If you want some flexibility as far as your car insurance is concerned, you could consider a temporary car insurance policy. However, short-term car insurance is rare for a few reasons.
Some insurers don't provide policies for fewer than six months. Since car insurance is legally required in most states, there's some risk associated with swapping policies every month. You also run the risk of having holes in your car insurance record by swapping policies frequently, resulting in more expensive prices in the future.
Thankfully, auto insurance contracts commonly run only six months. This hasty turnaround allows car insurance companies to frequently “re-rate” — or recalculate — your premium considering your up-to-date driving history and personal profile.
It also gives you a great opportunity to improve your insurance by exploring other car insurers. Getting policies online is free, and there isn't a penalty for changing auto insurance companies when your policy expires — or even mid-policy, as long as you don't let your coverage lapse.
The flexible nature of car insurance makes it relatively simple to buy with limited advance notice. If you're asked to purchase a policy before you can drive a new vehicle off the lot, shopping for a policy for a relatively long-term rental or searching for coverage for a vehicle you don't own but regularly drive, think about purchasing a half-year policy and ending the agreement as needed.
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Temporary car insurance in New Mexico
See below normal car insurance costs in New Mexico, ordered by top auto insurance companies and major cities. If you’re paying substantially more than the rates listed below, think about shopping around.
SHORT-TERM AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN NEW MEXICO — BY INSURER
| Insurance Company | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
| New Mexico State Average — All Companies | $667 | $111 |
| USAA | $512 | $85 |
| State Farm | $532 | $89 |
| Allied | $623 | $104 |
| Farm Bureau Mutual | $627 | $105 |
| GEICO | $712 | $119 |
The most budget-friendly option for single-month auto insurance in New Mexico is USAA, through which you can save $3 monthly, compared to the next-best company, State Farm. In New Mexico, the average monthly cost of auto insurance is $111, or $667 over a six-month period.
Where you store your car can have as large an impact on your insurance rates as the insurance company you choose. Car insurance companies take into account the density and likelihood of a claim being filed when assigning rates by ZIP code. View insurance prices in the biggest cities in New Mexico and compare the amount you’re paying.
TEMPORARY AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN NEW MEXICO — BY CITY
| Location | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
| Albuquerque | $778 | $130 |
| Las Cruces | $608 | $101 |
| Rio Rancho | $716 | $119 |
| Santa Fe | $678 | $105 |
| Roswell | $677 | $113 |
Because of the myriad factors involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match those displayed above. If your current premiums don’t align with those listed above, take some time to compare rates. The temporary duration of a car insurance policy increases the importance of remaining in-the-know and willing to shop.
Learn more about temporary auto insurance or use The Zebra to compare quotes today - it's free!
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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 editorial 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.