New Mexico Auto Insurance Requirements
Reader’s Question:
My driver’s license was suspended in North Carolina. I moved to New Mexico recently. Is there a way I can get a driver’s license and car insurance here? What are the New Mexico auto insurance requirements?
James
Albuquerque, NM
Hello, James. I do not mince words, so let me get straight to the point here. You are asking if you can get yourself a driver’s license and car insurance in New Mexico in spite of the fact that your driver’s license had been previously suspended in North Carolina? The answer to that is a NO.
I think you have to know this: The United States of America has a centralized system. And although we have our local offices, we also have a national office. So, if you think you can dupe the Department of Motor Vehicles in New Mexico, there is no chance on Earth that you can get yourself a new driver’s license because once your application goes through the National Drivers Registry, they will find out about your suspended license. You have to accept that there is no running away from the truth here.
Then, to answer your other question on car insurance, I think it is odd, if not outright outlandish, that someone with a suspended driver’s license be given car insurance coverage. And since we have already established that there is no way you are getting another license, let’s drop the car insurance.
Here’s what you do. Wait it out until your license is eligible for renewal. Then that’s the time you could apply for a driver’s license in New Mexico. And definitely, there will be many car insurance companies waiting for you.
What is SR22 in New Mexico?
Q: I’m supposed to get Farmington SR22 insurance. What is that?
A: Since you are required to get Farmington SR22 insurance, I’m going to assume that your New Mexico driver’s license is currently suspended. If that’s the case, then in order to get it back you will need to have proof of insurance filed so that your DMV office will be able to reinstate your license.
Proof of insurance, in this case, comes in the form of the Farmington SR22 form. This is a form which will be filed by your auto insurance provider with the New Mexico DMV. You will have to have it filed for three years. If it doesn’t get filed, then your driver’s license will again be suspended. Your possession of a working driver’s license hinges on your ability to keep insured with an SR22.
Farmington SR22 insurance costs more and is more elusive than other types of car insurance coverage. If you must buy it, you’ll have trouble finding a company to sell it to you, and when you do find one, they’ll charge you outrageous rates.
