Residing around Ruidoso, NM, provides numerous perks, and a strong transportation system is one of them. Whether you’re looking to move here or an existing resident, dependable transportation is vital. However, securing trustworthy and reliable auto insurance is equally critical. Without proper insurance coverage, you stand to face several consequences.

Penalization Consequences

In New Mexico, auto insurance coverage is mandatory, not optional. Operating a vehicle without insurance can lead to severe penalties, including state fines and the loss of your driving privileges. Furthermore, you could breach your auto loan agreement as it typically requires comprehensive insurance coverage.

Vulnerability of Losing Your Vehicle

A properly insured car serves as a transportation mode and is also a valuable asset. Being uninsured means risking losing your vehicle and having no financial support if it is damaged in an accident or stolen.

Thus, having the right auto insurance helps you navigate these consequences. If you’re seeking comprehensive auto insurance in the Ruidoso, NM, area, consider reaching out to our expert team at Family Insurance Associates. We specialize in crafting suitable policies that provide ample coverage for you and your car.

Like most of the 50 states across the country, New Mexico requires that all drivers have at least an auto liability insurance policy. This type of insurance will help protect you if you cause an accident and may pay for any injuries or property damage that occurs.

Our agents at Family Insurance Associates serving the Ruidoso, NM area want you to know that there are several options you can choose from when it comes to auto insurance in addition to liability insurance.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Collision Coverage

This type of insurance will cover any damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision with another car or object, no matter who is at fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from incidents other than collisions. This can include theft, vandalism, natural disasters, falling objects, fires, etc.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of auto insurance coverage helps protect you if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses. It can cover medical bills, lost wages, and even property damage.

Other Auto Insurance Options

You can also opt to have other types of coverage when it comes to your auto insurance policy. Some include medical payments, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), rental car coverage, gap insurance, and towing and labor coverage.

Contact Family Insurance Associates

To create an auto insurance policy that works best for you and your situation, contact our experienced and trustworthy agents, Family Insurance Associates, serving the Ruidoso, NM area, today!

Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when considering the cost of owning and operating a vehicle here in Ruidoso, NM. Driving habits, maintenance, and choices are all important factors affecting your gas mileage. Here are some tips from us at Family Insurance Associates on how to get the most out of every trip and improve your gas mileage:

1. Drive smart: Accelerate slowly, maintain a steady speed, and avoid rapid braking. This will help you save fuel by reducing friction and decreasing the amount of stop-and-go driving. 
2. Regular maintenance: Keeping up with regular maintenance checks is vital for getting optimal fuel economy from your vehicle. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, your oil is changed regularly, and replace air filters as necessary.
3. Remove excess weight: Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car, as excess weight can reduce gas mileage by up to 2%. Trunk clutter adds drag and weighs down the car, so clear out any unnecessary items that aren’t needed on the road. 
4. Use cruise control: Cruise control helps you maintain a steady speed while driving, which can maximize fuel efficiency while on the highway or on long trips. It also prevents sudden acceleration or deceleration if you tend to be an aggressive driver or frequently speed up and then slow down while driving in city traffic. 
5. Avoid extreme temperatures: If possible, avoid using air conditioning or heating during summer and winter, respectively, as they can significantly decrease fuel efficiency. Instead, open windows for ventilation or use seat warmers instead of turning on the heater when it’s cold outside! 

For more tips, give us at Family Insurance Associates a call today. We serve the Ruidoso, NM area.

If you have full-coverage insurance, that usually means you have liability, collision, and comprehensive. This multi-layer insurance package helps protect your vehicle from various risks and losses. Anyone in need of comprehensive insurance may wonder how much is enough. The expert agents at Family Insurance Associates serving the Ruidoso, NM area, are ready to help. 

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is insurance that protects your vehicle from damage related to incidents other than collisions. For example, if you receive hail damage or a wild animal destroys or damages your car, you can rely on your comprehensive insurance to cover expenses and repairs after you pay the deductible. If you want the best level of protection, you need to select the best option. 

A top insurance agent can help you determine which level of comprehensive coverage is suitable for your needs. Some determining factors are the value of the vehicle, any improvements or customization, and the potential losses incurred from a covered event. Our knowledgeable team can carefully assess your situation to recommend the best coverage. They can also assist with submitting documents, payments, and even claims if you have any. We are committed to exceptional customer service for the residents of the area. 

