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Mexico Car Insurance
Travel with Peace of Mind with Affordable Car insurance in Mexico
Driving to Mexico is typical for thousands of Americans every year. If you’re one of the drivers joining the pack this year, have you reviewed your current auto policy?
Will it cover you while you are driving in Mexico?
In short, no. Entering Mexico with your vehicle or a rental car without Mexican auto insurance can land you in serious trouble if you are in an accident.
That’s why, when traveling over the border, ensure you are protected and have all the facts about carrying the right car insurance.
What is Mexico Car Insurance for Tourists?
Mexico car insurance is an auto policy separate from your US auto policy that helps cover you when you travel to Mexico.
Like US automobile insurance policies, it covers medical expenses and vehicle repair bills if you are involved in an accident in Mexico.
According to Mexico’s driving laws, every party in a collision must provide proof of insurance and such coverage from a Mexican provider.
Several US insurers work with Mexican insurance companies to offer US drivers coverage over the border. Some providers specialize in such coverage.
Your US or Canadian auto insurance policy is not valid when driving in Mexico, meaning this kind of policy is necessary when planning a road trip out of the country.
Why Do You Need Mexico Car Insurance?
Like the laws in America, the Mexican Government requires every driver on the road to have auto insurance. However, you cannot carry your US vehicle insurance policy and expect to be protected on Mexico’s roads.
If you get into an accident, Mexico will not recognize an American auto policy. Therefore, you will not be able to use your United States policy to cover any damage, which can result in you getting arrested in Mexico and your vehicle being impounded.
You should also be mindful that you cannot just buy a Mexican car insurance policy once and expect to be covered at all times. The policy conditions are only valid during the specified dates and times.
You will not be covered if you drive over the border outside the policy’s date. Mexico has its own insurance requirements and driving laws. Mexican police routinely ask tourists to see their insurance documentation when they stop vehicles on the road.
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Mexican Car Insurance Requirements
Mexican law mandates that every driver carry liability insurance, unlike the personal liability insurance American states require.
Liability insurance covers injuries and damage you cause to others in a collision. When purchasing such coverage, you should consider buying the maximum amount available. Mexican liability insurance works a little differently than what we are used to back home.
According to federal law in Mexico, if you cause a car collision that results in a death, your insurance must pay the Mexican state’s minimum wage multiplied by $5,000 plus funeral expenses. This must be done for every person you kill in an accident.
Be aware that the Mexican government can then multiply this reimbursement amount, resulting in even more money being required to be paid out. If you injure someone in a car accident, what you must pay depends on where the collision occurred.
You must check the insurance and driving laws for the area of Mexico where you will be staying. You do not want to get into an accident and have to file claims.
What does a Mexico Auto Insurance policy include?
A Mexico auto insurance policy can offer you some valuable financial protection. Liability insurance is always a must, especially when driving in Mexico, but there are other add-ons like full coverage policies that are available to expand your level of coverage with higher liability limits.
Listed below are the types of coverage options and travel assistance that Mexico insurance offers.
1. Liability Coverage
Liability car insurance covers bodily injuries and property damage that you cause in an accident. For Mexico auto insurance, you can typically buy up to $500,000 in coverage. While that is a lot, Mexico has some specific rules regarding liability insurance coverage.
2. Physical Damage Coverage
Physical damage coverage will help pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle should it be damaged in an accident. It will protect against non-collision-related incidents like vandalism, theft, fire, or extreme weather.
3. Medical Payments Coverage
Medical Payments coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passenger(s) should you be injured in a collision. It typically pays out no matter who was found to be at fault.
4. Roadside Assistance
Suppose you experience mechanical issues with your vehicle while on the road; you can call for roadside assistance. Roadside service will either help get your car back in running order or tow you to a local repair shop for auto repair services.
5. Medical Evacuation
If you are injured in a collision, medical evacuation coverage can help pay for emergency transportation to a hospital.
6. Legal Assistance
This type of financial coverage helps you with legal expenses following an accident in Mexico. Legal assistance will cover things like legal representation fees and court expenses.
Keep coverage limits in mind when purchasing Mexico auto insurance. Coverage limits are the maximum amount your insurer will pay out in the event of a collision. You want to ensure they are enough to cover all damages, injuries, and other things that may pop up, like legal fees.
Some types of coverages also have a deductible. Deductibles are a set amount of money you promise to pay in the event of a claim. Your insurer will not pay out until you pay your deductible, so it’s essential that you can cover what you promise to pay after a collision.
How much does Mexican Car Insurance cost per day?
Like other types of vehicle insurance, the cost of a Mexican car insurance policy depends on various factors. From your driving record to how much coverage you want, your premiums can significantly differ from those of another driver on the road.
Mexico car insurance policies are also unique because their cost depends on how long you want a policy. You can choose a daily policy, semi-annual policy, or annual policy. Daily policies cost an average of $3 to $40 daily, which is a good value to protect you.
Annual policies tend to be the most expensive, with premium costs around $450 annually to insure vehicles.
