It is probably time to gear up and get ready for your next fantastic road trip across Mexico. But no matter the duration of your trip, there are few legalities you have to sort out to get your car wheeling on Mexican roads.
Mexican federal law requires vehicles on federal roads and bridges to carry third-party liability insurance (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis). Insurance is not among the vehicle import permit documents listed by the Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal; see what you need before you drive into Mexico. And unfortunately, US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law (Baja Bound FAQ), so you will have to get Mexican insurance.
Getting full coverage Mexican Auto insurance is relatively easy too. All you need are your vehicle details such as model, age, related proofs, and details regarding your trip. But going the easy way is not the right way when it comes to auto insurance. You need to be careful about the terms, coverage, and any other additional options you get. And there is also the cost factor that cannot be ignored.
Buying insurance beforehand gives you more time to compare choices and price points.
Things To Consider While Choosing Full Coverage Mexican Auto Insurance
Here are the major factors you should consider when choosing your Mexican auto insurance:
- The cost of the premium. See Baja Bound's price table for dated full coverage quotes by trip length.
- Coverage provided. 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. See also auto insurance policies in Mexico.
- The support provided by the insurance provider should be sufficient and available round the clock. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of your journey waiting for the support center to start their working hours to find you some help. Also, consider whether the provider can support you in the language you prefer to avoid communication problems. Baja Bound's claims page lists the HDI and Chubb claim numbers.
- Look into the rating and genuineness of the insurance provider. Check how the insurance company is rated, and seek out customer testimonials and reviews to see if the provider is indeed as good as they sound. Baja Bound says it works with "A" rated companies, and that both Chubb and HDI are rated mxAAA by Standard and Poors. That statement is on Baja Bound's quote page.
As mentioned earlier, you have a lot of choices to choose from. So, do take your time to research and find the best full coverage auto insurance for your Mexican road trip. You can ask for quotes from multiple companies, compare their terms and see what fits your needs and budget constraints.
Insurance ought to be the solid backup plan you can always back on with full trust. Hence, you must pick the right insurance product. SmartGringo links to Baja Bound, which sells and services the policy.
Know your dates? Get a Mexican auto insurance quote from Baja Bound.