I currently live in CA but own property in New Mexico. I would like to know if I can register and insure my S in NM even though I am not living there but have property. Any insurance experts want to voice an opinion? Thanks.

 

I don't think insurance would be a problem. But as far as registering, the only problem would be getting safety and emissions done. Unless NM accepts CA emissions (which I doubt), you'd have to drive to NM every time you need it done.

 

You might be able to get away with it, but it's not legal. The law says if you're working in California you have to register your car here within 20 days. As far as insurance goes, they care about where the car is garaged rather than where it's registered.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/osreg.htm

 

if you have a NM license then it may be ok.

my friend has my car in AZ and got pulled over. they want her to have a AZ license instead but has a CA.

 

Wow, this question is specifically for me.

I manage an insurance agency, am an insurance agent, and manage a title service company as well... in NEW MEXICO!

Personally I would insure yourself in CA but register in New Mexico. It's all going to depend on where your property is in New Mexico, as far as registration goes. If you're outside of Bernalillo County, then you don't need any emissions testing or inspection whatsoever. Which means you can register every year by mail. But in New Mexico, if you're not insured in our state, NM will suspend your registration because they require all NM insurers to report their list of customers to the state, and anyone who isn't insured but is registered is driving illegally. UNLESS....

you file an "affidavit of non-use of vehicle or out of state insurance" form with the state of NM. These are available if you go to the "forms" section at www.state.nm.us/tax. "Motor vehicle division" is on the left side of the page.

I'm a little tipsy right now so I apologize if this doesn't make total sense but if you have any questions, feel free to pm me.

Will