Planning a road trip down to Mexico in your car and wondering if your car insurance will cover you as well in case of an accident?
Well, we will have to break the news for you. In most circumstances, the car insurance that provides you with needed protection in Canada and the US, won’t cover you in Mexico. Baja Bound's FAQ says US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law.
The Need for Getting Mexico Auto Insurance
While visiting Mexico and exploring the unexplored in Mexico in your car sounds like an ideal deal, Mexican federal law requires third-party liability insurance on federal roads (art. 63 Bis), so arrange a Mexican policy before you drive.
Mexican federal law requires every vehicle on a federal highway, road or bridge to carry third-party liability insurance (art. 63 Bis), with a fine for driving on federal roads and bridges without it (art. 74 Bis II), and Baja Bound's FAQ says a US policy is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law — you need coverage from a Mexican car insurance company.
While you could still insist to go with the US insurance, it is important to mention here that things will become worse once you get into an accident. You will end up losing a lot of time on your vacation.
Getting a Car Insurance in Mexico is Easy!
Also called Mexico tourist auto insurance, Mexico auto insurance is a type of car insurance that covers the drivers who drive their own vehicles in Mexico. These insurance policies are available for a range of vehicles including RV and motorcycle: Baja Bound's FAQ covers motorhomes, non-commercial buses and box trucks, and separate motorcycle policies.
While buying car insurance in Mexico, it is necessary that you choose an appropriate coverage level for your policy. At the bare minimum, it must provide liability coverage. You can also choose to add other optional coverage like collision coverage and roadside assistance as well.
Rental Cars and Car Insurance in Mexico
If you rent a car in Mexico instead of driving it all the way from the US, you don’t need to worry about buying an insurance policy. This is because your rental car automatically comes with the required liability insurance. Baja Bound cannot cover the rental car; use the rental company's cover (Baja Bound FAQ). For a US rental, the same FAQ says it depends on the agency: if the agency doesn't offer Mexican insurance, Baja Bound can cover it with the agency's permission to take the car into Mexico.
Check whether any credit card rental cover applies in Mexico before relying on it for damage to the rental car itself. Therefore, you might need to buy additional insurance to protect yourself in case you end up damaging the rental car itself.
What’s covered by Car Insurance in Mexico?
The exact details related to insurance coverage will vary from insurance provider to provider as most providers offer car insurance in different tiers. Baja Bound's auto page lists liability, physical damage, medical payments for the driver and passengers, legal assistance and a bail bond (available 24/7, with a limit matching the liability limit), and roadside assistance and towing.
The Next Steps
Mexican federal law requires third-party liability insurance on federal roads (art. 63 Bis), and Baja Bound's FAQ says a US policy is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law. As is evident, it is necessary to have car insurance in Mexico. Do not take any chances, and buy now.
Working out the budget? Get a quote from Baja Bound before you cross.