New Mexico: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for New Mexico on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how New Mexico compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	3 years
Property damage	4 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Pure comparative: recovery reduced by your share of fault

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness
Accept or deny	Reasonable time
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000 (magistrate court)
Filing fee	About $77
Lawyers	Allowed; most companies need one

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	Total loss formula

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	One-bite rule
Details	One-bite rule (negligence)

Shared fault rules

Rule	Pure comparative negligence
When you are barred	Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $500 damage
Deadline	Immediately

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	No
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders under 18

Uninsured drivers

Drivers uninsured	24.1%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)