How much does car insurance cost in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque is relatively affordable when compared to other major cities in the United States. When it comes to auto insurance, the average rate in Albuquerque is $945 for a six-month policy, which breaks down to about $158 per month. According to our 2022 data, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Albuquerque, with rates at $644 for a six-month policy. MetLife and Geico also follow closely behind in affordability and are good options for those who aren't eligible for USAA.
Residents of Albuquerque do pay more than the average for car insurance in New Mexico as a whole, which is $808 per six-month policy. The city's average rates are also higher than that of the national average, which comes in at $742. When it comes to cheap auto coverage for Albuquerque residents, our data shows that 39% of customers feel like they are paying too much for their insurance.
If you're wondering whether your current rates are on-par with those typical of Albuquerque, or simply want to understand your coverage better, we've got the information you need about rates and the factors that go into them, such as age, credit score and even the impact of weather.
| Car Insurance in Albuquerque vs. New Mexico | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque Average | $945 |
| New Mexico Average | $808 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Albuquerque
USAA is the cheapest, with the average rate for a 6-month policy at $644, or about $107 per month. However, not everyone is eligible for USAA insurance coverage — it is only available to military members and their families.
In second place is MetLife, which costs an average of $110 per month, or $661 per six-month policy.
Third on our list of the most affordable auto insurers in Albuquerque is GEICO. On average, a GEICO policy in Albuquerque costs $723 per six-month policy, which breaks down to $121 per month.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Albuquerque:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Albuquerque is $945 per six-month policy — $158 per month
- The cheapest company in Albuquerque is USAA (an average of $107 per month), but not everyone qualifies for USAA coverage
- Albuquerque is the second most expensive city in New Mexico for auto insurance rates
- 39% of Zebra customers in Albuquerque said they are shopping for rates via our marketplace because they're paying too much for car insurance
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Albuquerque car insurance rates by company
According to our data for 2022, the cheapest company for full coverage car insurance in Albuquerque is USAA at $107 per month, or $644 per six-month policy, while the second cheapest is MetLife at $110 per month, or $661 for a six-month policy. USAA generally has low rates, but is also limited to military members and their families, so not everyone will be eligible to buy a policy.
Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Albuquerque, NM
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $644 |
| MetLife | $661 |
| GEICO | $723 |
| Nationwide | $764 |
| State Farm | $773 |
| Progressive | $1,245 |
| Allstate | $1,528 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Shop around to find the best rates
Your time is valuable, but so is your money. Let our comparison tool help you out with both — shop around to find the coverage level you need at the price that meets your budget. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and MetLife (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Albuquerque.
Average car insurance in Albuquerque by rating factor
Your car insurance rates are affected by a variety of different rating factors, and different companies might consider the weight of one factor more than another. For instance, some insurers may place a higher priority on credit scores while others look more closely at previous claims history — which means the car insurance company that was right for you in your 20s may not be the best for you in your 40s.
It's important to get quotes every once in a while to make sure you're getting the best rate. When personal circumstances change through marriage, landmark birthdays or credit improvement it's a great idea to reach out and reevaluate your insurance needs, along with the price you've been paying for coverage.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) are a major factor for auto insurance rates in Albuquerque. Even if you are a great driver with zero claims, you might still pay more with one insurance company over another, just because of the costs they incur by doing business in Albuquerque.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Albuquerque
Age is an important rating factor when it comes to car insurance premiums. Insurance companies are in the business of assessing risk. When they analyze data, their job is to see which drivers (or groups of drivers) will be more likely to file a claim. Unfortunately, teen drivers have an accident rate that is significantly higher than any other group, meaning they face the steepest price hike in premiums. For teens in Albuquerque, it can cost up to $3,450 more per year than someone who is 20-24 years old. This is almost a $300 per month difference.
The cost of insurance for teens can be shocking for both them and their parents, but remember, an insurer's business is risk management. Higher rates for teen drivers help offset the costs of paying claims. Since teenage drivers are more likely to have an accident than drivers of other ages, companies have to take this into consideration when it comes to rates.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Albuquerque, NM
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,917 |
| GEICO | $1,982 |
| MetLife | $2,377 |
| Nationwide | $2,422 |
| State Farm | $2,569 |
| Allstate | $4,230 |
| Progressive | $4,684 |
Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Albuquerque drivers between 20-40 are USAA, Metlife and GEICO.
