Driving across the southern border of the United States to enter into Mexico is fun and easy. However, to ensure a safe drive in Mexico, it is important to ensure that you carry the right set of documents with you.
In this article, we will talk about all the important aspects of driving in Mexico. Let’s get started.
Driving Requirements
Whether you are driving your own car across the border or renting one in the country, it is essential that you carry a list of documents to be on a safer side:
- Identification
If you are an American citizen driving a car into Mexico, it is essential to carry a proper identification document like a passport. For the drive home, CBP requires a US passport, passport card, enhanced driver's licence or trusted traveler card for land re-entry; a regular state licence is not enough.
- FMM Visitor Permit
You will also need an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), INM's visitor entry permit (INM).
- Proof of Automobile Registration
Carry valid proof of automobile registration. The Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal lists the title or registration in your name among the documents for a temporary vehicle import permit; see what you need before you drive into Mexico for the full checklist.
What Do You Need To Rent A Car?
If you want to rent a car in Mexico, ask the rental company what it requires of you and what insurance the rental includes.
A car rented in Mexico needs the rental company's cover: Baja Bound cannot cover cars rented in Mexico (Baja Bound FAQ). If you drive your own car down instead, Mexican car insurance from Baja Bound is the policy to buy.
We will highly recommend you go through all the benefits related to the credit card coverage and limitations before heading to Mexico.
To be on a safer side, we will suggest you inspect your rental car properly before signing the agreement. Note down every scratch and non-working part on the vehicle so that you are not held liable for all these damages when you return the car.
You could also choose to take photos of all the scratches of the car as proof for future purposes.
Why Having Mexican Car Insurance Is Necessary?
There are rumors that a bad car wreck in Mexico could land you in jail. Well, this is partially true, and it is for this reason that you must have Mexican car insurance to rule out the odds.
Vehicles on Mexican federal roads and bridges must carry third-party liability insurance (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis), with a fine for driving on federal roads and bridges without it (art. 74 Bis II), and US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law (Baja Bound FAQ), which is why you need Mexican car insurance.
Third-party liability insurance pays for damage or injury you cause to others in the case of an accident.
Purchasing car insurance for Mexico online is easy; SmartGringo links to Baja Bound, which quotes and sells the policy.
Want the real number? Get a Mexican car insurance quote from Baja Bound.