Reach Out to Us

The team at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM is excited to offer top insurance products to residents of the surrounding areas. We strive to give each customer the options they need and provide the information necessary to make the best choices. Call or stop by our office today to speak to an agent and find out how we can offer peace of mind through reliable insurance products. 

Auto insurance is a unique expense because it is required by law. Because this is such an important bill each month or each year, you will want to make sure you get the best deal you can. At Family Insurance Associates, serving Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding areas, we want to help make sure you always get the right insurance products at the right price. Keep reading to learn about when you should shop for new auto insurance. 

Annually

It is good to shop around and compare auto insurance prices at least once a year. This allows you to see if you are getting the best possible price. 

When You Get Married

If you are planning to get married, or if you recently got married, you might want to consider comparing rates again. Married couples can get special discounts when they bundle their policies together. Putting your insurance together is also a great way to simplify your budget and hopefully lower this expense each month. 

When You Add a New Driver

If you plan to add a new driver, you will want to compare rates. Your car insurance expenses could change if you add a new driver. This is especially true if you are adding a new teen driver. Be sure anyone you add to your policy has a good driving record and is someone you can trust. 

When You Purchase a New Car

When you purchase another vehicle, your insurance rates could change. If you are adding this vehicle in addition to others, you will want to discuss with an insurance agent which vehicle should be primary. 

If you would like to learn more about our insurance products, don’t hesitate to contact us at Family Insurance Associates serving Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding areas. 

Owning a car comes with freedom and a fair share of financial responsibility as well. And speaking of financial obligation, car insurance is an investment you can’t do without if you own a vehicle in New Mexico. In the Land of Enchantment, all motorists are required to purchase auto insurance with the following requirements:

• Bodily injury liability to protect you when accused of causing physical harm to third parties. The minimum required is $25,000 per person and twice the amount for an accident involving multiple persons. 
• Property damage liability (PDL) to protect you when you cause physical damage to other people’s properties. The least amount required is $10,000 per accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage that protects you from unpaid property damage and bodily damage you sustain after colliding with an uninsured motorist. However, you can reject this coverage in writing.

Having seen the basic auto insurance required, the next question is: do you need more than the basic auto insurance? Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM, is here to set the record straight.

Why do you need more than basic car insurance coverage?

Meeting the state-required minimums is excellent, but you will need more than the basic coverage for optimal protection. Here are the reasons:

Basic insurance has a low limit

In case of a severe accident, the state-required car liability limits are insufficient. For instance, the $25,000 required by New Mexico won’t get you very far. Medical expenses alone can quickly exceed $30,000. Add legal costs to that amount, and you could be in serious trouble. 

That said, we recommend motorists increase their liability limits. Besides, we recommend umbrella insurance if you want broader coverage.

Basic insurance covers other people

You will notice that state-required coverages are all about other people, leaving you and your car uncovered. As such, you must consider other coverages like comprehensive, collision, MedPay, among other coverages to protect your family, yourself, and the car. 

Are you shopping for auto insurance in Ruidoso, NM, and its environs? Please get in touch with Family Insurance Associates for an affordable quote.

The Ruidoso, NM area can be a nice community to live in. If you do move to this area of New Mexico, you will likely find that having a car is a necessity as getting around town without one would be challenging. Those that do choose to purchase a car in this area of New Mexico need to get proper insurance for a few different reasons.

Auto Insurance is a Legal Requirement

A key reason that people here will need an auto insurance plan is that it is a legal requirement. If you choose to purchase a car in New Mexico, you will have to comply with the state laws surrounding coverage. Any driver here of any type of vehicle will have to maintain a liability insurance plan. With this coverage, you will have the capacity to pay for damages that could be caused by an accident. 

Auto Insurance Protects Car

You should also get an auto insurance plan as it will protect your car. Buying a car is one of the most significant purchases that you can make. As it is also an asset that you rely on, having the capacity to repair or replace it is important. With an auto insurance plan, you will get the necessary coverage you need to offset your losses if it is damaged in an accident or stolen. 

