Are you planning a road trip to Mexico? Have you checked all items on your checklist? You need your passport, driving license, the FMM visitor permit, any vehicle permit your route calls for (see what you need before you drive into Mexico), stay arrangements, a little Spanish dictionary, health insurance, and, most importantly — your car insurance. Driving on federal roads also calls for third-party liability insurance (see below).
A road trip to Mexico is a dream adventure that can bring you close to a real Mexican experience. As you course through the deserts, colonial cities, Mexican jungles, misty mountains, majestic beaches, and the ancient ruins – you get to have a road trip of a lifetime.
Yes, Mexico has it all, and a road trip is probably the best plan to experience it in all its glory. You could choose to cross borders in your vehicle or rent one out in Mexico to embark on your journey. But either way, you have to remember to get the appropriate car insurance to make sure you don’t get stranded somewhere with no backup.
Risks, no matter how thrilling, should be taken with proper contingencies in hand. So here is your guide to getting the right car insurance for your Mexican road trip.
Why Do You Need Car Insurance?
As a tourist visiting a foreign country, you have to be careful of your expenses and, most importantly, your safety. Insurance assures you of both in case you encounter an accident or mistakes that damage your car. And insurance is not optional.
Car insurance is mandatory if you want to take a road trip as a tourist in Mexico.
It is also required by law for any parties involved in a road accident to provide proof of valid insurance or financial responsibility.
How To Get Mexican Tourist Car Insurance?
There are two ways you can try to get car insurance as you travel to Mexico.
- Piggybacking on your existing car insurance if your insurer extends coverage to Mexican territories as well. But this might not be applicable anymore as most Mexican authorities will accept only Mexican auto insurance policies, especially for newer vehicles. Baja Bound's FAQ says US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law.
- Buying a Mexican auto insurance policy to cover your car for the duration of your travel.
If you are using a rental car rented in Mexico, Baja Bound cannot cover it; use the rental company's cover (Baja Bound FAQ).
You will need a valid driver’s license.
The insurance costs will vary on the duration of your trip and factors like vehicle value and more. Your policy spells out how and when to report a claim; read that section before you cross.
What Can Mexican Tourist Car Insurance Cover?
Car insurances are usually a separate policy from domestic policies. The coverage provided by car insurances may include:
- Medical bills in case of injuries due to car accidents
- Car repairs cost
- Physical damage and theft
- Property damage caused by accidents
- Medical payments for driver and passengers
- Legal assistance
- Towing assistance
- Roadside assistance
According to the policy terms you choose and agree upon, the coverage limits and claim eligibility may vary. It has been observed that Mexican tourist auto insurances usually have low fixed deductibles, which is the amount you pay apart from the coverage provided by the insurance.
Vehicle and dates settled? Start a Mexican insurance quote.