Daily policies may be the least expensive, but you should be cautious when purchasing. Depending on how long you stay in Mexico, a daily package could cost as much as a six-month (or semi-annual) tourist auto insurance policy.
Contacting an insurance agent for a quote can give you a better idea of the cost of a policy.
Mexican Car Rental Insurance
Driving rental vehicles still requires you to carry Mexico tourist auto insurance. Whether renting cars in Mexico or driving a rental over the border, you must still abide by Mexican insurance laws.
Be cautious if you plan to rent a vehicle near your home in America and travel to Mexico. Some rental companies forbid this, and attempting it could land you in hot water.
Once you are cleared to drive the rental in Mexico, rental companies will offer to sell you tourist auto insurance coverage for the rental car. It would be wise to buy their insurance so you know you are not on the hook for accidents should they occur during your trip.
However, suppose the rental agency does not offer coverage, or you do not want to buy from them. In that case, you can purchase Mexico tourist insurance through your credit card. Before booking your rental car, call your credit card provider.
If you book the car using that credit card, the company may offer you insurance coverage. But make sure you read all the rules and details before booking. Some credit companies have additional requirements or do not offer liability insurance, which is crucial in Mexico.
Operating a rental car in Mexico may come with some extra steps. However, depending on your travel plans, it can be a wise investment.
How to Buy Mexico Auto Insurance
There are generally two ways to purchase a Mexico auto insurance policy. Start by looking at what your current auto insurance provider offers. Some of the top insurance providers offer Mexican auto insurance or partner with a company that can provide substantial coverage while you are on your trip.
Suppose your insurance company does not have such policies. In that case, some independent providers specialize in insuring vehicles for Mexican tourists. If you are taking the latter route, it would be wise for you to shop around and compare quotes. Do not just settle for the first broker that offers Mexico car insurance policies.
It may take some serious hunting to find a solid insurer. However, it will be completely worth it should you end up in a collision while on vacation. Prices vary from company to company, so you want to ensure good coverage at a reasonable price.
Required Information for a Mexico Insurance Quote
Purchasing a Mexico car insurance policy from your provider will require a few extra pieces of information that your US auto policy did not need. This is mainly because Mexico’s vehicle insurance policy is active only for a designated period. This information is required if you have a truck, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or a standard car.
You should gather the following information before shopping for a Mexico auto insurance policy:
- The days you intend to spend in Mexico
- Where will you be in Mexico
- American auto insurance policy number
- Driver’s license (there may be additional fees for drivers under 21)
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plates numbers
Vehicle Insurance Tailored for your trip to Mexico
Travel insurance for driving in Mexico is customizable in terms of your policy’s active period and types of coverage.
You establish when your auto policy begins and ends. This should correlate with the time you expect to drive over the border. You do not want to pay for coverage while you are in America, but you also do not want to drive in Mexico uninsured.
Ensure you know the dates you will travel and set your auto policy to reflect that. At the same time, you can choose the types of coverage you would like.
Of course, everyone needs liability insurance, but beyond that, you can generally customize the policy. Consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your vehicle.
Just remember that if you do not have this coverage on your American auto policy, you will likely be unable to add it to your Mexican auto insurance policy.
Medical payments and roadside assistance are two other valuable types of insurance that can save you considerably.
Being in another country can already be daunting enough. Getting into a car accident while there only adds layers of stress. Insurance can give you the support you need.
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*This product may not be available in every state; please call an insurance agent for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Car Insurance Do I Need When Driving in Mexico?
You need to get liability coverage from a Mexican provider at a minimum. This covers damages or injuries to third parties and their property. Many travelers opt for full coverage, which includes liability, collision, theft, and legal assistance for more financial security.
Does My Mexican Car Insurance Include Roadside Assistance?
Many insurance companies include roadside assistance services (towing, lockout, tire change) as part of the policy, or they can be added as an optional feature. Check the policy details or ask your insurer to confirm if this is included.
How Long Is Short-Term Policy Valid In Mexico?
Short-term policies can be purchased for as little as one day or up to six months. Common options are daily, weekly, monthly, or six months. For long-term stays or frequent visits, an annual policy might be more cost-effective and convenient.
Are There Insurance Options For Long-Term Stays Or Multiple Trips To Mexico?
Yes, many insurers offer long-term policies and extended coverage options of up to a year or multi-entry policies that cover multiple trips for a specified period. These can be cost-effective solutions for frequent visitors to Mexico.
Does My Mexican Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Theft is usually included in comprehensive or full coverage policies; liability-only policies do not cover theft. If vehicle security is a concern, verify that theft is explicitly included in the policy terms.
Does My Mexico Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Typical US auto insurance does not cover rental cars in Mexico. Most rental agencies in Mexico require customers to purchase their insurance or present proof of a Mexican insurance policy covering rentals. For more flexibility, travelers can look into standalone Mexican rental car insurance policies that meet the rental company’s requirements.
Can I Buy Mexican Car Insurance At The Border?
Yes, insurance kiosks and offices are available at many border crossings where you can buy coverage upon arrival. However, buying at the border can mean long wait times and higher premiums. Buying in advance is more convenient and allows for better policy comparisons.