Car Insurance in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the perfect intersection of culture and history. But if you’re going to cross this particular intersection, you need the best car insurance in Santa Fe.
That’s because there is a growing list of things to do in and around the city. Maybe you will scope out those art galleries on Canyon Road or soak up the sounds of the Santa Fe Opera. And when it gets cold, you can always shred some powder over at Ski Santa Fe.
However, you can’t experience all of these awesome Santa Fe sights without a car, and that means protecting yourself with car insurance. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about car insurance in Santa Fe!
Quick Facts
- As of 2022, Santa Fe is one of the cities with highest percentage of fatalities related to driving while intoxicated (DWI).
- The average cost of car insurance in Santa Fe is $133 per month.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Santa Fe?
When you look over at your neighbor’s car, it’s only natural to wonder how much he is paying for car insurance. If nothing else, this would give you a better idea of whether you’re paying too much!
While we can’t talk to your neighbor for you, we can report that the average cost of car insurance in Santa Fe is $133 per month. This is a good deal compared to the national average cost of car insurance, which is $168 per month.
But how does the cost of car insurance in Santa Fe stack up with surrounding cities? Below, we have a breakdown of the average car insurance cost in other major New Mexico cities.
| New Mexico Cities | Monthly Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $155 |
| Hobbs | $139 |
| Las Cruces | $120 |
| Rio Rancho | $143 |
| Santa Fe | $133 |
What Are the Hyundai Santa Fe Car Insurance Rates?
Hyundai Santa Fe insurance rates generally average $1,527 annually, depending on a variety of factors such as your location, driving history, the specific model of your vehicle, and type of coverage. To get the most accurate estimate tailored to your individual circumstances, we recommend you request a quote so you can make sure you are getting the best deal.
Santa Fe Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
How much you pay for your auto insurance in New Mexico may change drastically when moving from one city to another. But what if you just move to a different neighborhood?
The truth is that where you live impacts how much you pay for car insurance policies, right down to the zip code. To give you a better idea of what we mean, here is a breakdown of the average monthly car insurance costs by zip code in Santa Fe.
| Zip Code | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 87501 | $133 |
| 87502 | $133 |
| 87504 | $133 |
| 87505 | $131 |
| 87506 | $137 |
| 87507 | $135 |
| 87508 | $135 |
Santa Fe Car Insurance Rates by Age
Many Santa Fe drivers are surprised to discover that where they live affects the price of their car insurance. But it doesn’t stop there — age plays a major factor as well!
How old you are plays a major role in how much you have to pay each month. To get a better idea of how much you’ll pay over the years, here is a breakdown of the average monthly cost of insurance by age in Santa Fe.
| Age | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Teenagers | $390 |
| 20s | $180 |
| 30s | $130 |
| 40s | $125 |
| 50s | $121 |
| 60s | $123 |
| 70+ | $143 |
Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by New Mexico. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Driving Conditions in Santa Fe
Like other cities in New Mexico, the driving conditions in Santa Fe are decidedly mixed. Drivers are unlikely to die due to fatal accidents in the city. But the poor infrastructure of the roads and bridges makes driving more dangerous and more expensive for residents.
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Santa Fe?
As of 2022, there were reported 467 road deaths in New Mexico, from these accidents the NMDOT District 5 (Santa Fe) and District 6 (Grants/Milan), were listed as the locations with highest percentage of fatalities related to driving while intoxicated (DWI).
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Santa Fe?
The infrastructure of a city’s roads and bridges often plays a major role in how safe it is to drive through the city. With that in mind, what is the infrastructure of Santa Fe like?
The general infrastructure is poor, though it could be worse. According to a report by the nonprofit TRIP, 32% of the road pavement in the city are in poor condition, and an additional 21% are in fair condition. Meanwhile, nine bridges in the city are in “poor/structurally deficient” condition. All of this adds up to Santa Fe drivers paying an extra $817 each year in additional vehicle operating costs due to the poor infrastructure.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in New Mexico Today!
