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Mexican Insurance

Is Mexican Auto Insurance Required?

By The SmartGringo Team · · 2 min read

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Is Mexican Auto Insurance Required?

Driving to Mexico is pretty common amongst Americans. However, many travelers do not realize that their American auto insurance is not valid in Mexico, which means that you might need to invest in some Mexican Auto Insurance before you travel.

That being said, you might be wondering if Mexican Auto Insurance is required at all? After all, you’re only going there for a short visit, right? But having auto insurance during your travel can benefit you greatly. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which Mexican Auto Insurance can help you.

Benefits of a Mexican Auto Insurance

Getting auto insurance for your vehicle, no matter where you are, is always a good idea. However, obtaining Mexican auto insurance when you are traveling to Mexico is especially important because:

It Is Mandatory

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), and the same law sets a fine for driving on federal roads and bridges without it (art. 74 Bis II). This is why you should get Mexican auto insurance before you drive in, and check that the territory on the policy covers everywhere you plan to go.

It Is Useful In Case Of Accidents

Of course, you never plan for an accident during a vacation or a business trip because it seems highly unlikely. However, it is still extremely possible for you to get involved in a car accident, in which case your Mexican Auto Insurance can be your savior. It pays covered claims up to the limits in the policy.

It Prevents You From Being Arrested

In case you are involved in a road accident without valid auto insurance, the damage and injury you caused is yours to pay, and you are dealing with that in a foreign country and, unless you know Spanish, a foreign language.

A Mexican policy pays for the damage you cause up to its limits, and Baja Bound's policies include legal assistance and bail bond cover, available 24/7 with a limit matching the liability limit (Baja Bound).

What Kind Of Insurance Do I Need?

Unfortunately, as we have already said, your home policy is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law (Baja Bound FAQ), so without a Mexican policy you are on your own after an accident.

This is why it would be best for you to opt for Mexican auto insurance that is capable of providing you with liability coverage and legal assistance so that you are not left to fend for yourself in a foreign country.

Taking your own car? Get covered with Baja Bound before you go.

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