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This page provides handy facts regarding carriers, rates, premiums, discount programs, and state laws pertaining to New Mexico car insurance.

However, these tips apply generally to drivers in any U.S. state.

Here's how to score the lowest possible premium rates car insurance.

photo: rpcurry

average auto insurance rates

The Average Annual Insurance Premium for each vehicle owned in New Mexico was $944 this year. This fell right near the overall national average annual car insurance premium of $942.

On the upside, the state of New Mexico has a relatively low population density, low crime rate, high median age, strong economy, and mild climate.

The premiums would probably be even lower of not for an unusually high rate of uninsured vehicles on New Mexico roads.

Estimates indicate that roughly 1 in 5 vehicles on roads in New Mexico is uninsured.

Minimum liability coverage in New Mexico

New Mexico state laws impose a minimum auto insurance liability coverage for each owned vehicle.

In the state of New Mexico, this minimum is set at $25,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), $50,000 in coverage against death or injuries to others, and $10,000 in coverage against property damage.

In other words, insurance companies in New Mexico pay out a total of $85,000 in liability coverage per vehicle, per accident.

Insurance carriers refer to New Mexico's minimum auto insurance coverage as 25/50/10.

penalties for uninsured drivers in New Mexico

For New Mexico drivers, proof of minimum insurance coverage must be provided prior to vehicle registration.

So, if you drive uninsured in the state of New Mexico, you are also driving an unregistered vehicle. Penalties can include huge fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Despite all this, nearly 20% of vehicles on New Mexico roadways are uninsured. New Mexico has the 3rd highest rate of uninsured vehicles in the nation, according to reports from insure.com.

top 5 ways to lower the cost of car insurance

Car owners in New Mexico, and all over America, reduce their premium costs in a number of different ways.

Here are a few ways you can, too:

1. Get a Paid In Full discount by paying off your annual premium all at once, rather than month by month.

2. Increase your deductible by a manageable amount.

3. Drive certain types of vehicles, such as makes and models rarely stolen in your area, or cars with permanently installed safety features.

4. Where carpooling or public transportation is feasible, don't drive for three years. This will create a perfect "driving" record, which will minimize your annual premiums when you do decide to start driving.

5. Qualify for many discounts. Insurance experts agree that discount programs slash annual rates more than any other cost-reducing strategy. For example,

Avoid moving violations and earn a Good Driver discount.
Excel academically and earn a Good Student discount.
Live to be 55 or older and get a Defensive Driving Course discount.
Owners of more than one vehicle may be eligible for a Multiple Vehicle discount.
People who own homes or other insurable items may score a Multiple Policy discount.

When you call around for quotes, remember to add and compare all the DISCOUNTS!

Obtaining a General Auto Insurance Quote

According to recent consumer reports, popular car insurance carriers in the state of New Mexico are:

Allianz
Ameriprise
AIG
American National
Auto Owners Insurance
Geico
West Bend Mutual

Finding the cheapest deal is easy. Just grab a free general auto insurance quote online.

Then call a few local agents for more free quotes, and find out what discounts they offer. When you ask each agent for a general auto insurance quote, don't forget to ask about the discounts.

Then compare quotes and choose the cheapest package that meets your specifications

That's really all there is to saving possibly hundreds of dollars a year on car insurance.