Car Coverage Requirements of Santa Fe Car Insurance
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Santa Fe
In Santa Fe, as in most states, car insurance isn’t just a choice; it’s a legal requirement. The minimum coverage typically includes liability insurance, designed to cover damages and injuries you might cause to others in an accident. It’s a fundamental safeguard that ensures you’re financially responsible for your actions on the road. But do you know what those minimums actually are?
At minimum, the state of New Mexico requires liability coverage in the following amounts:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 per accident for property
We generally recommend you get more than minimum coverage to have better protection in the event of an accident.
Collision Coverage
Now, let’s talk about collision coverage. While it’s not legally mandated in Santa Fe, it’s something you should consider.
Collision coverage steps in to handle repair expenses or replacing your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Given the ever-increasing costs of auto repairs, having this coverage can save you from a significant financial setback if your car takes a hit.
Full Coverage
Full coverage insurance is like the safety net of car insurance. It includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, which protects you from unexpected damages unrelated to collisions – like vandalism or weather damage.
Factors Affecting Your Insurance Rate
Previously, we touched on two of the main factors that determine your car insurance premium: your age and your location. But these are not the only factors that insurance carriers in Santa Fe are allowed to consider.
Below, we have a full list of factors allowed to determine your Santa Fe insurance premium:
- Age
- Gender
- Credit score
- Location
- Driving history
- Employment
- Marital status
- Insurance history
If any of these factors change (like you improve your credit or move to a safer neighborhood), let your carrier know. This may result in a lower premium!
Saving on Santa Fe Car Insurance
Discounts for Car Insurance in Santa Fe
All Santa Fe drivers have one thing in common: They want to obtain the cheapest car insurance. What if you could make that happen with a single phone call?
You can take advantage of available discounts as every insurance provider offers customers special discounts to help them get cheap car insurance. You may even qualify for a discount and not know it! Below, we have a breakdown of common discounts that carriers in Santa Fe offer:
-
Good driving discount
-
Anti-theft device discount
-
Good student discount
-
Defensive driving course discount
-
Homeowner’s discount
Don’t forget that to discover all of the benefits your own insurance company offers, you’ll need to pick up the phone and give them a call. And don’t be afraid to shop around to get even better car insurance rates.
How to Lower Your Santa Fe Car Insurance Premium
Finding ways to reduce your car insurance policy costs can significantly ease your financial burden. Here are some practical tips tailored for Santa Fe residents:
Maintain a clean driving record
One of the most effective ways to keep your insurance costs down is by maintaining a clean driving record. Avoiding accidents and traffic violations not only keeps you safe but also signals to insurers that you’re a responsible driver, potentially lowering your premiums.
Consider bundling your insurance
Combining your car insurance with other policies, like home or renters insurance, usually result in significant discounts. Insurance companies appreciate customer loyalty, and when you consolidate your insurance needs under one roof, they’re likely to reward you with more affordable rates.
Keep your credit score healthy
Insurers often use credit information to gauge a driver’s risk profile. Maintaining a healthy credit score demonstrates financial responsibility. Regularly checking your credit report and addressing any discrepancies can be a proactive step toward keeping your Santa Fe car insurance affordable.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Santa Fe?
If you get into an accident without having enough insurance coverage, you may be stuck with some large bills to pay. If you are driving without any insurance at all, it will be much worse!
What happens if you are caught driving in Santa Fe without any car insurance at all? For the first offense, you may pay a fine up to $300 dollars and spend up to 90 days in jail. For the second offense, you may have to pay a fine of up to $1,000 dollars and spend up to six months in jail.
If there are further offenses, the court may potentially assign harsher punishments. As we said before, you’ll still be stuck with bills for any damage you caused while driving without liability coverage.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Santa Fe Today!
Now you know the most important things about getting car insurance in Santa Fe. But do you know where to finally get the car insurance rates you deserve? At Freeway, we can help!
Get started with a quote online, visit us at a local office near you, or call us at (800) 777-5620 for a quote.