Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in New Mexico


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Because they are more likely to file claims, high-risk drivers pose a greater risk to insurers. As a high-risk driver, expect higher premiums when shopping rates. One way to save money is to take an inventory of high-risk auto insurance companies in New Mexico and compare the list of available rates. Further, changing your driving habits will lower your risk and make you more attractive to insurance companies.

That said, State Farm is the cheapest option for high-risk drivers in New Mexico, with an average annual premium of $1,121.

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2024

Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

A high-risk driver is someone who has a history of major traffic violations. Usually, one ticket will not make a driver high-risk — multiple tickets and/or illegal actions like driving under the influence will. Distracted driving, such as texting while driving, and other reckless driving behavior will also categorize an individual as high-risk.

For high-risk drivers, insurance policies tend to be more costly and more difficult to obtain. In New Mexico, there is a 27% increase in insurance premiums for high-risk drivers. Drivers with clean records can get car insurance for roughly $1,116, while high-risk drivers start at $1,616, on average.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

A high-risk driver has severe or numerous driving violations on their record. These include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), driving with a suspended or revoked license and/or driving while uninsured. There are age-related risks as well. Some examples of high-risk drivers include:

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in New Mexico for High-Risk Drivers

State Farm offers affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Mexico, averaging $1,121 per year.

This provider has an excellent track record when it comes to complaints, financial stability and discounts, including those for students. If you need a breakdown, start with MoneyGeek’s State Farm review.

State FarmAnnual Premium$1,121
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,341
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,556
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,592
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,471
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SR-22 INSURANCE

In most states, those convicted of a traffic violation like a DUI are required to obtain SR-22 insurance. SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that is required by many states for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked. It’s proof that the insured individual meets the state’s minimum coverage requirement.

In New Mexico, drivers are not required to obtain SR-22 insurance. However, New Mexico drivers must meet mandatory auto insurance minimums.

Best Car Insurance in New Mexico for High-Risk Drivers

State Farm offers affordability and service quality, with high marks in other categories, such as stability, customer satisfaction and claim ratings. It received a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100.

Allstate is the second-best provider in this category, scoring 84 out of 100. It provides clients with innovative tools such as Drivewise, which helps users understand their driving behavior and practice safer driving. Learn more about the provider in our Allstate review.


1
State FarmBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm offers the cheapest premium for high-risk drivers, at around $1,121. Keep in mind this rate is 7% more expensive than the average premium for those with clean records.

More About State Farm

State Farm offers individuals more opportunities to afford its policies through discounts. The insurer also provides additional protection to drivers that work for rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber. Other add-on features include roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. Its products are comprehensive and offer solutions to modern challenges.

2
Allstate
Score:49

0.8/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

5/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Allstate offers auto, home and life insurance to more than 17 million customers. It’s a provider that outshines many of its competitors.

The average annual premium for Allstate is around $1,341. That is 20% higher than the average rate for drivers with clean records. Allstate offers a wide selection of coverage options.

More About Allstate

MoneyGeek’s analysis found that this insurance provider is not the cheapest. But it is reasonable for young drivers and offers a comprehensive package that can cover medical bills, repairs, legal costs and other expenses related to car accidents.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

The cost of car insurance often correlates with the quality of protection offered by a policy. Although high-quality policies are more expensive than their low-end counterparts, they may be well worth the price.

Minimum coverage or pay-per-mile insurance plans may be a good option for drivers who need low-income car insurance in New Mexico.

Cheapest Car Insurance in New Mexico for Drivers With a DUI

State Farm offers the most affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in New Mexico at roughly $1,121 per year. It has standard coverages such as liability, comprehensive and collision insurance. Additionally, it offers rideshare insurance.

If you are a military member or a family member of one, USAA is another affordable option. It offers discounts exclusively to military buyers.

State FarmAnnual Premium$1,121
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,329
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,451
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,585
GEICOAnnual Premium$4,034
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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

The length of time during which a driving offense stays on your record is called the look-back period. This varies by state and usually takes into account repeat offenses. In New Mexico, the look-back period is 55 years.

Cheapest Car Insurance in New Mexico for Teenage Drivers

State Farm offers teen buyers a relatively reasonable rate and more protection. Its average annual premium is steep compared to other categories, at $3,808.

However, students do get discounts which can help lessen the financial burden. Discounts may vary according to state, so head to their website for details regarding discounts in New Mexico.

State FarmAnnual Premium$3,808
AllstateAnnual Premium$4,699
GEICOAnnual Premium$6,437
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$7,448
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Because young drivers are less experienced on the road and more likely to be involved in car accidents, auto insurance for students can be expensive. However, MoneyGeek advises getting full coverage auto insurance since it provides better coverage than state-required minimum insurance. Compare providers and policies to find the cheapest and best full coverage car insurance for student drivers.

Cheapest Car Insurance in New Mexico for Drivers With Bad Credit

Allstate offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit at roughly $1,408 per year. It provides discounts to reward its clients for being loyal members and good drivers. Allstate insurance products may also be bundled for greater savings. Allstate’s average annual premium for the high-risk driver is approximately $346 more than a policy for the average safe driver.

Credit scores typically influence premiums, as exhibited by the 25% difference in rates for those with good and poor credit. Insurers look at credit scores to better analyze every client’s risk.

AllstateAnnual Premium1,408Percent Change25%
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

In many states, drivers with poor credit scores can expect to pay more — sometimes significantly more — for their car insurance than drivers with good credit scores. Still, you can get approved for insurance and potentially lower rates by taking advantage of discounts. Learn more using our guide to getting car insurance with bad credit.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in New Mexico?

Many insurance companies consider a driver's history and profile when determining premiums. As a result, high-risk drivers tend to pay more. In New Mexico, high-risk drivers spend an average of $1,616, while low-risk drivers pay only about $1,116. That’s a $500 difference.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in NM for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$1,116
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$1,616
In New Mexico, high-risk drivers pay:$500 more

This is 45% more expensive.

To get a better idea of what you can expect to pay for car insurance, use MoneyGeek's New Mexico car insurance calculator. The tool factors in personal details such as age, driving record and vehicle type to estimate car insurance rates. It also identifies which factors have the most impact on your rates.

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MoneyGeeks's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

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Rates updated:

Jul 26, 2024

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in New Mexico if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

Car insurance is a voluntary market, meaning providers can deny coverage to high-risk drivers. If your application is denied, you can look for a residual market plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO). AIPSO has provided services for almost 50 years to those in the auto insurance market, helping high-risk drivers obtain coverage.

New Mexico Automobile Insurance Plan

AIPSO will help you find a residual market plan based on your location. In New Mexico, it’s called the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Insurance Plan, available to drivers having trouble finding coverage from private insurance companies.

New Mexico is one state that makes up the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP). This center connects individuals who have trouble accessing auto insurance with insurance companies that will insure them.

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    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PST

    subscribe icon

    Email

    waaip@aipso.com

    smartphone icon

    Phone

    (800) 227-4659

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    Fax

    (415) 421-4013

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    Mailing Address

    Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530

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Frequently Asked Questions

To help high-risk drivers obtain car insurance in New Mexico, MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions.

Which car insurance company is best for high-risk drivers in New Mexico?
How much does car insurance in New Mexico cost for high-risk drivers?
Who do insurers classify as a high-risk driver?
Where do I get car insurance coverage in New Mexico if insurers reject my application?

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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