What Motorcycle Insurance Do You Need in New Mexico, and How Much Does It Cost?

My friends think I’m a little crazy, but one of my favorite spots in the United States is Vaughn, NM. It’s a small town in the middle of nowhere, but the community supports railroad workers in the area.

Why pick Vaughn? Beyond having a great diner, this small town is centrally located on three highways. You can head south to Roswell, go east to connect with Albuquerque or head north to reach Santa Rosa.

The roads are generally quiet, traffic is light, and the ranches are expansive.

Another personal favorite is the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. This 84-mile loop takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, including the towns of Taos, Questa, Red River, and Eagle Nest. It’s fun to slow down while exploring the Carson National Forest.

There is also the High Road to Taos for a different experience. You can see several Spanish colonial towns while traversing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in New Mexico?

New Mexico has mandatory insurance requirements for motorcycles that are operated on public roads. All owners must carry a liability policy that meets specific minimum requirements.

You can choose to purchase additional coverage or increase the amount the policy protects at your discretion.

Looking at collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may be advantageous. Daily riders might consider MedPay coverage to protect themselves if an incident occurs.

Liability Minimums for Motorcycle Insurance in NM

The current liability minimum for motorcyclists in New Mexico is expressed as 25/50/10. That means the policy must offer up to $25,000 for bodily injury per person, have a $50,000 per accident maximum in that category, and offer $10,000 for property damage.

These minimums are meant to ensure an at-fault accident provides enough coverage to pay for the losses that other parties experience. You might consider carrying higher minimums if you’re concerned about medical bills or additional costs if you’re found to be responsible for damages.

What Is the Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in New Mexico?

Motorcycle insurance in New Mexico is relatively inexpensive when compared to other states. The average cost for riders is $650.50 per year.

Even when looking at the cost of insurance for young riders, the $803.13 average for teens is one of the best rates in the country.

• If you live in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, or Belen, your quotes are about 20% higher than the state average.
• In contrast, riders in Bloomfield, Hobbs, and Lovington pay about 8% less.

Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance Providers in New Mexico

When requesting motorcycle insurance quotes in New Mexico, I found that Progressive had the best rate. They offered a policy at $513 per year, while Allstate wanted to charge $600 annually for similar coverage.

Dairyland was the only other insurance provider in the state that offered a rate just below $700 per year.

Motorcycle Insurance Provider	Annual Premium
Progressive	$513
Allstate	$600
Dairyland	$700

Best Overall Insurance Provider: Allstate

Although Progressive has a cheaper rate, I’m picking Allstate as the best overall provider for motorcyclists in New Mexico. You receive rental reimbursement coverage, an affordable rate, and a company that scores consistently well on the NAIC complaint index.

If you use a motorcycle for a daily commute, you’ll have many options for add-ons. Roadside assistance is almost mandatory in NM, so consider including it in the quote request.

Best for Custom Motorcycles: Progressive

Progressive is the natural choice for me if you have a custom ride. They deliver several add-on coverages and endorsements that let you manage your equipment effectively.

You can also tap into a disappearing deductible through Progressive. When you can avoid an accident for an entire policy term, the amount you pay for collision or comprehensive claims before coverage starts is reduced by 25%

Best for Off-Road Adventures: Dairyland

I like Dairyland for insurance if you have an adventure or dual-sport bike that you use in New Mexico. The insurer offers excellent coverage choices without getting their prices out of hand.

Although you’ll likely pay a little more than with other companies, you can tailor your insurance coverage to meet specific needs.

Let’s evaluate the performance of various providers in NM based on their financial stability, customer satisfaction, and complaint index by different data analysts and credit rating agencies.

Providers	AM Best Rating	J.D. Power Index Ranking	NAIC Complaint Index
Allstate	A+	824	2.06
Progressive	A+	800	1.41
Dairyland	A+	–	3.43

Care Tips to Keep Motorcycle Insurance Rates Low in New Mexico

Caring for your motorcycle in the deserts of New Mexico can be a challenging task due to the harsh conditions that the environment can present. You might find a cheaper insurance quote waiting when you take the following steps to maintain your bike.

• Keep It Clean. The desert environment can be dusty and gritty, so keeping your motorcycle clean is essential to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the engine. Regularly wash your bike with soap and water, and consider using a specialized cleaner.
• Protect from the Sun. Prolonged sunlight exposure can cause your motorcycle’s paint to fade and its plastic parts to crack. Park your bike in the shade whenever possible, or use a cover to protect it from the sun’s rays.
• Check the Fluids. Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid regularly, and top them up as needed.
• Maintain the Air Filter. The dusty desert conditions can quickly clog your motorcycle’s air filter, reducing performance. It helps inspect the air filter regularly and clean it or replace it as needed.

Desert heat can warm roads to conditions exceeding the motorcycle tire’s ratings. Check your PSI regularly and inspect them for signs of damage or wear after a long trip.

FAQ for Motorcycle Insurance in New Mexico

If you want to ride a motorcycle in New Mexico, you might encounter some questions when navigating this process. Here is a look at the common issues people face when getting ready to use their bikes for the first time.

Get FREE Quotes for NM Motorcycle Insurance

Prepare for your motorcycle journey through New Mexico and ensure protection for yourself, your bike, and other motorists with an insurance policy.