santa Fe | $139/month |
| Roswell | $128/month |
| Las Cruces | $129/month |
| Farmington | $96/month |
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the best auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs
What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in New Mexico?
New Mexico's minimum car insurance requirements are $25,000 in bodily liability for the injury or death of one person in an accident and $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people. Drivers must carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability.
How much does car insurance cost in New Mexico?
Drivers in New Mexico pay an average of $138 per month for full coverage insurance and $65 monthly for the state's minimum coverage.
Which car insurance companies cover New Mexico?
Multiple car insurance companies cover New Mexico, including well-known carriers such as State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Progressive, and GEICO. There are also multiple smaller carriers available, such as Direct Auto and Root.
More about auto insurance in New Mexico
Data throughout provided by Insurify.
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