Mexico is a perfect destination for a road trip away from the daily bustle of everyday life. The desert filled with cactuses, the beautiful colonial cities, the coastal drives, the misty mountain ranges, and the incredible ancient ruins of Mexico can all be enjoyed to the fullest when you take your time to experience their uniqueness, and a road trip would be the best way to go about it.
So it is natural you get excited just as you start planning for your Mexican road trip and leave out a few important parts like getting the right auto insurance for your traveling duration. Baja Bound's FAQ says US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law, so your home policy will not stand in for a Mexican one. Here is a little guide that will help you choose the right insurance policy for your trip.
Why Do You Need Mexican Auto Insurance?
We all know that insurance policies offer a safety net that you can rely on to deal with any unexpected accidents and situations. Even if you are willing to forgo that safety cover, 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 a separate matter from the vehicle import permit; the Mexican consulate's list of what Banjercito asks for does not include it. But buying insurance at the last moment can leave you with little choices and can also be more expensive than they should be.
So it is a better idea to buy auto insurance in advance along with the other documents you carry; see what you need before you drive into Mexico. Take time to browse through the available options and choose the right policy that fits your needs.
How To Choose Your Mexican Auto Insurance?
Buy a policy written for Mexico. You cannot piggyback your existing US or Canadian auto insurance: Baja Bound's FAQ says it is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law.
For better reliability, work with trusted Mexican Auto insurance providers or well-known companies who have established a good track record of working with Mexican insurance companies. SmartGringo links to Baja Bound, which quotes and sells the policy; its auto page names HDI Seguros and Chubb Seguros as the insurers behind it (Baja Bound).
Be clear on your travel arrangements so as to get a proper quote from any insurance provider. Here are some factors that can impact the overall cost and coverage provided by the insurance policy.
- The traveling dates and duration of stay
- The destination you are traveling to in Mexico
- Your existing auto insurances, if any
- The make, model, year, and current valuation of your vehicle
- The unique vehicle identification number and license number
The coverage you are looking for. You can set your preferred liability coverage limits; beyond liability, Baja Bound's auto page lists physical damage and total theft on your own vehicle, medical payments for the driver and passengers, legal assistance with a bail bond, and roadside assistance and towing.
If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, use the rental company's cover: Baja Bound cannot cover cars rented in Mexico.
Wondering what yours would cost? See what your cover costs.