New Mexico motorcycle insurance
From the history and culture of its cities to the rugged beauty of its stunning landscapes, New Mexico offers motorcycle riders so much to see and experience. But before you head out for a ride through the Land of Enchantment, there are some important details to know—from the motorcycle insurance coverage you need to the discounts that can save you money as you ride.
What’s required of all motorcycle riders in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, it’s mandatory to register your motorcycle with the state department of motor vehicles. Here are some additional requirements and rules of the road to keep in mind:
Driver’s license: You need a valid driver’s license with a W, Y, or Z endorsement based on your motorcycle’s engine size.
Helmets: In New Mexico, all riders and passengers under 18 years old must wear helmets. Failing to wear a proper helmet not only increases your risk of severe injury in an accident, it can also lead to significant fines and can even impact claim resolution.
Eye protection: You’re required to wear eye protection—such as safety glasses, goggles, or a helmet with a face shield—whenever you operate a motorcycle that doesn’t have a windshield.
Headlamps: Your motorcycle must have one or two mounted headlamps.
Brakes: Be sure your motorcycle has at least two functional brakes you can operate with your hands or feet.
Passenger limits: Only carry the number of passengers your bike is designed for. If it’s designed to carry passengers, it’ll have a passenger seat and passenger footrests.
Lane splitting: Lane splitting is illegal in New Mexico.
Hitting the trails as well?
Bundle your motorcycle and off-road insurance in New Mexico.
What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in New Mexico?
New Mexico laws require motorcycle riders like you to show proof of financial responsibility. You can do that by offering a surety bond, depositing $60,000 at the State Treasurer's office, or purchasing motorcycle liability insurance. Buying coverage is likely the least expensive option, and easily the most common. Here are the minimum motorcycle insurance requirements in New Mexico:
$25,000 for bodily injury liability or death of one person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability or death of two or more persons
$10,000 for property damage liability
You can insure your bike for a higher amount than the minimum. This can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket for additional costs like medical treatment. If you’re unsure which motorcycle insurance coverages are right for you, we’re happy to help you explore your options. Give us a call at 866-239-6627.
Ready to insure your bike?
Review our motorcycle insurance recommendations.
Are optional motorcycle insurance coverages available in New Mexico?
While property damage and bodily injury coverages are required, you can also consider a range of optional motorcycle coverage to help protect you—and your bike—from other, more specific losses. Optional insurance coverages available in New Mexico include:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if you hit an object—or even if your bike tips over and is damaged. And considering how windy it can get out in the New Mexico desert, collision coverage can provide significant value.
Roadside assistance
You never know when your bike will experience a mechanical breakdown. If it happens when you’re out on the road, roadside assistance coverage can provide crucial service and towing, if necessary.
Rental reimbursement
If your bike is being repaired, you may need to rent another to run errands and commute to and from work. Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for the costs of a rental motorcycle.
Underinsured motorist bodily injury
If you’re involved in an accident and the other driver is at fault but underinsured, this coverage helps pay for your medical treatment and that of your passenger, up to your policy limits.
Specialized/optional equipment
If you’ve customized your bike by adding personal touches or additional equipment, help protect your investment with this optional coverage.
Protect your helmet so it protects you
Maintaining your motorcycle helmet can help reduce your injury risk if you're in an accident.
Get a motorcycle insurance quote with Dairyland
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:
Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.
Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).
Select the coverages you want.
Motorcycle insurance discounts available in New Mexico
We offer a range of motorcycle insurance discounts that can help you save money on your premiums. Depending on your unique situation, these motorcycle insurance discounts could apply to you:
Multi-vehicle
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G) member
Loyalty
Rider group
Transfer
Rider course
Sites to see in New Mexico
Albuquerque
New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque is a popular outdoor destination thanks to its proximity to the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains. Hike to the top of Sandia Peak on the La Luz Trail, then ride down to the city on the Sandia Peak Tramway and visit the Albuquerque Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. You can also hike or ride your bicycle along the Paseo del Bosque Trail. Visit in October to participate in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
White Sands National Park
Located between Las Cruces and Alamogordo, White Sands National Park is one of the largest gypsum dune fields in the world. It features 275 square miles of dunes you can explore by bike, car, horse, foot, or sled.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is also known as The City Different, and with its vibrant arts scene and diverse cultural makeup, it’s easy to see why. You’ll find more than 250 art galleries—many of which are located along Canyon Road—and several renowned museums, such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art.
Carlsbad Caverns
This network of more than 100 caves must be seen to be believed. You can explore via two self-guided trails or join ranger-guided tours to see other areas. If you visit between May and October, you might even get a chance to watch the resident bats as they exit the cave during the Bat Flight Program.
Get an affordable motorcycle insurance quote
With its rich culture, open roads, and incredible landscapes, New Mexico is a motorcycle rider’s paradise. Just be sure you’ve prepared yourself—and your motorcycle—before you head out on your next ride through the Land of Enchantment. Start by requesting a free quote today. Just enter your ZIP code below to get started.
