What insurance is mandatory in Mexico?

Asked by: Amaya Lind DVM  |  Last update: October 9, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (19 votes)

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.

What insurance is necessary for car rental in Mexico?

Personal Liability Insurance, also referred to as Third-Party Insurance, is mandatory when renting a car in Mexico. You cannot rent a car without this coverage. Although this is the only obligatory type of insurance, it's not always enough. In fact, it's highly recommended to opt for additional coverage.

Do I need LDW in Mexico?

Collision Insurance (CDW / LDW) is Usually Required Too

It's also sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver (“LDW”) insurance. CDW is additional insurance that is supposed to protect against theft or damage to the rental vehicle itself (while basic insurance only protects against liability to third parties).

What is limited Mexico coverage?

Limited Mexico Coverage (CA 01 21) endorsement is a standard endorsement used with the business auto policy (BAP) to provide limited excess coverage for autos taken across the Mexico border.

Do I need Mexican car insurance to drive across the border?

To drive into Mexico from the U.S., you're required to bring the appropriate identification, a couple permits (depending on how far into Mexico you're going), and your proof of Mexico auto insurance.

Mexican Car Insurance Is Very Important

24 related questions found

Do you really need Mexican car insurance?

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.

Can I cross the border with no car insurance?

In the United States, having the mandatory minimum auto insurance in place on the vehicle you're driving is a requirement. It doesn't matter if you're a resident or a citizen. You can't drive an uninsured vehicle on public roads. Insurance is also mandatory when crossing the border.

How much is Mexican insurance at the border?

How much does Mexican car insurance cost? The cost of Mexican car insurance for tourists can range from about $50 to $80 for liability-only coverage and $150 to $200 for full coverage. The specific price you pay depends on factors such as the value of your car, the length of your visit and the coverages you choose.

Can you buy Mexican car insurance at the border?

If you happen to forget, you may be wondering, “can you buy Mexican car insurance at the border?”. The answer is yes. However, purchasing car insurance at the border will be more expensive than doing it beforehand. The company will ask you general questions such as your age, length of visit, and where you are going.

Does Mexico have free insurance?

The INSABI scheme (which means Institute of Health for Wellbeing) is a health insurance program for unemployed Mexicans and those who cannot afford to enroll voluntarily. It offers them health services and treatment free of charge.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Mexico?

Currently, driving without insurance can result in fines ranging from MX$1,400 (US$66.9) to MX$2,800 (US$133.8), depending on the state.

Is LDW the same as insurance?

If you're reserving a car online, you might notice an optional fee for either insurance or something called a CDW or LDW. CDW stands for "collision damage waiver." It isn't technically insurance coverage. It's a waiver of responsibility. Another term used interchangeably with CDW is "loss damage waiver" or LDW.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Mexico?

Legally, no, you're not required to have Mexico travel insurance. Still, many travelers buy it for peace of mind so they can simply enjoy their Mexico trip knowing they're 100% covered. Also — no one ever really needs insurance until you really need insurance.

Do credit cards cover rental car insurance in Mexico?

Third Party Liability

This is mandatory in order to rent and drive a car in Mexico. Your credit card WILL NOT provide this coverage. Your personal auto insurance policy back home in the U.S. won't cover it (it will if you drive your own car into Mexico).

Can I drive in Mexico with US license?

Valid driving licences from most countries are legal in Mexico, including UK, EU, Canadian and US licenses. However, you may be required to purchase an International Driving Permit if your license is not printed in English. This will allow you to drive in Mexico for two year after it is issued.

How many miles into Mexico does my insurance cover?

It is better to think of this as covering only your vehicle losses in Mexico, but it cannot cover your financial responsibility to others (liability). Mileage restriction - Generally, U.S. auto policies have a mileage restriction into Mexico (usually between 25-100 miles).

Can you drive in the US with Mexican insurance?

If you bring your vehicle back to the U.S. with a Mexico car insurance policy, you will still need an American car insurance policy in order to drive legally. While many coverages between the two policies are similar, neither will protect you or your vehicle while in the other country.

Why is Mexico travel insurance expensive?

Cheap travel insurance for Mexico

Worldwide travel insurance is considerably more expensive than domestic or European policies due to the potential medical costs in foreign countries. You can still find affordable cover, though. If you're travelling with your partner a couples travel policy could be cheaper.

Does Mexico accept US insurance?

Does US health insurance work in Mexico? Most United States health insurance providers do not cover travel overseas, including to Mexico, but you should check with your carrier to be sure.

Do they ask for insurance at the border?

You don't explicitly need proof of car insurance with you at the U.S.-Mexico border. The border officials will check for vehicle registration to ensure your car isn't stolen, but they won't check for proof of insurance. However, you should still have proof of insurance with you, as both the U.S. and Mexico require it.

What is border insurance?

Border Insurance is a temporary International Motor Insurance Card, formerly known as a temporary “Green Card”.

What is TPL insurance Mexico?

Mandatory Protection (TPL).

Covers medical expenses for injured third parties and/or damage to anything outside of the rental vehicle up to $750,000MN per incident. Third Party Liability Protection is required unless customer has valid proof of liability insurance for México.

Where is the hassle free zone in Mexico?

Where is Mexico's Hassle-Free Zone? Mexico's hassle-free zone runs about 20-26 km (12 to 16 miles) from the Mexico border. It runs along the entire Baja peninsula and the western border of Sonora down to Empalme and as far in as highway 15, including the 16 miles between Imuris and Agua Prieta.

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

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). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

What do you need to pass the border by car?

  1. Valid U.S. Passport or Green Card. ...
  2. Mexico Driving Insurance. ...
  3. Valid U.S. Driver's License. ...
  4. Vehicle Registration Document. ...
  5. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit. ...
  6. Mexico Tourist Card (FMM Tourist Visa)