Most Albuquerque drivers are between the ages of 20 and 40, according to our research and data. On average, this group pays $1,066 every six months, but by going with these specific insurance companies, drivers in this age bracket can potentially save 28%. Keep in mind that USAA insurance isn't available to everyone, so MetLife and GEICO can be great alternatives if you don't qualify for USAA coverage.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Albuquerque
One factor that is within your ability to adjust is coverage level, which has a direct impact on the premium you'll pay. Our research shows that 28% of Albuquerque drivers have the state minimum coverage, which can save you money on premiums but also leaves you at risk of being underinsured in the event of an accident. States only require a certain amount of coverage, but the bare minimum isn't always the best option in the long run.
Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage" when purchased together) can increase your rates dramatically, yet can provide much more peace of mind behind the wheel. These coverages typically require a deductible, which can also impact your rates. Basically, the higher your deductible, the cheaper your rates will be. For example, coverage with a $2,500 deductible will typically cost less per month (or per policy period) than coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
You may also want to opt for extras like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage that can protect you against drivers who do not carry auto insurance themselves. Yes, these additions can increase your overall car insurance rates, but The Zebra's insurance experts recommend carrying them for both peace of mind and practicality in the event of an accident.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
According to our data, 54% of drivers in Albuquerque have owned vehicles. If you're leasing or financing your car you will probably be required to keep a certain amount and type of coverage on the vehicle. But if not, you can think about whether dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. Typically, if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage and could save a little on your rates. Be prepared, though, that in the event of a collision, you'd need to pay for repairs out-of-pocket.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Albuquerque, NM
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $182 |
| MetLife | $223 |
| State Farm | $251 |
| Nationwide | $257 |
| GEICO | $258 |
| Allstate | $361 |
| Progressive | $416 |
| Coverage Bucket | % of The Zebra Customers |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 28% |
| Basic | 40% |
| Better | 21% |
| Best | 10% |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Most of our customers in Albuquerque opt for the basic level of coverage, but that doesn't mean it is right for everyone. It's always nice to save money, but carrying only the state minimum can put you at risk if you're involved in an accident where damages exceed your limits. New Mexico's 25/50/10 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. This will probably be enough for basic car accidents, but when multiple vehicles are involved or there are injuries, it might not cut it. No one plans on being in an accident, but having auto insurance that would cover you in that circumstance is important for many people to feel confident on the road.
Learn more about insurance laws in New Mexico.
| Vehicle Ownership | % of The Zebra Customers |
|---|---|
| Owned | 54% |
| Leased | 43% |
| Financed | 3% |
Albuquerque car insurance rates by credit score
Another key factor in calculating insurance rates is the driver's credit score. This is the case in most states, including New Mexico, and there are a few reasons for this. When data and trends over time are analyzed, they show that drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims, have lapses in coverage and engage in risky driving behavior.
Since these risks are associated with bad credit, it tends to be that the worse your credit, the more you'll pay for car insurance coverage.
The difference in price can be substantial regardless of the city, but in Albuquerque drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 79% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells us most drivers in Albuquerque have an "Average" credit score, which is credit falling between 580 and 679. In 2022, GEICO is the cheapest option for Albuquerque drivers for this credit range.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Albuquerque, NM
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $974 |
| Nationwide | $1,102 |
| USAA | $1,219 |
| State Farm | $1,533 |
| Progressive | $1,825 |
| Allstate | $1,924 |
| MetLife | $2,045 |
Zebra Tip: If your credit score has changed, it's time to shop around for insurance!
To find affordable auto insurance, your credit doesn't have to be in the "Excellent" category. In Albuquerque, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $755 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you've made positive changes that have improved your credit score recently (such as paying off a loan) then it's a good time to see if you can save on your insurance premiums.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
No accidents are fun, and claims can take a variety of shapes and sizes, but at-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common type of insurance claims. In 2022, an at-fault accident increased car insurance rates in Albuquerque by an average of $66 per month. According to our research, the cheapest insurance company in Albuquerque after an at-fault accident is State Farm.
To keep your auto insurance affordable, your best bet is to avoid accidents and drive safely. A driving record that is incident-free shows insurance companies that you are safe on the road, therefore lowering your risk of a claim. This helps you get better rates! Speeding citations, reckless driving charges, DUIs and at-fault accidents all result in rate increases — some more significantly than others. Depending on the type of accident or ticket, your premium will be impacted for three to five years. Typically, at-fault accidents and speeding tickets will be on your record for three to five years whereas DUIs or DWIs can follow you even longer.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Albuquerque, NM
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $935 |
| USAA | $938 |
| MetLife | $1,102 |
| Nationwide | $1,149 |
| GEICO | $1,175 |
| Progressive | $1,901 |
| Allstate | $1,940 |
Albuquerque car insurance rates by violation
The table below shows an overview of violations and incidents that can affect your car insurance rates in Albuquerque. A speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal at first, but the extra cost every month can add up to hundreds per year.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Albuquerque, NM
Why is car insurance in Albuquerque expensive?
