Do you need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico?

Asked by: Garth Jerde  |  Last update: August 9, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (50 votes)

You'll need a special Mexican auto insurance policy to legally drive in Mexico, which can be acquired through an insurance agent. If you're planning to drive a rental car in Mexico, you may be able to purchase the insurance coverage directly through the rental agency, according to the Department of State.

Do you need extra insurance to drive in Mexico?

You need to carry Mexican auto insurance to drive legally in the country, as liability coverage is mandatory. If you're involved in an accident while driving in Mexico, the maximum amount you may have to pay out if another party is injured or killed in an accident varies depending on where you drive.

Does my U.S. car insurance cover me in Mexico?

Does Your Car Insurance Cover You In Mexico? Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies will not cover Mexico. So, if you're heading south of the border, you'll need additional coverage for the family wagon. GEICO, for example, has partners that offer Mexico-specific policies for cars, RVs and motorcycles.

What car insurance is needed in Mexico?

Liability car insurance in Mexico

You are required by Mexican law to have liability insurance. If you cause a car accident, this covers bodily injuries and property damage to others. You can typically choose a policy limit (up to a certain amount).

Do I need insurance to cross to Mexico?

“If you are planning on driving your vehicle in Mexico, you need the proper car insurance before crossing. If you don't, you risk getting into an accident without coverage. At the border, customs and border agents may also ask to see: A U.S. Passport (or Green Card)

Mexican Car Insurance Is Very Important

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Do I need Mexican car insurance to cross the border?

Just like in the United States, Mexico requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance. However, if you're a U.S. driver planning a road trip to Mexico, your regular car insurance won't cover you once you cross the border.

Do I need car insurance to go to Tijuana?

Do I need insurance to drive to Mexico? If you are driving to Tijuana from San Diego, having the appropriate auto insurance is absolutely critical. In Mexico, an auto insurance policy for accident liability is absolutely required, as in many areas, getting into an accident is treated as a felony.

Do you need car insurance to rent a car in Mexico?

Third party insurance is compulsory by Mexican law when you rent a car in Mexico. This insurance covers third parties for any damages in the event of a mishap, but it does not cover the renter's liability for the vehicle itself.

What happens if you get in an accident in Mexico?

Dial 911. Make sure an accident investigator (perito) is sent to do an accident report. An accident report is important to have to file a claim and prevent delays in paying your claim. Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs and before you leave Mexico.

Does Costco offer Mexico insurance?

The first of these disadvantages and the most important is that Costco doesn't carry the Mexican car insurance policy necessary to be able to drive in Mexico. This insurance is known as tourist auto insurance and it is the one that every foreigner who wants to drive in Mexico must have.

Can US citizens drive in Mexico?

An American driver's license is accepted in Mexico, though consider having it translated into Spanish (and nine other languages) by getting an International Driver's Permit. It is necessary to apply for it within six months of traveling to Mexico.

What do you need to cross the Mexican border by car?

Driving to Mexico
  1. U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).
  2. Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Can a US citizen drive a Mexican car in the US?

Can I Just Drive a Car Over from Mexico and Keep It? Mexican citizens can drive an imported vehicle on U.S. roads for up to a year, but then it must return to Mexico or it will be confiscated. It is illegal to sell a car that has been imported under these conditions.

Do I need Mexican car insurance for Baja California?

Wasn't insurance already a requirement in Baja California (Norte)? Previously, having Mexican insurance or providing proof of financial responsibility (such as cash) was required if you were in an accident. However now the law requires everyone to carry a Mexican liability insurance to prevent being ticketed.

Is liability insurance required in Mexico?

A law effective September 23, 2014, requires Mexico Liability Auto Insurance for all vehicles driving on Federal roads and bridges. In the past, proof of financial responsibility was required only in the event of an accident.

Is car insurance expensive in Mexico?

Cost of Mexican Car Insurance

On average, a Mexican auto insurance policy with full coverage will cost you $20.72 per day. Your rates depend on what time of year you're traveling, your car's make and model, and how long you're planning on staying. Unlike in the US, your driving record doesn't factor into the prices.

Who can drive my US plated car in Mexico?

The law allows the vehicle owner's immediate family members (spouse, parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren), even if they are not also foreigners, to drive the vehicle, as long as they have tacit permission from the vehicle's owner.

What do I do if I get a ticket in Mexico?

To do this, immediately go to the nearest Municipal Judge within the police station; if you need information on how to do this, call our Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078. Traffic Fines vary by city: (fines are in Mexican Pesos). For running a red light, from $226.00 up to $ 678.60 (around $20 to 62 US Dollars).

What is limited Mexico coverage?

Definition. Limited Mexico Coverage Endorsement — a standard endorsement for use with the business auto policy (BAP) (CA 01 21) to provide limited excess coverage for autos taken across the Mexico border. Significant limitations apply.

Can I rent a car in us and drive to Mexico?

Yes, you can rent a car to drive to Mexico, but specific restrictions apply. You need to rent the vehicle through a corporate account, and it must be returned in the U.S. (no one-way rentals into Mexico are permitted).

What is third party liability insurance in Mexico?

Third party auto liability insurance, called liability-only insurance for short, pays for injuries to other people and/or damage to their property as a result of an accident you cause in Mexico. It is required by law on all Mexican federal roadways.

How much does car rental insurance cost in Mexico?

Because MOST car rental companies in Mexico require you to purchase basic Personal Liability Insurance, which is, at it's cheapest, about $15-20 per day.

Can you go to Mexico with just a driver's license?

As of Jan. 23, all U.S. citizens must have a passport for airline travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. But, those traveling by land or boat need only a driver's license or birth certificate. (The U.S. government may require passports for land travel as early as Jan.

What happens if my car is stolen in Mexico?

If your vehicle was stolen during your visit to Mexico, please immediately report the theft by calling 911. You must then immediately visit a District Attorney's office to obtain a police report.

Can I bring my car to Mexico?

Tourists and Temporary Residents are allowed to bring ONE car per person into Mexico, for their use as long as they keep that immigration status, including renewals. Hence, a tourist can bring a car into Mexico for 90 or 180 days (according to its immigration form).