Minimum car insurance requirements in New Mexico
The state of New Mexico requires all motor vehicles that are operated or parked on its roadways to be insured. Proof of insurance must be carried in your car at all times and must be available when:
Requested by law enforcement
Renewing vehicle registration
The vehicle is involved in a car accident
The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in New Mexico are:1
$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
As a major part of your liability insurance, bodily injury coverage covers medical bills for people other than the policyholder who are injured during an accident. New Mexico is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who is responsible for the collision is also responsible for paying for any resulting expenses, either through their car insurance provider or out of their own pocket.
If it’s determined that an insured driver is at fault for an accident, this coverage pays for repairs to the property of the other involved parties. Additionally, property damage coverage can cover legal costs if the insured driver is involved in a lawsuit following the accident.
Based in Santa Fe, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offers a number of services that you can use online. These include driver’s license and registration renewals, citation payments, placard renewals, and more. If you prefer in-person service, however, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are 32 field offices with 39 office locations across the state.
You can schedule an appointment at a time and location that’s most convenient for you. Once you arrive, you may stay in your vehicle and use the virtual check in feature. You’ll be notified when it’s time to come in.[2]
Public transportation in New Mexico
The largest transit agency in New Mexico is ABQ RIDE, which provides bus service to the Albuquerque area. Many other cities and counties have their own transit systems, such as the Rio Rancho Transit, Clovis Area Transit System (CATS), City of Carlsbad Municipal Transit System (CMTS), and Hobbs Express (City of Hobbs).
You can also get around with Greyhound buses, Amtrak, and New Mexico Park and Ride. If you do choose to get around via car in the Land of Enchantment, you’ll need to purchase at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by the state.