Auto insurance in any city, including Albuquerque, can be expensive for a variety of reasons. The cost of living is one important factor that insurance companies take into consideration. In higher-priced cities, car insurance companies have to charge more to cover their costs. As noted earlier, Albuquerque is one of the more affordable major cities in the US, yet specific neighborhoods can cost much more to live in than others.
As noted earlier, there are a lot of factors relating to insurance prices that are focused on the driver's personal history and level of risk. However, there are plenty of factors that are outside of our control.
Below are some of the reasons why car insurance may be more expensive in Albuquerque than in other parts of New Mexico, even with a clean driving history.
Location
Why does a specific location matter? Crime, theft and uninsured motorists can vary greatly by ZIP code. Cities tend to have certain areas that are more prone to crime, which then makes them riskier for insurance companies. If you live in a high-crime area you will likely pay more for auto insurance than someone who lives in a safer part of town. Take a look at the Albuquerque ZIP codes listed to get an idea of where insurance may be cheaper or more expensive.
Rates by ZIP code
Expensive Albuquerque ZIP codes: 87121, 87102, 87105, 87105, 87101
Cheap Albuquerque ZIP codes: 87114, 87116, 87122, 87115, 87110
Weather risk
Although hurricane-free, landlocked New Mexico does experience some weather-related challenges from time to time. The state dealt with 672 wildfires in 2021, which burned over 120,000 acres.[1] Another aspect of weather that can happen in just about every region is flooding. Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is covered under your comprehensive coverage, which may be enough of a reason on its own to carry comprehensive even if you own your vehicle in full.
If you have a new or nice vehicle that would cost a significant amount to repair or replace after a natural disaster or unexpected storm, then we recommend considering comprehensive coverage as part of your Albuquerque car insurance policy.
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to help protect against wildfire damage
New Mexico is typically a state safe from many of the natural disasters that other regions face. But wildfires and flash flooding can be serious concerns. Damage caused by weather-related events is covered under comprehensive coverage. If you're worried about a wildfire or other weather-related situation damaging your vehicle in Albuquerque, it may be a good idea to consider comprehensive coverage.
Number of drivers
Albuquerque, like most cities, has a lot of people. This seems obvious enough, but consider that risk on the road also goes up along with the population. Growing cities mean more vehicles on the road, and the more vehicles there are on the road the more accidents will naturally happen. The increased costs of accidents that result in claims are passed along to other drivers through increased auto insurance premiums. This shared price increase happens regardless of individual driving habits.
According to our data, about 32% of drivers in Albuquerque are uninsured. You may wonder if someone else's lack of insurance can really affect you — and the answer is yes. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Albuquerque, you could be left to foot the bill for damages.
The Zebra's customers in Albuquerque by insured status
| Insured Status | % of The Zebra Customers |
|---|---|
| Currently Insured | 68% |
| Not Currently Insured | 32% |
Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) can be a worthwhile addition to your auto insurance coverage if you live in an area with a high rate of uninsured drivers. If you're involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver and suffer damage, then this coverage will be there to help. It will also affect your rates much less than a collision claim would, and usually has a lower deductible.
Bundling insurance policies in Albuquerque
A great way to take advantage of savings on your insurance is to bundle multiple policies. By combining your homeowners or renters insurance with your auto policy, you could see a significant discount. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
If you currently have separate policies for your home and car, then take some time to shop around and see which insurance might have bundling options to help save you money and keep the coverage you need.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Albuquerque, NM
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| MetLife | $580 |
| USAA | $615 |
| GEICO | $678 |
| Nationwide | $689 |
| State Farm | $703 |
| Progressive | $1,061 |
| Allstate | $1,237 |
There are a number of steps that drivers can take to make their profiles more appealing and insurers competitive. The best advice we offer is by shopping around for auto insurance quotes with multiple companies in order to get the most affordable rate without compromising coverage or service- especially if any personal factors have changed (like moving, celebrating a birthday or improving your credit score). It might seem uncomfortable when switching from one company to another, but it's a fairly simple process that can save you significant money down the road. Some companies tend to just have higher rates than others, even with discounts you may qualify for, so it's ultimately up to you to compare and choose when it comes to your auto insurance company.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.