When a Car Is a Total Loss in New Mexico
How New Mexico decides a car is a total loss, salvage title rules, and how to complain about a claim.
Short answer: A "salvage vehicle" is one damaged (excluding hail damage, under department rules) to the point that the owner, leasing company, lender or insurer considers it uneconomical to repair and that is not then repaired by the owner, or one deemed uneconomical to repair for which an insurer… NMSA 1978, §66-1-4.16 (definition) and §66-3-10.1
| Total loss rules | A "salvage vehicle" is one damaged (excluding hail damage, under department rules) to the point that the owner, leasing company, lender or insurer considers it uneconomical to repair and that is not then repaired by the owner, or one deemed uneconomical to repair for which an insurer made a total loss payment, whether or not it is later repaired. Salvage and nonrepairable vehicles may not be sold without a branded title, and nonrepairable vehicles may be sold only to licensed wreckers and may not be rebuilt for road use. |
|---|
More New Mexico car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in New Mexico
- Driving Without Insurance in New Mexico
- SR-22 Insurance in New Mexico
- Transferring a Car Title in New Mexico
- All New Mexico car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When is a car a total loss in New Mexico?
A "salvage vehicle" is one damaged (excluding hail damage, under department rules) to the point that the owner, leasing company, lender or insurer considers it uneconomical to repair and that is not then repaired by the owner, or one deemed uneconomical to repair for which an insurer made a total loss payment, whether or not it is later repaired. Salvage and nonrepairable vehicles may not be sold without a branded title, and nonrepairable vehicles may be sold only to licensed wreckers and may not be rebuilt for road use.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.