Those that want to get auto insurance in the Ruidoso, NM area should call Family Insurance Associates. There are some very important factors to consider as you are picking an auto insurance plan. The team with Family Insurance Associates understands how to help people evaluate their insurance needs and options and then pick a plan that gives proper coverage for their vehicle and overall peace of mind. 

Residents living in Ruidoso, NM rely on the agents of Family Insurance Associates for many things. Customized auto insurance policies are just one way the agents go the extra mile when helping their clients protect their investments. While many people leave their vehicles the way they were driven off of the lot, others prefer to customize their ride with a variety of accessories.

Stereo Systems and Other Valuable Add-ons

Stereo systems, unique lighting systems, and custom paint jobs are expensive additions to any vehicle. Depending on the type of equipment used, some stereo systems can be valued at several thousand dollars. The same is true for paint jobs and lighting systems. The more expensive the add-on, the higher the value of your vehicle. The problem is that this additional value will not be reflected by the Kelly Blue Book price that is used to determine the vehicle’s replacement cost. 

Customized Policies and Bundles

When vehicles have been customized, it’s important that you purchase an auto insurance policy that reflects their true value. You don’t want to invest a lot of money in a vehicle only to lose your investment if you don’t have sufficient coverage. By working with your agent, you will be able to determine the actual value of your upgrades and create a customized policy that will ensure you have the coverage you need.

The agents of Family Insurance Associates offer residents of Ruidoso, NM the auto insurance coverage they need to protect their vehicles as well as the accessories they have added. By creating customized auto insurance policies that account for these additional features, agents can provide the peace of mind the customer needs. Call the office now and find out how a customized auto insurance policy works.

Many factors are considered when calculating premiums. One of the prime considerations is driving history. Those who have had moving violations or other citations will notice their premiums are different than those who do not tickets or accidents. To find out how driving history affects an insurance policy, consult with a reputable insurance agent. 

Driving History

Driving history, specifically driving history from the last few years, will affect insurance coverage and premiums. If there have been citations, accidents, or even DUIs, assistance with finding a policy that works for the client’s needs may require the help of an experienced insurance agent. They can provide policy options that meet current needs and offer comprehensive protection, so drivers have peace of mind, whether on the road or parked at home. 

Working With an Agent to Discover Options

Anytime people with a negative driving history are searching for insurance policies that work for their needs, they should reach out to an insurance agent who can walk them through the process and answer any questions they have along the way. Those who are currently living near the Ruidoso, NM area should consult with Family Insurance Associates to find out how they can get the coverage necessary to avoid gaps and other issues and even help with filing claims. Finding reasonable insurance doesn’t have to be a challenge when drivers work with a professional agent. 

Work with an agent to find the right insurance products by calling or stopping by Family Insurance Associates, serving Alamogordo and Ruidoso, NM. Our agents can sit down with you to learn more about your current situation and offer common-sense solutions that provide complete protection. 

It is a good idea to have an auto insurance review at least once per year and more frequently if some substantial change occurs. Work with your agent at Family Insurance Associates, serving Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding area, to make sure your auto insurance is adequate.

Your agent will give you a recommendation based on any changes that occurred since your last review. Be sure to inform your agent about moving, using a vehicle differently, letting other people drive it, any custom modifications that were made, and where it is stored.

Replacement vs. Actual Value

For a new or fairly new vehicle that is less than five years old, having replacement value coverage is probably a better choice than only insuring actual value. With replacement value, if your vehicle is totaled, you may be able to make a claim that replaces the vehicle with a brand-new one of the same model type.

For an older vehicle, insuring the replacement value may not be practical. You may choose to insure only the actual value. The actual value is what you could sell the vehicle for on the open market. If you are insuring a lower value, your premiums will be reduced.

As your car becomes older, you may want to adjust the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance to cover the lower value of the vehicle.

Deductible

Your choice of a deductible will impact your monthly premiums. One technique to consider is to have replacement value for newer cars along with a high deductible to keep premiums lower. The deductible will be the amount you are out-of-pocket if the vehicle is totaled.

As the vehicle gets older, you can switch to the actual value and lower the deductible to have less out-of-pocket expense if the vehicle is totaled.

Summary

Lowering the insured value to the actual value of an older vehicle is something to consider with each annual auto insurance review. To get a review and a quote, contact your agent at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM by calling 575-257-0998 to discuss your options.