US Insurance Company GEICO is encouraging people planning to visit Mexico by car to purchase auto insurance. In a press release in January, GEICO reminds drivers that US auto insurance policies are not valid in Mexico and as of January of 2019, all vehicles traveling on federal roads are required to have insurance.
In addition, GEICO reminds drivers that any time you travel to Mexico, you need the following:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Proof of Auto Insurance
- Current vehicle registration
Insurance is not on the Mexican consulate's list of documents for entering with a foreign vehicle (Traveling to Mexico by Land); see what you need before you drive into Mexico for the documents that are.
Since Baja Bound's FAQ says US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law, you need temporary Mexican auto insurance when you drive Mexico's federal roads.
Keep in mind that while some US insurance companies have told policyholders that their insurance covers them within so many miles of the border, Baja Bound's FAQ says a US or Canadian policy is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law even if your US insurer claims limited Mexico coverage; driving on a federal road without third-party insurance carries a fine (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 74 Bis).
Only need it for a few days? Start a Mexican insurance quote.