Car insurance · New Mexico
Car insurance requirements in New Mexico
Liability minimum 25/50/10. Claims system: fault-based claims.
Verified summaryAll New Mexico insurance topics
Requirements
Minimum car insurance requirements in New Mexico
| Coverage | Requirement in New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 for one person / $50,000 for two or more persons |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 in any one accident |
| Injury protection | Not listed as required |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Included in every policy for vehicles registered or principally garaged in New Mexico, including underinsured coverage, unless the named insured rejects it in writing (NMSA 66-5-301) |
What the law requires you to carry
- Bodily injury to or death of one person: $25,000
- Bodily injury to or death of two or more persons: $50,000
- Property damage in any one accident: $10,000
- Proof of automobile liability insurance in your possession when you drive
Uninsured drivers
Uninsured motorist coverage in New Mexico
Included in every policy for vehicles registered or principally garaged in New Mexico, including underinsured coverage, unless the named insured rejects it in writing (NMSA 66-5-301).
- Under NMSA 66-5-301 the named insured may reject uninsured motorist coverage. If an insurer does not obtain a valid rejection, courts have held the policy is reformed to provide uninsured/underinsured coverage equal to the liability limits. New Mexico's rule 13.12.3 NMAC requires a rejection to be in writing and made part of the policy.
Optional coverage
Coverage you can add in New Mexico
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Medical payments
Penalties
Penalties for driving without insurance in New Mexico
The Motor Vehicle Division says vehicles without minimum liability insurance may have their registration suspended, and fraudulent proof of insurance may be prosecuted. New Mexico's Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act (NMSA 66-5-205 and 66-5-229) makes operating an uninsured vehicle, and failing to carry evidence of financial responsibility, misdemeanors. Failing to carry evidence is dismissed if you produce valid evidence of coverage in court. Confirm current fine amounts with the MVD.
Good to know
Other things to know in New Mexico
- To register a vehicle, bring a current auto insurance card or a letter from your insurer on company letterhead that verifies your coverage.
- The MVD offers an Affidavit of Non-Use of Vehicle or Out-of-State Insurance (MVD-11268) and a Financial Responsibility Request for Hearing (MVD-10792).
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the official sources listed below.
Contacts
Who to contact in New Mexico
- New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance
- Website: osi.state.nm.us
- NAIC directory of state insurance departments
Sources
Where this summary comes from
Reviewed 2026-10. Check each source for the current rule.
- New Mexico MVD: Vehicle insurancemvd.newmexico.gov
- NMSA 66-5-301: Insurance against uninsured and unknown motorists; rejection (2025)law.justia.com
- 13.12.3 NMAC: Uninsured and unknown motorists endorsementsrca.nm.gov
- NMSA 66-5-229: Duration of evidence; evidence in vehiclecodes.findlaw.com
Keep reading
Guides that explain these coverages
- Minimum car insurance requirements by state
- Which States Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- No-Fault vs. At-Fault Car Insurance: Which States Use Which
- States That Raised Minimum Car Insurance Limits Since 2018
- Liability coverage explained
- Collision vs. comprehensive coverage
- What affects your car insurance rate
- After an accident: what to do and what to expect
More about New Mexico.
Home insurance resources and the health marketplace for New Mexico are on its overview page.