Before you hit the road on your motorcycle, it’s important to have the correct insurance coverage required under New Mexico law.
Here’s everything you need to know about motorcycle insurance in New Mexico and how it may affect your claim.
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in New Mexico?
Yes, you need liability auto insurance for a motorcycle in the state of New Mexico. According to the state’s Motor Vehicle Division, all drivers must carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage to maintain their registration on their vehicle.
Currently, New Mexico auto insurance requirements are as follows:
- $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury/death of one person,
- $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury/death of two or more people, and
- $10,000 in coverage for property damage in any single accident.
However, these are just the minimum requirements. It’s generally advisable to add extra coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, comprehensive collision coverage, and more.
Does Wearing a Helmet Affect Insurance Requirements?
In some states, deciding to not wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle may affect insurance requirements. However, motorcycle insurance in New Mexico doesn’t change based on whether a rider wears a helmet. Instead, the state has a few different laws regarding helmet usage.
For example, every motorcycle passenger or driver under the age of 18 must wear head protection when riding. This rule applies no matter what type of insurance the driver has. If you are above the age of 18, wearing a helmet is optional, but highly recommended.
Even if it’s legal to ride without a helmet, the insurance company might try to deny your claim if you sustain an injury that could have been prevented by wearing a helmet. For this reason, we encourage you to wear head protection at all times when operating a motorcycle.
Is Filing a Claim for a Motorcycle Accident the Same as for a Regular Auto Accident?
Generally, the filing process for a motorcycle accident claim is the same as the process for a car accident. This means that, after your accident, you should file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Once you file your claim, you’ll need to provide evidence of the other driver’s negligence as well as your damages. However, since motorcycle accidents are more likely to involve serious injuries, we recommend contacting one of our personal injury attorneys.
We have extensive experience examining NM motorcycle insurance policies for victims and pursuing damages on their behalf.
Recovering from a Motorcycle Accident? Call Us Today
Whether you or a loved one sustains an injury in a motorcycle accident, the results can be devastating. Even injuries that require only a few months of recovery often leave a physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our highly rated and award-winning attorneys understand the short- and long-term effects motorcycle accidents may cause. Our New Mexico motorcycle accident attorneys manage every aspect of your case, so you can focus on recovery.
We can gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you seek the medical care you need. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 575-222-1000 or contact us online.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
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